Call them out, use your voice and be an agent of change.
Leverage Diversity by Inclusion
You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete. - Richard Buckminister
I'm thrilled to introduce you to my business coach and friend Awin Tavakoli for more reasons than one. This lady epitomises everything that I want to be - fierce, intelligent, worldly, courageous, sassy, sexy and totally Unstoppable! Awin embodies resilience through every aspect of her life. As a champion of change, her goal is to challenge existing models which we sometimes blindly follow. As a business protection lawyer, business advisor, speaker and trainer, she disrupts the status quo. Her mission is to make law accessible and understandable for everyone. As a pioneer in change and innovation, she's been disrupting the traditional legal industry by creating a unique business model out of her knowledge in statistics and logic, and her skills in risk mitigation and law. As the voice of her industry and the messenger for change and diversity, Awin uses her voice to inspire others by spreading her story and her message on international stages. In today’s podcast episode, Awin shares her personal journey, the obstacles she's overcome throughout her life that have made her who she is, and advice for rising professionals.
Here are some of the things I learned while talking with Awin:
1. Remove the mask of what society tells you to be.
We are all conditioned to put on masks and act a certain way in each setting we find ourselves in. We wear these masks to feel accepted and to feel a sense of belonging from our peers. However, having to consistently put masks to “fit in” is emotionally and physically draining. Let go of the mask and be yourself! You don't have to be someone you're not to fit in; there's only one YOU so own it!
2. Build that competence and nail it with confidence.
Throw imposter syndrome away! You deserve to be in every room you find yourself in. Don’t let anyone make you feel that you do not belong. Build your competence in your craft and nail it with confidence!
3. It's a job. It's not your life.
Your self-worth is not dependent on the job you have. Losing your job is not the end of the world. At the end of the day, the only certain thing is uncertainty. Don’t give all of your time and energy into things that don't serve you; invest in yourself.
4. Once you know your worth, you will never settle for less.
You're all that and a bag of chips! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you know the value that you bring to a company then don't settle for a salary that is beneath you.
What did you learn from listening to Awin's podcast?
I'd love to hear from you and see which of these points resonated with you.
And please don't be afraid of sharing because you know what they say about Sharing! ....
xox
Ariane