I have been clicking along through Forbes' "Billionaire Women We Envy" list and finding very little to which I related. Sure, Oprah's on my list, but not because she's a billionaire so much. And I started thinking... what is it, really, that I envy? Because envy is far, far from admiration. It's a whole other category. Who do I envy, and why?When I saw the headline, before I even clicked further, I thought "Maria Bartiromo." She doesn't even make Forbes' cutoff -- she's not a billionaire, for starters. But if there's anyone I envy, it's Maria, she of the smoky eyes and the men in powerful places who do stupid, stupid things for her.
What do women envy of other women? It's not their money, at least, not for me. It's their power, their fame, their ability to juggle family and career. And most of all it's their ability to manipulate others without seeming manipulative at all. It's the Money Honey, able to move markets with a bat of her dark eyelashes.
If I was to create a list of the women most worthy of a female MBA's envy, here's who would be on it:
1. Maria Bartiromo, anchor of CNBC's Closing Bell, Money Honey, she of the bedroom eyes, star of her very own "-gate". Envy factor: she has the power to make men do amazing things, and even when she's obviously worn out, she looks gorgeous on TV. She's the very definition of glamor, without being blessed with a moneyed pedigree or particularly outrageous beauty. Most amazingly, she has managed to (so far) avoid any fallout in the various scandals in which her name has appeared. That's worthy of anyone's envy.
2. Oprah Winfrey, who needs no introduction. Envy factor: it's not her money. It's not her legion of media outlets. It's the fact that she can put a special celebrating her own good works on primetime TV, and anyone who criticizes her for it is immediately attacked by thousands of her most fervent admirers. No matter how haphazardly she wields her strange power, she comes out looking like the queen of charity, and I only wish I had a little of her curious sway over millions of those home during the daytime. Note that I don't have her on my "most admired" list.
3. Meg Whitman, eBay CEO and mom of two boys. Envy factor: it's the juggle. Somehow, this amazon of the dotcom has managed to raise two boys and maintain a relationship with a neurosurgeon husband. That's right, a brain surgeon. Sure, she's CEO of a company I personally admire greatly; she's got a pedigree to kill for; she's got plenty o'money; and she's so influential it's almost criminal. But do all this, plus (what sounds like) a great family life? Wow.
4. Ivanka Trump, first daughter of He With The Hair. Envy factor: there's a bit of the 'inherited wealth,' a touch of the drop-dead beauty, and certainly a heavy dose of the fame. But most of all I envy her assumed position as arbiter of so many slavering would-be-apprentices' worth. Who appointed her judge of the worth of hundreds of very, very smart people? Oh, right, her papa. I don't want her dad. I just want her influence (and I confess an odd desire to be on that TV show, even though I'd never want to work for The Donald).
When it comes right down to it, though I often wish I was a little richer, with a little better hair, what I really desire is the ability to be in the spotlight, to be honored for my influence, and to always come through smelling like roses. That's what all my most-envied women share.
Sarah Gilbert is a Wharton MBA who was speedily rejected from the auditions for Season Three of 'The Apprentice.' She lives in Portland with two boys and a husband who, while not a neurosurgeon, is still putting up kindly with her thirst for fame.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-08-2007 @ 10:42AM
Steve said...
I don't any of these Women or Men, Whether Rich,or poor, Middle Claas.!... Which is gradually disappearing, "When your don't have your health, it won't matter if your wheeled in to a Hopital, and tell them who you are, So what.!!!! All the Money won't save you, etc, there are so many examples, but you get the Idea.? These people havbe the same 24 hours to thye day, eat, drink all the fabulous food, and fine Clothes ( I don't want to forget if you have read the Bible (I have gotting past the middle, and If I went to Church, it would fall to the ground. Remember "Envy" is one of the seven deathy Sins" ( Look up the difference between Envy, and another word that sarts with J! I never had envy for anyone. However, I wish them all the best life brings them, and the Happiness the World many of them fought their way out of very hard times, and their the word Envy, I never have and never will, I would traet them, and tell them they look Lovely, or Good Looking, whatever.! I admire them, and yes, I will enjoy every bit of it with my loved ones, but, as they say: Money changes people, however, don't forget, if you already had a "Spoon" in your mouth, chances are, your value of it will to spending it unwisely.!not show it off. I didn't answer the survey because I wanted a spot to Place "NONE OF THEM" I could write no much about this topic,but I have to do something that everything my home that no one can do for me, and that includes Rich, poor, or ("We all got caught up The "Crossfire.")... Even if I has a Trillionaire Dollars.!!!!....would anyway envy me even more.! As a matter of fact, most people who are Billionaires, most people woun't know by Name Gender, Actor, Dancers, T.V.Host, by State, Country, if they they were given all day without assistance from someone, or souce, I would be very impressed if they get pass 10.! More Later
3-08-2007 @ 12:11PM
Zenia said...
