8 Things I Learned From Being Around Powerful Executive Women at LEAD Achieve

It's a great life when you believe in yourself, and when you're surrounded by great women who also believe in themselves, everything feels complete.

I spent time with executive women at the Nuveen Women's Empowerment Conference in NYC two weeks ago and one of the greatest gifts was being in the presence of exceptional women who were all there to learn and grow into who whey are becoming. We've all been faced with corporate or small business women who are insecure, petty and jealous... that's a given, but when you find your tribe, or when you get out of your bubble and you experience women who are ready to be humble, there's less cattiness, less need to fluff feathers, less of a need to control and force, and you've got a hugging situation on your hands. I hugged so many women, heart to heart, at that conference and it make me feel like a billionaire, rich in heart and love.

I currently mentor MBA students, I teach yoga, meditation and breathwork, and I coach and consult executives. I'm surrounded by women all the time and I learn from them and use intimate stories to script vignettes in the books that I write on kind communication, vulnerability, and compassion.

When women believe in themselves first, especially when around insecurity, they do not participate in the pettiness of others. They know better and control their emotions.

I put together a list of traits that are exceptionally warm and confidently driven from spending a few hours at the Nuveeen event, and I wanted to share it to empower everyone, good and bad, suffering and not; it's always a good time to reach out a helping hand.

If there's insecurity, jealousy, guilt, power-trip, animosity, fear, or unworthiness in a women's psyche, she can come off in the wrong ways and that's not a way to live, but if she learns to control her emotions healthily, those feelings are just "feelings" and can be honed in for the betterment of her behaviors.

I write this to empower and I hope this article resonates with everyone's eyes, ears, mouth, heart and mind, to make a spiritual shift.

To be a confident, healthy, happy woman, here are a few recipe tips for building the vibe:

1. Vulnerability is a strength. Those who come off as if everything is ok, but are suffering inside, see and love your weaknesses to discover your authenticity.
2. Flexibility is a superpower. I can't tell you how many individuals get choked up and aggravated because things or schedules changes, or a conversation shifts. Learning how to rise and fall like the sun is a skill. Use your breath and be more flexible, rather than stoic and tough.
3. Smile. Women who smile 20% more of the time come off as friendly and unconsciously bring the walls of other women down. Be a smiler, releasing the "I'm competing with you face".
4. Please stop competing. The competition is in your mind and you're coming off as insecure, ruining a lot of relationships along the way that you might not even know about.
5. Believe in yourself. No matter your divorce, pitfall, mean boss, crummy team... whatever obstacles you're facing, you can do this, plain and simple, black and white, clear as day. YOU GOT THIS.
6. Dress the part. No need for Prada, but being in Zoom all the time has us women seeing ourselves for more than 8 hours a day. Primp, glow, wear your favorite shirt and feel easy on the eyes for you... so that your confidence intrinsically builds.
7. Be open to falling. Alike to the vulnerability step above, be open to not being the smartest woman in the room, you'll learn a lot. Be open to making mistakes and asking questions to learn how to be better. Fear is a feeling. Fall and dust off, baby!
8. Your authenticity shines. You don't need to wear the heels, or have the title, but what you can have is your inner persona shining beyond your ego so that any imperfections that your subconscious is carrying are let go. Your authenticity makes you YOU, and as always, if your authenticity is too much for some... it will be just right for others. Find your tribe.

Powerful executive women does not take on the meaning of "competition", it takes on a meaning of, as Cynt Marshall would say, "Help a sister out!"

At the end of the day, be kind to yourself. If you're not kind to yourself, you may show up as unkind to others and that's where the problems, gossip, and toxic side conversations begin. Try not to participate and be the kindest you wish to be, for that is where a woman can feel her feminine strength. A kind heart, is an open heart, and an open heart owns a room.

Order kind communication books today, try the self-paced mindset courses, or hire me to host a meditation at your next women's conference .

Elizabeth Barry is an Executive Communication Coach, Keynote Speaker and Workshop Host that focuses on emotional intelligence, public speaking, confidence, mindfulness and leadership. She has written six books that continue to change people’s lives and is interested in speaking and coaching at offices, colleges and events nationwide to teach adults the art of calm through the way that they speak and feel. Click here to set up a conversation , or learn more at www.thekindcommunicator.com