As a content person, a bulk of the creative work I do involves writing; from social media, press releases, email newsletters, blog articles, feature stories and yes, speeches and talking points to support executives in their various speaking engagements. And when I’m not writing, I have to go out with my senior executives to get materials for even more writing. Basically, my life is pre-writing, writing, and post-writing. #Sigh.
Anyway, one of the perks of being in these high-profile events is that I don’t just get content for work, but also for my personal reflection. A case in point was in 2018 when my CEO was a speaker on a panel of female CEOs and leading executives across various sectors of the economy at an event tagged ‘Running on Heels.’
The event was organised by Leading Ladies Africa and, as you can imagine, it was pioneered by women on their experiences on life, work and what it means to be a woman at the top. In commemoration of women’s day, I have decided to share some of the quotes from that event which sadly, I didn’t attribute at the time. As such, I wouldn’t be able to say who said what, but I believe some of the things they said would be useful to anyone reading this article.
So here goes…
- I’ve never thought of myself as a woman at work. I see myself as a worker so I can focus on my goals more without limiting myself with my gender. Don’t think about your gender alone, think about your agenda.
- We won’t all have the same path but it’s important to be adaptable and sensitive enough to take advantage of opportunities that come to you. Whatever is in front of you, do it excellently and make it through to the next step that shows up in front of you.
- Your work speaks for you. Every email, letter, task, conversation, and engagement in an effort to build your brand. Be bold, don’t underestimate your track record so when it’s time to jump, you won’t fall.
- It’s not really about being a CEO—that is not the end but the means to an end. As a CEO, I want to see true transformation in my sector because we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface.
- There are many people waiting to take your place so see your time at the top as a privilege and opportunity to implement your big plans and make positive changes.
- In managing women, nurture them, grow. Gradually ‘peel’ them because that way, you help them discover qualities they don’t even have.
- It’s okay to start from a place of uncertainty, anxiety or fear but don’t let it overwhelm you. As you grow and gradually build yourself up, your confidence becomes more unshakeable.
- The people I’m inspired by the most are those who show some degree of vulnerability. It makes them more relatable and real.
- The more varied our experiences are, the more analytical and open-minded we become. Wherever you are, just set a standard of excellence and focus on that.
- Focus and have goals. Set short, medium- and long-term goals not necessarily about a job but at where you want to be at a certain time in your life.
Happy International Women’s Day in advance 🙂
