Empowered- Vol 32/ 2025 : February 2025
Women PowerUP Network - Admin
A global network of individuals where we believe everyone has some unique skill. We just PowerUP!
Women PowerUP Network - Admin
A global network of individuals where we believe everyone has some unique skill. We just PowerUP!
December 5, 2024
Who we are?
A global network of individuals where we believe everyone has some unique skill. We just PowerUP!
We consist of a group of passionate individuals (of all genders) who are positive, with make-it-happen and lead-by-example attitudes. A peer-to-peer network to support and PowerUP each other! Do I need to be an expert to be a part of this group? NO. We just need to be good enough. Good enough to own up to our limitations, be willing to respond to others, and be social and acceptable.
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK: Shiwanthika De Costa , B.A , PMP
Dear Empowered Readers,
Kicking Off 2025: Remarkable and Rising!
A New Year of Growth, Innovation, and Excellence
Welcome to our first edition of 2025! As we embark on this new year, we celebrate remarkable achievements and boundless potential. The road ahead is filled with opportunities to sharpen our skills, embrace innovation, and lead with impact.
This month, we spotlight "Remarkable and Rising," a theme by Priya Patra, embodying resilience, innovation, and continuous growth. Let’s embrace fresh opportunities, push boundaries, and strive for excellence in everything we do!
Member Spotlight: Malgorzata Machowina
Meet Malgorzata Machowina, our featured member this month! A dedicated mentor and passionate advocate for project management, Malgorzata thrives on inspiring growth and fostering collaboration. Her unwavering commitment to learning and leadership makes her an invaluable part of our community. Join us in celebrating her remarkable contributions!
Book Spotlight: Cheat Sheets for Life
Looking for a smarter way to navigate life? Cheat Sheets for Life is a data-driven guide packed with research-backed strategies to boost productivity, make better decisions, and lead a more fulfilling life. Since its release in 2021, it has sold over 6,000 copies and been translated into five languages. Readers praise it as “like reading a thousand self-help books in one.” If you’re seeking a concise, insightful manual for smarter living, this is a must-read!
Join the Women PowerUP Network!
Be part of a global community that celebrates individuality and empowers women to thrive. Together, we can foster meaningful connections, inspire growth, and shape a brighter future for all.
Let’s make 2025 a year of progress, excellence, and unstoppable momentum!
Stay inspired. Keep rising!
LEADER'S SPEAK by Priya Patra
Remarkable and Rising: The Power of Showing Up
I hesitated, my heart pounding. Around me sat experienced voices, confident and self-assured. Who was I to speak up? But deep down, I knew I had something valuable to share—an idea that could make a difference. I took a deep breath and raised my hand.
As I spoke, I braced for doubt. But instead of dismissal, I was met with nods of encouragement. That moment changed everything. I realized that impact isn’t about being the loudest in the room or having all the answers. It’s about showing up, daring to contribute, and believing that being good enough is truly amazing.
Too often, we hold ourselves back, waiting until we feel like experts before we take the leap. But growth doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from doing. Remarkable and Rising isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing who we are today while courageously stepping into who we are becoming.
And here’s the truth: We don’t rise alone. When many good-enough people come together, WePowerUP. We amplify each other’s voices, create space for new ideas, and remind one another of our worth. The more we lift, the higher we go. TogetherWeRise.
?You are not alone. The Women PowerUP community is here as your catalyst for transformation in 2025.
How Will You Rise This Year? Join us for a powerful lineup of events designed to fuel your growth and transformation.
Ignite Your Inner Power – Discover your strengths, set bold goals, and take ownership of your growth.
Breaking Barriers – Learn from women who have shattered glass ceilings and challenge yourself to push past your own limits.
The Art of Self-Advocacy – Build the confidence to speak up, own your worth, and advocate for yourself.
Mastering the Pivot – Navigate career shifts and personal reinvention with insights from those who have done it successfully.
The Resilient Leader – Strengthen your ability to thrive through uncertainty, setbacks, and challenges.
Remarkable and Rising Together – Build powerful connections and grow alongside a network of supportive women.
Storytelling for Impact – Use your voice and personal experiences to inspire change and lead with authenticity.
The Future is Female – Explore the trends shaping women’s leadership and prepare for what’s ahead.
The Rise of Remarkable Women – Celebrate your journey, your achievements, and the collective power of rising together.
This year, let’s commit to action. Show up. Speak up. Power up. Because when we step forward—**imperfect but determined—we don’t just rise. We lead.
Are you ready to rise?
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MY REMARKABLE STORY:
领英推荐
How Volunteering at Project Management Institute and Mentoring Have Made Me Remarkable - Aneta Wereszczak , Europe Lead.
This year's PowerUp Network theme is " Remarkable and Rising" . I would like to share my personal experiences that have significantly contributed to my growth and align perfectly with this year's PowerUp Network theme. What are they? Volunteering and mentoring. They have been transformative experiences in my personal and professional journey. My involvement with the Project Management Institute (PMI) has not only broadened my skill set but also deepened my understanding of leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. Moreover, mentoring has allowed me to give back, shaping the next generation of professionals while refining my own expertise. These experiences have significantly contributed to my growth and have made me a more remarkable individual.
Building Leadership and Communication Skills
Volunteering at PMI has been an incredible opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills. Through organizing events, coordinating with professionals from diverse industries, and leading initiatives, I have polished my ability to strategize, delegate, and execute projects effectively. Serving in various capacities, including event coordinator and speaker, has improved my public speaking and interpersonal communication, essential skills in any professional setting.
