I was struck by the interesting interview with Beth Comstock of GE in the NYT today - where she says "you have the permission to try something new". In this case she is talking about innovation but innovation is not the only area where we are held back by the need for permission. Too often we are stymied in areas that lead directly to our happiness. Too often, as working professionals, and especially women, we are held back by our fears. Fear of failure, fear of what other people will [...]