As I introduce this site and develop my internet voice I thought the introduction a perfect time to ask you nicely, please shake my hand.

As a woman who has worked in energy, manufacturing, and healthcare I can attest that one thing is consistent: a limp first handshake. I have started two jobs with a male counterpart at the same time, and each time my handshake is lackluster in comparison. Meanwhile the male to male handshake is firm, eye contact is held, and usually has a “mmph” to it that mine does not. In fact, I’ve even been told that my handshake was firm… for a woman. Maybe so, but I can ask every man, here and now, to shake my hand. Do not turn your wrist over, do not limply shake, instead shake with a hand that says, “I respect you”. I want 100% of your handshake, not 80%.

Mothers and fathers I urge you to teach your children, regardless of gender, how to respectfully shake hands. This and the next generation of women are continuing to close the gap, and I encourage the gap to end between our hands as well. There should be no disparity in a business handshake between a man and a woman.

Thanks for reading.