How did you get to where you are
Vera Futorjanski
Innovation Ecosystems, Angel Investor, LP, Leadership, International Keynote Speaker, 100 Women of the Future, Top 100 global speakers, Innovation Expert at WEF and UN, Always curious ??
Last Saturday I gave a keynote on 3 skills I consider important in life. When the organizers of touch digital summit Georgia reached out to me to give keynote on “How did you get to where you are” it really made me reflect on it.
First of all I feel I am definitely not yet at the height of my journey, its a process. Of course I am very touched and honored that I am being asked to give an inspirational speech ???? but I am still learning, and frankly probably always will be. In fact I think it’s important to stay curious and always want to learn new things, and even be a novice again after you have mastered certain tasks.
I spoke to friends (thank you, Petar, for the truly helpful brainstorming session), thought about it and knowing that there are definitely more than just those 3 skills I decided on the following that I feel have been key for me in life:
1. Resilience
2. Nurture relationships / be nice to all people (esp when you don’t need anything from them)
3. Do the hard things
I gave examples for all three from my life during the talk. Opening up and sharing is quite a vulnerable thing to do.
And I spoke about 2 bonus points:
#1 - Take care of your wellbeing,
#2 - Build your tribe.
My brother and his wife listened to my talk, which means the world to me. They and my whole family are my tribe. And a few of my friends. A man reached out to me on twitter after listening to my talk and asked how to build a tribe. I said that I think you build a tribe by being authentic, reliable and honest with your friends / people you want to be part of your tribe. By being there for them in difficult situations so they will also be there for you.
Would love to hear you thoughts on tribe building and also on what you consider the most important skills in life.
#leadership #skills
Head of Corporate Relations - UAE
4 年"But I am still Learning" - so simple and powerful. An observation to this is that no matter where you have reached in your journey - staying aware and acknowledging that learning is an ongoing and important aspect - is what sets a great human and a great leader apart. "Nurture Relationships" - especially when you don't need anything from them - So thoughtful and human. Thank you for this wonderful share.
Corporate Innovation | Enterprise Technology | Partnerships | Go-to-Market
4 年Love the bit about curiosity, because “what got you till here, may not get you there”
Managing Partner - Head of Communications and the Future at Created by Black
4 年Always a pleasure Vera ??
B2B Marketing | Communications | Business Development
4 年Thank you for writing this reflective article. Definitely hard to pin-point three important life skills, would certainly say being driven, adaptable and resilient are some key skills during my life journey so far. An important skill to have is 'enjoying the journey', easier said than done. When I was younger, I didn't have any (female) role models to look up to, or a tribe, which has certainly changed. Having a tribe is definitely wonderful, enriches life and one's journey, and I do believe is a matter of circumstance and opportunity as well. Some doors are not meant to open, and others surprise us and take us on a new path. Building a tribe certainly takes time.