A Look Back on the Professional Achievements of Trailblazer Dr. Marsha Firestone, Founder of the Women Presidents Organization

Founder of the Women Presidents Organization, Dr. Marsha Firestone, passed away peacefully in her home on December 7, 2025.  I extend my condolences to her son Daren, daughter-in-law Nicole, her two grandkids and other extended family members.

Dr. Marsha Firestone founded the WPO in 1997 after previously serving as Vice President of Women Inc. and as Vice President of Training and Counseling at the American Woman’s Economic Development Corporation (AWED). In 2003, she was appointed to the National Women's Business Council.  She is the author of The Busy Woman’s Guide to Successful Self-Employment, has published research in business and educational journals, and is a frequent guest speaker.  Dr. Firestone earned her PhD in Communication from Columbia University and is an expert in adult learning theory, nonverbal communication, and managerial competency.

Having served on the WPO Board years ago and as WPO's Chapter Chair since 2003, I came to know Marsha very well. She truly embodied everything others have fondly recalled – a fearless leader, visionary, trailblazer, tireless worker, and passionate advocate for women business owners.

Writing a blog for WPO Chicago since 2003, I was able to search Marsha's name to see how many times I wrote about her.  This gives you a sampling here – certainly worth the journey.  A couple of the links no longer are active because they go back to 2005, when many media companies scrub old articles.  

And the CEO of WPO, Camille Burns, writes a beautiful tribute about Marsha on LinkedIn here.  

Her legacy will live on in all of us.  I am grateful to have known her. Rest in peace Marsha, deservedly so. 

There Is No Christmas Without Classics (Music)

Today in Global Small Business: S.N.L. Explains 'Operation Kill Everybody'

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• I just love these Saturday Night Live (S.N.L.) skits and this one does not disappoint.  Colin Jost plays Pete Hegseth.  Check it out.
• How global supply chains could become weaponized.
• Quote of the week:  "The past is in your head.  The future is in your hand." – The MindsJournal (Happy Bodhi Day).
• There's always rooms for another player ... Swap Commerce, where you can sell anything, anywhere, from one platform.
• World Bank Scorecard updates and outcomes.
• UCLA Anderson School of Management - Center for Global Management.

The Irish Donkey

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Martin O'Hara:  His poem about "The Irish Donkey" describes a solitary, wise old donkey, blessed with a cross on its back (a nod to the biblical story) and find joy in the simple act of scaring flies and enjoying tourists.

How Small Businesses Can Navigate Global Trade in An Era of Polycrisis

©iStock/Anna Paviovetc

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) account for 95% of all businesses and 60% of global employment, forming the backbone of the global economy. Yet they face persistent barriers to fully benefiting from international trade, including limited access to finance, complex regulations and poor digital infrastructure.

These challenges are exacerbated by the current polycrisis of economic shocks, supply chain disruptions, climate change and geopolitical uncertainty.

With support, small businesses can compete globally and drive inclusive economic development.

Discover how small businesses can navigate global trade in an era of polycrisis.

A Guide For Leading Through Chaos, Without Losing Direction

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Today’s business environment is unpredictable, and the challenges leaders face are fast-changing and interconnected. In this world, executives must learn how to “pivot with purpose”: to constantly and courageously remain anchored in their values while adjusting to meet new realities. 

Here are five principles to follow in order to do so.

Here's What Everyone Is Reading According to the Staff of the New York Times Book Review

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The staff of The New York Times Book Review chose the year’s top fiction and nonfiction.  And the envelope, please. 

John Yunker Is Back By Popular Demand for a wegginar® 12/3 on Deglobalization and AI: The Calm Before the Storm

©2025 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

Register free of charge for the LIVE wegginar® on Wednesday, 12/3 at 11 AM CT.  Here's what John Yunker, Co-Founder of Byte Level Research will cover:

• Deglobalization is suppressing growth
• AI promises a new wave of global growth
• Smaller companies are best positioned to leverage AI

To learn more and to register, visit: https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2025/11/05/deglobalization-ai-the-calm-before-the-storm/

See you there!

Today in Global Small Business: 'Ugly' Fees On Chinese Ships Concern US Ag Exporters

©iStock/mingxing chen

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• 'Ugly’ fees on Chinese ships concern US ag exporters.
• US strikes trade deals across Latin America, lowers tariffs on Argentina’s beef.
• Quote of the week:  "It is the function of the Navy to carry the war to the enemy so that it is not fought on U.S. soil.” Is now “Who cares that we have no merchant ships left to carry supplies overseas.” – Naval quote
• As we look ahead to 2026, the global supply chain enters a chapter defined by relative stability but underscored by persistent uncertainty. 
• OECD finds growing transparency efforts among leading AI developers.
• Learn how to research and select overseas markets confidently.