Failure is Not an Option: Doroteja Gradistanac on staying authentic, being your own source of recognition, and feminism.

Doroteja Gradištanac, Head of the Austrian radio station “FM4”, shares her Serbian mother Lola’s lessons. Lola finished medical school while pregnant with Doroteja, and moved to Austria together with her husband and older son for a job in an Austrian hospital - and a better life for her family - leaving eight months old Dodo behind for two years. She went on to build a career as an anesthesiologist, create a new life in a foreign country, raise two children, and successfully battle cancer. From mama Lola, we learn to not blindly follow group pressure; to not feel guilty about getting help as a working mom; to work hard and not allow failure as an option; to not depend on a man; to create a family as a safe space; and to be there for yourself, and not dependent on the recognition of others. We also talk about feminism, about the value system in the Balkans vs. the US, about the long road to self-discovery, and about the importance of how women are pictured in the society. Dodo also talked about learneing from her grandmother and her aunt, acknowledging the huge importance of ancestorial wisdom. To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about “Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To connect with Ana on social media: https://www.instagram.com/anatajder/ https://www.facebook.com/ana.tajder https://www.linkedin.com/in/anatajder/ https://twitter.com/tajder