by Amy Matthews | Oct 2, 2018 | Business, In-Power |
One thing is blatantly obvious after last week’s happenings. We have a long way to go to achieve gender equality.
We also have al long way to realizing gender leadership parity. Women make up 51% of the US population. More women get college degrees than men. Yet less than 5% of CEOs of public companies are women.
If you feel angry and outraged with these sobering statistics, you are not alone. The progress and results made to date don’t speak for the amount of hard work, effort and time we’ve put into trying to change the course of history.
Whether it be in politics or business, we can either focus on the positive or the negative. We always have a choice on how we show up. We can get mad. We can get even. Or we can direct our anger into positive action. Day in and day out, we can claim our power, own our grace, speak up and make our voices and opinions heard.
We will win in some situations and lose in others. One thing is for sure — we will continue to make progress and build momentum. We will realize gender equality. We will realize leadership parity. It’s just a matter of when.
Never lose sight of the goal. #Keep Going. Keep on Keeping On.
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 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 | Jul 30, 2018 | In-Power |
It’s not always easy to tell the truth.
Many women have a hard time telling the truth because they don’t want to hurt or disappoint another. Or they want to protect someone. Or they want to be liked and fear that if they tell the truth, they will be resented or even rejected.
I get it, telling the truth can be uncomfortable. Even though I’m known for speaking my truth, I’ve been guilty of not telling the truth too. Sometimes it’s just easier to sweep it under the rug. But here’s the thing. When we keep our true feelings hidden, it’s always at the expense of not being true to who we really are.
Truth is power. It’s necessary for a fulfilling life. Telling the truth empowers not only you, but the other person. Truth is a sign of love. It deepens trust, intimacy and strengthens relationships.
Now, I’m not giving you permission to go on a rant about everything under the sun. Know what you want to say before you say it. Ask yourself, is it kind, is it true, is it useful? Once you’re clear, communicate with compassion, connection and kindness.
In today’s world where truth is not a given, people appreciate honesty. People respect the truth. People appreciate and respect knowing where you stand.
If there’s an area in your life where you’re not speaking your truth, be courageous! Express your true feelings, no matter how scary it may be. Once you do, your life will become more real and fulfilling.
by Amy Matthews | Jun 25, 2018 | In-Power |
I met a woman last week who is an accomplished, driven, well educated and delightful 35 year old. She had just left her role with a larger company to pursue her dream of co-founding an early stage startup. Exciting!
She said she had always been into self improvement, always strived to get better, be better – in every aspect of her life. Though admirable, It can also be a sign of being too hard on yourself. She spent time working on her weaknesses rather than focusing on what she is really good at.
I told her this:
The most successful people in life are not great at everything.
Focus on your strengths. Your strengths are what you’re naturally good at so leverage them! Don’t try to be good at everything – especially the things you don’t like to do. Things that aren’t your sweet spot usually drain your energy or make you feel anxious vs. inspire and uplift you.
Embrace what you’re really good at and stop struggling doing things that you’re not. Your time is infinite so use it doing what brings you joy and ease.
If you’re really organized, rock on. If not, hire someone to get you organized.
If you’re an amazing baker, make that cake! If it’s not your thing, go buy one.
If you’re a visionary but not good with details, partner with someone who is.
To fully #breakfree and unleash yourself, focus on your strengths and outsource the rest.
by Amy Matthews | Jun 12, 2018 | In-Power, Mindset |
So many of us live by the “shoulds” of life. You know what I’m talking about.
The mental dilemma goes something like this:
What “should” I do vs. what feels right to do?
What “should” I say rather than what would I like to say?
How “should” I show up vs. how do I want to show up?
Listening to the shoulds is disempowering because it makes you constantly doubt yourself. How many times have you asked, did I do or say the wrong thing?
Shoulds are about obligation and meeting other people’s expectations. Shoulds drain your energy and are joy killers! Most importantly, they keep you from getting to know your authentic self and your own preferences.
Instead of being and doing what you think you are supposed to be and do, or what others think you should be and do, claim who you really are and what you really want. Start taking action from the “what brings you joy” place rather than from the “I should” place.
It can be simple if you let it. Do what makes you feel good. Stop doing what doesn’t.
If you haven’t already joined our community on Facebook find us here.