I envy those with perfect health....and then I dont. Strange huh? Well, I am almost deaf, what we call seriously hard of hearing. When in elementary school and asked what would you like to be when you grow up?... I gave this serious thought, unlike a lot of people around me, and this was before I completely lost my hearing. (that was an end to my dream) I wanted to be one of the best language interpreters in the world and work with government officials and travel the world towards world peace, and meet all the rich and famous at the same time.
I am not envious of people who inherited....they didnt do anything to earn it. What I admire more than anything is a person who achieves things on their own, not given everything. Yes, we want to give our children, our heirs, I understand this. That is a given. I just dont feel it is anything to "admire" someone for. Definitely not envy. I am happy nonetheless that those that inherit, some of them still work to achieve instead of just living a life of leisure.
I like that Oprah gives back to people. Use to be that Sam Waltons company WalMart gave back more to the associates that try so hard to help make the company a success. It is not quite that way anymore. Everything seems to be turning into just another expense that needs to be cut, and more profits for the higher level executives and owners. If you are already rich, why do you need to cut the lower workers benefits to make yourselves richer? The Walmart culture is what made Walmart so great, but with too much expansion too fast, Walmart is going to turn into just another company one day and fade because the culture is getting lost somewhere.
I admire women who do not have to be too aggressive to get their points across. It is great to be strong, assertive without being manly. Great way to be a woman in this day and age and show leadership!
3-08-2007 @ 11:49AM
Steve said...
I apologize for my wording on my previuos, but " I had to that do more thing that no one, that no one else can do for you."!!!!The D word can visit you anytime. One more comment, Who knows the problems these Rich have, Hello,,,Just look at the Dream Couple, and three months a year, one or both of them already had "that had say with another Girl, Boyfriend" and for whatever the reason.! Your Better Half may never know but for 30-60 mintues fives hours of pleasure ruins Marrages. and "PUFF, Their split, then the same people who we're laurning, now dish out to all the Taloids they all knew, Bla...., and then Booze, Drugs, Gambling comes into the picture? In my Opinion, there are several Millionaires, Billionaires, but there seems to be "been there done that frame of mind." is they have everything ( not all are not unhappy.!) what can I do today.?and seek out a new High" that will fill a Void that can never be filled.! End of story.! I invite your comments. Please overlook any redudant comments, but I not having a "Good Day, I have to be going to a Surgeon (Top Notch.?)If I were a Billionaire, I would get more attgention $$$$ talks, however, things may not turn out the way they expected.!
3-08-2007 @ 2:51PM
cattaway said...
I admire Mrs. Bush,our First Lady. Who else in the world could put up with a nut case like George? Opra Winfrey? I would hate to wake up with her lying there. Mercy. Oh yeah. Does she ever use any of her own money, as she toots her own horn? Just asking.
3-10-2007 @ 9:51AM
Michael Surber said...
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Richest Women Billionaires - AOL Money & Finance
Richest Women Billionaires - AOL Money & Finance :
Dear CNN and to all the Richest Women out there;
I have tried and tried to make this public on talk shows,local news,CNN and so on and no one will respond. I am reaching out to the Rich and Wealthy for some kind of help now! Maybe some of you have the power and the heart to help us. I think most of you wealthy celebrities would help if you just got to see or read this article. But I doubt if you will get to.
And for all the Wealthy Women and Celebrities out there!
I pray that God will touch one heart and bring you into our life and help!
I pray that some how this cry for help will make it's way to someone that is powerful and wealthy that will help us!
Thank you and God Bless;
Michael Surber
obewon2@aol.com
To; CNN
I have wrote to you over and over about this very issue,
The letter below tells you what kind of treatment Veterans get. My father was in the VAMC and it was a night mare just because they wouldn't give him the kind of bed he needed and the photos of his soars would make you sick. I have a law firm trying to bring justice against the VAMC.
My question is why want you air my story? I think now would be a good time!
How can we trust our government?
Dear Lou Dobbs;
Help me PLEASE!
