by Amy Matthews | Sep 24, 2018 | Business, In-Power |
I am super excited and honored to be moderating a panel tomorrow at Dreamforce, Sales Force’s annual conference! The topic is Women In Leadership and is hosted by Map AnyThing and Women In Tech International.
So up my alley, right?
I’ll be having a lively and honest conversation with three distinguished panelists. Topics we’ll discuss will range from their personal experiences as female leaders in the workplace, biases they have encountered, and the effects the #MeToo Movement has had on their day-to-day professional lives.
We’ve made a ton of progress recently to close the gender inequality gap. And, the truth is, we still have a long way to go. I think it’s up to us.
We need to fully step into our power and claim it. Claim what we want and ask for it. Unapologetically. No more waiting for permission or until we are “ready”. No more waiting for old structures to change. For things to significantly be different, we need to speak up and team up with both women and men, and collaboratively and courageously lead the change.
You’ve Always Had the Power My Dear, You Just Had to Learn It For Yourself.
Glinda – Wizard of Oz
In leadership and in life:
Show Up Authentically.
Show up with Confidence.
Own Your Brilliance and Grace.
Rightfully Claim Your Seat at the Table.
It’s Time.
by Amy Matthews | Sep 18, 2018 | Business |
I help clients with personal branding and I often write and edit their resumes, bios, and LinkedIn profiles.
One of my clients who is quite accomplished, asked me to edit her bio last week. I tightened it up and added one line at the beginning so her educational background and work experience tied together. These minor changes made it read more powerfully.
My client’s response was, “That sounds like bragging.”
Huh? Then I said, “Not at all. It’s the Truth.”
Most of us hate the idea of self promotion. We’re socialized to minimize ourselves and our accomplishments. Perhaps for fear of sounding boastful. Or for fear that we’ll be labeled or judged. Or the worst fear of all..that we won’t be liked.
I’m not suggesting that you flag people down like “Hey, look at me!” People abhor that. But…
Emphasize Your Strengths.
Highlight Your True Talents.
Genuinely Be Yourself.
Communicate your truth of who you are, verbally and in writing, with authenticity, confidence and grace.
Think of one thing this week you want to toot your horn about. Then do it!
Come on..I dare you.
by Amy Matthews | Sep 10, 2018 | In-Power, Mindset |
Many of us are driven by the need to fit in and people please so we’ll be liked by everyone. I think it’s because, deep down, we fear if we show up as our true self, we may be criticized or rejected for being different. I get it. Being loved, accepted and wanting to belong are universal human needs.
But here’s the deal:
When we conform or dumb down to fit in, we’re doing it at the expense of living authentically and aren’t being true to ourselves. Every single person on this planet has a unique life story, different values, strengths, skills, passions and DNA. We are all one of a kind and that’s something to celebrate.
To me, the most interesting and refreshing people have a solid sense of who they are. They don’t try to be anyone or anything other than themselves -no ifs, ands or buts. They laugh at themselves. They don’t compare themselves to others. They don’t seek approval from others or give a fuck about being liked.
Instead of trying to fit in and not stand out, ask yourself – what makes me totally unique and irresistible?
Maybe you’re courageous. Or outrageous. Or highly intuitive. Or super creative. Or funny as hell. Or have a huge heart. Or you’re great with numbers. Or strategy is your thing. Or you can sell snow to eskimos. Or you’re able to see possibilities that others don’t see. Or you get a ton of shit done. Or you’re kind. Or patient. Or a great listener. Or the best dancer – ever.
Whatever your secret sauce is, amplify It. Embrace what sets you apart from the crowd. Listen to the beat of your own drum. Cherish and celebrate the unique You.
by Amy Matthews | Sep 4, 2018 | Inspiration |
Are you scared to say how you feel and what you really want?
As women, we’re accustomed to not asking for what we want. Some of us are even uncomfortable knowing what we want. As if there’s something aggressive about being clear and then asking for it. The truth is, we admire this quality in men but not in women. A double standard, for sure.
Here’s a conversation I had with a client last week:
She’s been divorced for 5 years and a man she dated before she married reached out to her on Facebook. He had just lost his wife to cancer. When they met, it was like old times. They get together periodically and talk on the phone for hours.
She was confused. She didn’t know where he stood. She was having a hard time focusing because she was obsessing over this relationship. She said she would wait to see what happens. Then she opened up to me:
He is the love of my life.
When I heard that, I said:
Why wait. Tell him how you feel. That you enjoy spending time together. How he has always held a special place in your heart. That he is the love of your life! That in the future when he’s ready, you’d like to date him.
My client told him how she feels. He said he wasn’t ready yet and they agreed to be good friends – for now. The result? My client feels better. She feels empowered. She feels free. She’s now super focused on doing things to better herself and her life.
Is there something getting in the way of asking for what you want?
Why wait. Get clear and take deliberate action – today.
by Amy Matthews | Aug 28, 2018 | Business |
There’s an epidemic of over functioning among women. It’s as if it’s expected of us because overdoing is respected in our culture.
So we do more. We push ahead. We stack more on our plates. We multi task. We overdo for others. We manage and control situations and people around us. We make sure the outcome is exactly how we want it to be.
Without realizing it, our self worth becomes wrapped up in overdoing. We make it our identity. We take pride in how much we get done. If we’re not constantly busy, doing more at work or for others, we feel bad about ourselves. We even feel guilty.
Over functioning always leads to exhaustion and burnout. It’s just a matter of time.
Here’s the thing:
You are not what you accomplish.
You are loved for who you are, not what you do.
You are enough.
Unless we learn to love and accept ourselves for who we really are, our authentic qualities that make us unique, how can we expect others to give us the love and
respect we so want and deserve?
Respect Yourself. You are AMAZING - exactly as you are.
