If Leaving Your Mark is Important, Why Leave Your Legacy to Chance?

 
A legacy is about much more than simply doing what’s expected of you well—it’s about the impact you make.

 BY CARRIE KIRKMAN, PRESIDENT OF APPAREL MAKER JONES GROUP CANADA
WITH SARAH BARMAK

Ask many confident and accomplished women in business what legacy they want their hard work to leave in the future, and they’ll likely wave you off, muttering that they have important work to do in the present. Although men typically don’t have the same trouble, for women, talking openly about our desire to pass on something of value in the big picture can make us a little uncomfortable.

That’s too bad, since women have so much to gift to the next generation. A legacy can help shape companies and lives long after you are gone, so approaching it with awareness and intent is key. A legacy is about much more than simply doing what’s expected of you well—it’s about the impact you make. Being disruptive in a positive way can change the course of a business or a life. Whether we realize it or not, we are all building our legacies every day.

If leaving your mark is important to you, then why leave it to chance?

A legacy can help shape companies and lives long after you are gone, so approaching it with awareness and intent is key.

The impact that people have made on the world by living with intent and focus is inspiring to anyone thinking about the legacy they would like to leave. Farah Mohamed, Founder and CEO of G(irls)20, is a great example of a woman whose generosity and commitment to service is humbling. She is a mentor to dozens of socially active, community—and world—changing young women from more than 20 countries. She chose a path that directly impacts many young women around the world by providing them with tools and expertise to be the masters of their own individual legacies of change. This is the power of a personal and professional legacy!

Another inspiring example is Natasha Koifman, a self-made success story who built her PR business, NKPR, on the principles of respect, values and actively giving back. She is a founding board member of Artists for Peace and Justice, which has done some incredible things for Haiti, including building a new school. Koifman seamlessly blends her sophisticated social and business life with real, honest charitable efforts.

Integrity, courage, and self-reflection are all critical in writing your story. You are the master of your own legacy.

In order to encourage women and girls to make their impact on the world, Jones New York has built its name on women’s empowerment. In Canada, JNY has partnered with G(irls)20, supporting their commitment to the economic empowerment of girls and women around the world. Jones Canada also partners with Women of Influence, an organization that highlights and showcases successful women and their achievements by providing inspiring role models and access to professional development programs.

Whatever legacy you’d like to leave, values, generosity and wisdom are all essential qualities of a lasting one. Integrity, courage, and self-reflection are all critical in writing your story. You are the master of your own legacy.

With over 25 years of experience in brand management, Carrie Kirkman has established herself as a leader in the women’s wear industry in Canada. Follow Carrie on Twitter @CarrieKirkman.