I want to go public with my story about the VAMC and the night mares that they have put my mother and I through with the kind of so called medical care that the VAMC is giving its veterans.
My father John Surber passed away Feb. due to the poor quality of medical care from the VAMC in Salem. My attorney told me that I should go public with this.
Not only have I had to deal with the loss of my father because of them, we are on the verge of losing our house,cars and everything. We were getting eight thousand a month tax free from his military pension and disability and after 56 years of marriage you would think that my mother would continue to draw the same amount off of him to support her life style and survival. Now the VA is giving her twelve hundred a month. Her house payment is more than that.They also told us that all of the life insurance policy's had just ran out anywhere from one to 6 months before his passing. Everything from the clubs such as the VFW, DAV, AMVETS and mortgage insurance on his VA loan. We got nothing! He was 100% service connected veteran from the Koran War. My father was in Seoul Korea I think in 1950 to 1952 and drove General Mac Arthur around and then later on was sent to the front line where he was wounded. He was in the Army's 3rd infantry. He was a hero! He gave most of his life for this country and the world doesn't even know that he excised.They also done experimental surgery on him for frozen feet in Korea. Some of his records you can't even gain access to.Why do you think they would pay a Sergeant that high of a pension. I have photos of his bed soars that would turn you stomach just because they said he had to get the soars to a certain size before they would give him the proper kind of mattress to help him. They told me that they were not in prevention but in cure. So he had to get so bad off before they would give him equipment to cure him and by that time he was to far gone and died.My father was a great man and never complained about anything and he suffered so much that I want the world to know what he went through and what the government has done to us. Also how our veterans are being treated at this butcher shop called the VAMC!
I could go on and on but I would like to talk with someone in person on a talk show to give you the hole story.
I hope you can help my mother and I to get justice and try to help us from being put out on the street! I gave up my job in LA. CA. to come back and take care of my father for 14 years to keep him out of the VAMC or a nursing home and I am glad I did. You only have one Mother and Father!! Now for being a good son and trying to do what is right, my mother and I are facing to become homeless and the government is getting away with murder! It's not right.
If it was not for all the men like my father we might not have this country and freedom we have now and our government doesn't think about it at all!
All they think about is MONEY!!!
Thank you and God Bless;
Sincerely;
Michael Surber
540-562-0462
5238Summer Dr.
Roanoke,VA. 24019
obewon2@aol.com
PS: I have many pictures of my fathers bed sores so you may see how much he suffered because of the policy's of our great government .
This is not fare at all to let our Government run over top of us!
Don't get me wrong, I love my country more than anyone. It's just those bad apples in the government that make it all stink.
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3-16-2007 @ 2:53PM
Vee Smith said...
I personally do envy the very rich that have been mentioned. Envy sounds so negative and harsh. But I do wish I had the opportunity to meet Oprah or Warren Buffet/Gates. I consider them persons with great minds and focus. They have been able to overcome their challenges and make it nevertheless.
My efforts to become finally independent and successful has been tough. But with good health I am hoping that I will have/get that great idea, the mentoring and support I need to make a difference and feel and "relish" my success. Of course, helping people/lifting someone up, has to be a part. Succeeding without being able to help someone along way is empty.
Nevertheless I still hope that somehow I will be able to meet someone like Oprah in person who really pulled herself up by the bootstraps given her early years in Mississippi. But I also have great admiration for Gates and Buffet who I am sure had a vision, got the know-how and today tops the list as the richest men in the world.
I just hope that law that says things "trickele down" will come my way. Money, good health and good friends, never hurt.
Vee Smith
Brooklyn , New York
3-20-2007 @ 12:29PM
Mayra Cuellar said...
I personally don't envy any of these people. On the contrary, I admire most of them. Especially the ones that use their fame, power and money to do good for the less fortunate. I specially admire Oprah, she's done so much to help others. I was priviliged to watch the special on television about her school for underprivileged girls. I have to admit, I cried during most of the program. What she's done there is truly remarkable. It really saddened me when I recently heard that some of the parents where upset with the school's rules and regulations being "Too strict". Are these people serious? This is the opportunity of a life time for their children!! And they are complaining about strickness!!! They ought to kiss the ground that Oprah Winfrey walks on, for coming into their country and building such a school, that will ultimately grant their daughters and chance in life. Without Oprah, these girls would have just come another "static" in Africa: "Death" either due to AIDS, Starvation or some other medical problem.
God bless Oprah Winfrey for having the kindness to share her wealth with the less fortunate.
We need more people like her in this world.