You make a very fair point – I generalized a bit to make a point but I certainly know many men that have many or all of the qualities I’ve articulated above. I’m conflicted myself over whether these types of distinctions are useful or not but I’ve also struggled myself on management teams to established a shared perspective and fundamental trust… now that may not be because I am a women and I’ve noticed generational differences so it could be my age, personality, etc.

Thanks for sharing the research on women entrepreneurs and VC funding. Really interesting stuff.

You personally have been an inspiration to me – someone who knows their own strengths and has built an amazing business but without taking yourself too seriously. I love watching you navigate the marketplace.

Thanks for stopping by and adding your perspective – very valuable.

Honestly, I think that in 2009, the gender issue is more nuanced. There are lots of men who have the “female qualities” you’ve described — and there are lots of women who don’t have them. Women have learned to adapt, as have men. Some of the most interesting research on women leaders is being done at Simmons College in Boston. Here’s a link to a project I was interviewed for: about women entrepreneurs from venture-backed companies. There are great examples in here, and the professors found that there was quite a range of behavior — and lots of humor needed!

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/viewPDF.jsp?contentType=Article&Filename=html/Output/Published/EmeraldFullTextArticle/Pdf/4090010104.pdf