These three words seem to have raised much controversy when paired with “as compared to a wise white male.”

Many have called Sotomayor a racist for uttering these words and even president Obama is trying to say she misspoke, that others were taking her words out of context or that she didn’t mean what she said.

Although some of us could have made a similar statement without the comparison, “Wise women with rich experiences may make excellent decisions,” whenever we end up comparing ourselves to others we may get into trouble.

A couple of years ago, I was a panelist and award recipient at the Latina Woman Business of the Year event in Miami. During the discussion, one of the questions we were asked was whether men had interfered in our way to success. The other panelists agreed that was the case. I didn’t agree and was the last to speak. I calmly said that sometimes men may get into a woman’s way to go up the ladder but that, some other times, it is other women who may place obstacles and not allow their fellow colleagues to move up. The audience (with both men and women) came to life. Were my colleagues sexist for making this statement? Was I being sexist for making my comment? How did bias play a role for each of our statements? By the way, this experience led me to write Alpha Female Leader over that weekend!

Some of my fellow panelists had physical reactions to my statement. Some were upset. One came to me after the event and told me totally agreed but she couldn’t say this in public. In the end, though, the one who seemed to be the most upset by my statement ended up saying she would prefer to have a male boss.

I work with men and women but most of my clients are men. I have been hired to be the first woman consultant by some all-male groups in Fortune 500 companies.  I have always felt that I have been hired because of the quality of my work and not because I am a woman, white, or Latina.

The wise, I like, though…

By Dr. Gaby Cora - Executive Health & Wealth

Nobody questions upcoming president Obama knows how to charm his audience: as a social networking guru and media favorite, his way to the US presidency was made easy mostly by everybody’s gut-driven feeling of liking him and seeing him in a light of hope. Much has been projected onto this man as someone who unites and who will be the savior of us all. Most people have had a very emotional reaction to this man. The intellectual reaction has been mixed.

One of the characteristics that I admire the most about our country is the ability to stand as one nation and move forward together. By uniting in good will we hope to help our nation grow and develop improved relationships with the world around us (which we desperately need).

By Dr. Gaby Cora - Executive Health & Wealth

Steve Jobs finally revealed his challenges with health issues. While some pushed for his personal health history to be shared with the rest of the world, others strongly believe health issues are to be dealt in private.

By Dr. Gaby Cora

In 2006, nearly 73 million Americans age 12 and older had used a tobacco product at least once in the month prior to being surveyed. Smoking is as addictive as heroin, as affirmed by the US Surgeon General. Addiction is a chronic condition and smoking includes one of the most difficult habits to kick.

By Dr. Gaby Cora

What would a man have done? Would he have walked away, disregarding the offer, or would he have played his cards quietly, graciously, and just accepted the nomination despite the bitter taste in his mouth?

By Dr. Gaby Cora

I am not a politician and have no interest in becoming a political analyst. In regards to leadership and strategy, though, I’m in.

There are some major distinctions in the selection of vice-presidents during this election. Senator Barack Obama chose well-respected Joe Biden, McCain-like in regards to his experience, seniority, long track record, and credibility. He chose Biden because he brought in his extensive experience in foreign affairs, in the military, and decades of commitment and work of service. His choice was of someone who had extensively more experience than he has. Obama’s forte includes his charm, rhetoric, and motivational persona, his perceived weaknesses being lack of experience and lack of focused planning.