Expanding My Professional Network
Being actively involved in PMI has allowed me to build a strong professional network. Interacting with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and seasoned project managers has provided me with valuable insights and learning opportunities. Networking within PMI has opened doors to collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and career growth that I would not have encountered otherwise.
Enhancing My Knowledge and Expertise
PMI is a hub of knowledge, offering access to industry best practices, methodologies, and emerging trends. By volunteering, I have had the privilege of staying ahead of the curve in project management practices. Attending workshops, conferences, and training sessions has enriched my knowledge, making me more proficient in my field. The exposure to real-world case studies and challenges has also enhanced my problem-solving abilities.
The Power of Mentoring
Mentoring has been an equally rewarding experience. Guiding aspiring professionals and young project managers has reinforced my own knowledge while allowing me to contribute to their success. Through mentoring, I have learned to be patient, empathetic, and an active listener. Witnessing the growth and achievements of my mentees has been a source of immense fulfillment and pride.
Creating a Positive Impact
The essence of volunteering and mentoring lies in creating a positive impact. Whether it is helping someone gain clarity in their career, assisting in skill development, or providing motivation during challenging times, these experiences have shaped me into a more compassionate and proactive individual. The ability to inspire and empower others has given my professional journey a deeper sense of purpose.
Conclusion
Volunteering at PMI and mentoring have been instrumental in making me a more remarkable individual. These experiences have shaped my leadership abilities, expanded my professional network, and enhanced my knowledge. More importantly, they have instilled in me a spirit of service and the understanding that true growth comes from lifting others. By continuously giving back to the community, I not only improve the lives of others but also become a better version of myself every day.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Malgorzata Machowina
Malgorzata Machowina, known as Gosia, hails from Poland and currently resides in Sweden. Describing herself as flexible and authentic, she finds her greatest career moments in witnessing the success of those she has mentored, especially in sparking interest in project management and fostering growth. Her advice to the community is to actively engage in networking, share experiences, and remain open to inspiration, as collaboration enhances everyone's potential.
Join us in celebrating her impact!
SPECIAL FEATURE: Cheat Sheets for Life: Over 750 hacks for health, happiness and success by Ayesha S. Ratnayake
Cheat Sheets for Life is the data-driven ‘manual for living’ that I genuinely believe should be thrust into the hands of every newborn baby. Since being published in 2021, the book has sold over 6,000 copies and is available in five languages. Readers have said “It’s like reading a thousand self-help books” and “Everyone should own a copy”.
?But I didn’t initially plan to publish a book. I was simply trying to answer the question ‘What does science say about living a good life?’ As a busy CEO, I hated the 10 hours a week I spent commuting. Yet, it also meant I was able to tap into the magic of audiobooks to consume hundreds of books. I devoured content about happiness, productivity, relationships, and more – all in an effort to answer that question.
?I would find myself inspired by non-fiction writers who offered priceless factual insights with practical simplicity. Richard Wiseman, Chip and Dan Heath, Emily Nagoski and James Clear all come to mind. These writers put in the effort to provide useful and science-backed guidelines for dealing with common yet crucial challenges. Often, I would read something and think “Wow, I wish I had read this three years ago!”
The problem was that all that valuable information was spread across hundreds of different books. So, for my own reference, I began to extract the most actionable and data-driven insights on how to perform well in life and to put them all in one place. I took copious notes and categorised them. I deep-dived into journals, articles, and courses. Soon, I realized I was building the book I had been seeking my whole life – a handbook for life based on data and research.
?As it took shape, I felt I couldn’t keep it to myself. Everyone could use this information. So, after years spent consuming hundreds of books, I published a quick and practical guide summing up what science says about how to succeed across 17 dimensions of life.
?The 17 chapters of the book represent the areas of life that we all have questions about – happiness, health, productivity, relationships, money – these areas are universal. The book also tackles crucial life skills – like self-motivation, leadership, and persuasion, which can greatly affect the quality of one’s life. Finally, there are chapters on giving and on green living, because contribution is an important part of a life well lived. But although the book has more than 750 insights inside it, it’s not a long book. And that’s intentional. Because what I’ve tried to do is cut out the fluff and serve only the meat.
?I hope Cheat Sheets for Life inspires people to live their best lives. I hope it motivates readers to design their futures with time-tested research. And I hope that it persuades other would-be writers to think, “If she can do it, I can too!” and begin committing the time to put pen to paper (or hand to keyboard). If you’re curious to learn more about Cheat Sheets for Life or purchase your very own copy, please visit the links below. And if you get the chance to read the book and apply its ideas to your own life, please write to [email protected] and share your journey with me. Here’s to you and your best life!
Cheat Sheets for Life website: https://cheatsheets.life/
Cheat Sheets for Life on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TYQ4HH8
Author Bio
?A Sri Lankan born in Fiji, Ayesha S. Ratnayake (MBA, Chartered Marketer) has over 15 years of experience in marketing and management. She has served as CEO of a technology firm where she led the development of an enterprise software product. She has also served as Co-founder of a marketing communications agency and an educational non-profit. Ayesha is the author of four books including the Love Your Life Workbook, Changemaker, and The Utopia Playbook.
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1 周Remarkable & Inspiring Aneta Wereszczak