Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, who hosted the podcast Call Your Girlfriend (RIP), coined the term. From their website:

“Shine Theory is a commitment to asking, ‘Would we be better as collaborators than as competitors?’ The answer is almost always yes. 

“… If someone is tearing you down or targeting you as competition, it’s often because they are lacking in confidence or support themselves.

“It’s a practice of cultivating a spirit of genuine happiness and excitement when your friends are doing well, and being there for them when they aren’t.”

This is my way of celebrating the smarts and success of women in my professional orbit, and recognizing that when one of us shines, we can all shine a little brighter.

Choose your own Shine Theory adventure below:

• Cathlyn Melvin: TEDx Talks
• Amanda Hofman: custom branded merchandise
• Annie Schiffmann: social media
• Liz Cortes: Google Maps and local SEO
• Rachel Zurer: Always Be Scheduled
• Catherine Brown: selling like a human