I went to a one-day conference for women interns at firms like Goldman Sachs, E&Y, Citi, etc., and women at big name MBA schools. Basically, all very high-achieving, aspiring career-moms.
The Brazen Careerist herself was there to give the key-note speech at lunch. After she gave a short speech, the floor was opened up for Q&As. The inevitable question arose: “So what do you think, can we women have it all? A family and a successful career?”
And to the expectant crowd, each woman holding her breath expectantly, she firmly replied, “No.”
The crowd was shocked into silence, but not for long. I believe there was a collective gasp, and then bewilderment, and then all hell broke loose.
I don’t really remember what happened after that, other than her trying to explain herself amidst the chaos…