Emily Post was not a household name for me in my youth. The American author, novelist, and socialite, famous for writing about etiquette was not my guiding force for good manners until I was a bit older, and that was only on the infrequent occasions I sought her advice for a particular event that I wasn’t confident about. Fortunately the internet has made it easier to seek this kind of information out from a broader perspective.

Good manners were definitely something my parents tried to instill in my family early on. Words like “please,” “thank you,” yes, ma’am” and “excuse me” were often required. Respect for others was taught. Somewhere along the way, the teachings fell on me to continue learning. Etiquette was taught by watching others, in personal and working environments (especially those college years of waiting tables) and also by sometimes getting it all wrong and transforming those wrongs for more respectable exchanges in the future. Ultimately, I’ve come to believe etiquette is mostly about caring for others.

Lately, I also look to other cultures for inspiration. One in particular: Japanese culture. Generally speaking, there’s a quiet courtesy that bestows honor and respect to others. Working with Japan-America Society of Tennessee (JAST) for over 20 years, I’ve witnessed the exchanges made…the bow of respect, the eye-to-eye gaze, the thoughtful conversations and reflections on those conversations, even the mindful pause when taking a business card in order to reflect on its details. These acts provide great lessons for being fully present in the presence of others.

Recently, JAST held their 8th Annual Women’s Leadership Forum. As always, developing a brand based on a theme is a joy to work with. The event is the culmination of work by many hands and judging by its growth in attendance, many look forward to it every year.

This year’s theme was “Economic Equality & Empowerment: Women Aspiring & Achieving Financial Success.” This annual event always includes moderators and panelists with diverse Japanese-American backgrounds. This year’s panel included financial executives, a small business owner and a writer. Gratefully, the thoughtfulness of shared stories encompassed a broad spectrum of experiences. All in attendance could likely relate in some way to each of them.

One particular point that resonated was that the culture of business still has plenty of room to include more women’s perspectives and that we as women must challenge ourselves to advocate for our places both individually and collectively. In general, women are still working out our courtesies and self-confidence as our own advocates but it’s clear there’s a shift that’s happening and continues to evolve. Admittedly these shifts are still quite small but more women are joining the ranks by stepping into the spotlight and speaking up. The JAST Women’s Leadership Forum continues to be just one example where this is happening.

In developing graphics for this annual event, I wanted to do something that not only applied to the economic theme but showed it as a lifelong pursuit and growth process from the early days of piggy banks and tending the “gardens” of financial growth (financial flowers and money trees); to the mature days of larger investments where both community and individuals influence each other (high rises of financial wealth); and finally, the days of rest and retirement as symbolized by the high peaks of the mountains as well as the moon and stars.

This inspiring event was devoted to the importance of women’s financial equality and empowerment. Kate Burke, COO & CFO at AllianceBerstein (AB), focused her remarks on this topic, especially how economic empowerment for women benefits communities and allows individuals to prosper and succeed. Following her remarks, Ms. Burke was joined by Maki Futami (Managing Director, PwC), Eko Ishii (Cofounder, CWell Institute), and Yurina Yoshikawa (teacher, writer and book reviewer) for a panel discussion, sharing their personal and professional knowledge, growth, and experiences as successful Japanese women living in the US.

Certainly seeing the broad spectrum of people represented at this and other events influences many of us to continue building on our own professional and financial growth. Seeing others we can relate to in some way at the helm of their own path has a ripple effect that cannot be disputed. Personally, I’m eternally inspired by the likes of MacKenzie Scott, Oprah Winfrey, Queen Elizabeth, and countless others who just manage(d) to get the work done, whether quietly focused or with fierce and enthusiastic thunder.

As a woman, celebrating my 26th anniversary of business this month, I recognize what a gift it is to be in a profession where women have tended to dominate. While I’ve been my own boss who has paved the path ahead of me, it was certainly not a path walked alone. I am ever thankful for those who have helped lead me here. Even after all these years, I still love what I do, especially as the culture for women in any business has garnered more respect—with not just a place at the table but also a voice to be reckoned with. Power on.