A worldwide survey around the gender issue done by Mercer suggests that actions need to be taken at two levels to improve gender equality. At an organisational level, from hiring and promoting women to rethinking roles and definitions. And at the individual level, where passion, personal drive and perseverance come in. I loved hearing this.
Clarity!
Recently, I met one of my former clients, Charlotte, by chance. I hadn’t seen her in a little while so we caught up on news. She told me how her life had changed since our coaching sessions. She had come to me feeling stuck, hopeless, feeling anxious and full of fear. She was longing for joy, satisfaction and love for her career again.
Working together, Charlotte managed to turn around her whole situation. She embraced who she is, her talents, drives, passions and desires, as a result of which she “stood” differently in life. She had gained clarity, which gave her the right energy to take action. Soon her phone started ringing and work came in. She was solicited for interesting new projects, gained new clients, work just poured in. At to just an extent that she needed to hire an assistant who blossomed working with her. As Charlotte put it: when you are working with your talents, you blossom naturally, and therefore one becomes more generous, less inward looking and more looking into the beauty of other people.
Charlotte’s story illustrates to me what we are capable off. My strong belief is that if women were more conscious of who they are and what they stand for, they would create a very different image of themselves, a stronger personal brand. When we talk branding, we talk being noticed, being recognised and then doors open up, some more easily than others, but they do open (and if a door stays shut, knock on another one).
Women need to realise their potential, to respond to that inner drive they sense, to speak up and to articulate what it is they want. Once women gain clarity and feel their own power, they are on a roll and action follows. They get what they want, because what they want has become clear.
In the end, the key for everyone, woman or man, is to make the most of yourself. Identify what your strengths are, which environment makes you thrive, grab opportunities, and take on a mentor. Unlock your potential.
Organizations and society will adapt, slowly but surely, to a new reality. A big part of the change required on the gender issue, must come from within us. Remember Gandhi’s words: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
If you want to join a group of amazing women to gain clarity and find your power, come on the Exhilarating Retreat in Portugal in September. For more information: www.the-exhilarating-retreat.com.
