DISCUSSION
GUIDE
#EmbraceAmbition is a Tory Burch Foundation initiative.
The Discussion Guide is provided for groups to explore what it
means to #EmbraceAmbition.
EmbraceAmbition.org
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
PERCEPTIONS OF AMBITION
• How do you define “ambitious”?
• When you hear the words “ambition” and “ambitious”, what images
and thoughts come to mind?
• Do you describe yourself as ambitious?
• How is ambition viewed differently in men and women?
• Have you noticed or experienced how people react differently to
ambition in women?
VOICING YOUR AMBITION
• Have you ever felt the need to “dial back” your ambition when
expressing it to others? How comfortable are you with stating your
ambitions? Does it change depending on who you’re speaking with?
• Have you ever felt as if your ambitions were ignored or silenced? Do
you think that treatment was based on your gender?
DEALING WITH NEGATIVITY
• One of Tory’s favorite pieces of advice from her parents is, “Think of
negativity as noise, believe in yourself and what you are doing.” Are
you afraid of being judged negatively?
• How can you block out negativity and not let it impact you?
CELEBRATING YOURSELF AND OTHERS
• Do you celebrate your accomplishments? If not, why? And if so,
share the ways you celebrate and reward yourself.
• Share three things that you are most proud of from the past year.
Have you taken the time to appreciate these achievements?
• Who are the women in your life that inspire you?
• How can you support and empower the women in your life?
WORKING TOGETHER
• How can we bring men into this conversation?
• How can your organization or workplace support women’s
ambitions?
MOVING FORWARD
• What are your key takeaways from this discussion?
• Did you have any “aha” moments?
• Share three actions you will take over the next month based on your
discussion.
EMBRACEAMBITION.ORG
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WHAT YOU CAN DO TO
EMBRACE AMBITION
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Talk about your ambitions – do not be afraid to own and voice them.
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Be mindful of your own attitudes. Ask yourself, did I just react negatively
to a woman for demonstrating her ambition?
3
Remember that ambition is incredibly personal. Determine what success
means to you. It might be to run your own company or it might be to raise
your children with integrity. Whatever someone’s ambitions are, it’s not
our place to judge them.
4
Support other women. As a friend, relative, or colleague help those around
you make their ambitions a reality. When we support each other, we all do
better.
5
Engage men in the discussion. Their involvement will help reduce the
cultural biases their co-workers, partners, daughters, mothers, sisters,
and friends face.
6
Join the movement and take the pledge to #EmbraceAmbition and own
your power, your drive and your dreams.
EMBRACEAMBITION.ORG
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SHARE WITH US
We’d love to learn more about
your #EmbraceAmbition group.
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Snap a photo
2
Tag us on Instagram or Facebook
@ToryBurchFoundation
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Share what your group discussed
and hashtag #EmbraceAmbition
Explore more resources on ToryBurchFoundation.org.
EMBRACEAMBITION.ORG
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