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My Response to the Disinvitation to Inspire’s International Women’s Day Event.
I have decided to make a statement in light of the recent news articles and media posts with regard to my removal as speaker from Inspire’s International Women’s Day Event.
Originally, I chose not to share socially or draw attention to this deeply upsetting turn of events. Now that global media has begun publishing various articles and news posts, I feel it’s imperative that I too provide a response to my followers… the same response that I conveyed to the event organizers.
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It has taken me a while to wrap my head around your decision to remove me as INSPIRE’s International Women’s Day “Inspire Inclusion” Keynote Speaker. I was hurt. I was angry. But most of all I was heartbroken.
I’ve been a speaker for nearly 10 years and have told my story in front of real estate agents, business managers, garbage collectors, CEOs, motorbike dealers, government agencies and many diverse women’s groups. Not once has someone (to my face, to the organizers, nor anonymously) ever claimed to have been offended by my presentation. Not once.
I must assume you hired me because I speak about overcoming sexism and failures. Correct? I speak to inspire and motivate. I speak about obstacles, and how to overcome them. I speak about bravery and growth and standing up for one another.
I don’t believe you hired me because I was a soldier and a cop. While these jobs are part of my story (and I’m very grateful to have had these experiences), they do not define me as a human being. As a Jewish woman, I would never be offended if a Palestinian woman were to speak about her obstacles and life journey. I thought that’s what women were supposed to do for each other – listen and support!
Instead, it seems you have chosen to give in to threats and hate – and this is the saddest part. You removed me and made a statement to your audience, without even giving me a chance to make my own. Why wasn’t I contacted personally? Don’t you think I at least deserved that tiny shred of dignity?
I will not pursue legal action, although I have been advised to do so. That’s not who I am. Right now, I am sad. I’m mad. And I am so disappointed. For now, I can only live in hope. I hope for peace. I hope that humans can learn to treat each other with respect and love. And I hope the future includes brave women who understand the fragile thread holding all of us together.
With hope,
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First Woman To Win Race Across America – Leah Goldstein
Canadian Cyclist Becomes First Woman Ever to Win Race Across America At 52 years old, on her 3rd RAAM ride; Leah Goldstein is the first women to win Race Across America. Never in the 39 year history of the legendary, gruelling 3000 mile cycling race has it ever happened that a woman has won the solo division. It was the […] -
RAAM 2021 Let’s Do This!
I have decided to go at it once again and compete in RAAM 2021. For those of you who know me well, this likely isn’t a huge surprise. The pull to compete in Race Across America is greater than ever; my reasoning – I feel that I can still ride it faster. In 2019 I arrived at the starting line […] -
Taking the First Step Toward Health
Taking the First Step Toward Health How to start moving towards a healthy lifestyle. By Leah Goldstein with Lori Friend Moger, M.Sc. I think many of us, especially women, picture a healthy person as an organic-cotton wearing, victory-garden growing, smoothie slurping, exercise addict. One who never touches sugar, caffeine or (shudder) alcohol, and whips up 3 healthy balanced meals […] -
Celebrating the Starting Line
Celebrating the Starting Line What “victory” means now. By Leah Goldstein with Lori Friend Moger, M.Sc. One of our clients, Donna, recently ran her first ½ marathon. She looked nervous and maybe slightly overwhelmed as she headed to the starting line. Music blared and people laughed and hugged while they stretched. She gave me that “I’m not sure I […] -
4 Top Tips from a Veteran Endurance Athlete
4 Top Tips from a Veteran Endurance Athlete How To Train For A Personal Best By Leah Goldstein with Lori Friend Moger, M.Sc. At 20 years of age, I raced my first duathlon while serving in the Israeli military. I ran, biked, and ran some more, with a crappy bike, crappier shoes and a mostly military-style training regimen. […] -
Changed On So Many Levels – A No Limits Testimonial
We were so touched by this email entitled “Changed On So Many Levels”, that we received from our friend T. Scott Boyd this week, we just had to share it. _______________________________________________________________________________ Ladies, I just wanted to send you a note to say congratulations on the book and what a great job you did. I’m currently camping down the Oregon Coast with […] -
An Athlete’s Quiet Mind – Meditation My Way
An Athlete’s Quiet Mind Meditation My Way By Leah Goldstein with Lori Friend Moger, M.Sc. After a recent speaking event, a participant rushed up to me to shake my hand. “Wow! That was just amazing! I can’t believe you’ve had so many successes!” And then, out of nowhere, “Do you meditate?” I bit my lip to keep from smiling. Picturing […] -
Lessons From The Peloton
Lessons from the Peloton An ex-professional cyclist’s tips on surviving a tough crowd By Leah Goldstein with Lori Friend Moger, M.Sc. When I first started cycling, I raced in duathlons which includes running and biking. I trained very hard, and actually became the Israeli National Champion while I worked in the military. I took the competitions very seriously, as did […] -
Harnessing Negative Energy
Harnessing Negative Energy 4 Strategies To Turn nay-sayers into fuel tanks. By Leah Goldstein with Lori Friend Moger, M.Sc. No matter your arena of competition, whether business or sport, chances are you’ll eventually run up against a powerfully negative person. And it seems the grander your ideas, the more shaking heads you encounter. We’ve all seen it before – the dreamers […]
