Letter to my younger self
Dear Zeynep,
As you embark on your career journey, I want to share with you insights from my own story and also the stories of amazing women I am proud to call my friends, ?who have bravely navigated their own career paths. Hopefully our collective wisdom helps you on your path.
Take the plunge, No Matter How Unfamiliar and Scary it Seems
One of my friends had worked for a long time in finance. She was comfortably nestled in a familiar environment but feeling an unfulfilled longing. An unexpected turn led her into the dynamic world of technology, a field she had never considered. Her initial trepidation was soon replaced by exhilaration and success. This journey taught her the value of embracing change and the unexpected opportunities that come with it.
Never give up what you believe to be right path
Another leader’s story ?stands out vividly. She was repeatedly overlooked for an international assignment because of her marital status, a bias deeply ingrained in her company's and country’s culture. Undeterred, she challenged this status quo year after year, until a change in leadership finally opened the door for her. Her perseverance not only carved her path to success but also paved the way for other women in her company to follow.
The Power of 'No' and Self-Care
A senior executive shared a poignant moment of her career – a realization that came during a phase of intense burnout. She had always prided herself on being the go-to person, never saying 'no' to any request. It was only when her health and well-being began to suffer that she understood the importance of setting boundaries. Her journey towards self-care became a powerful lesson in maintaining a sustainable balance between professional drive and personal health. An it even helped her to become more fulfilled and successful in her career.
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Turn Bias into a Catalyst for Change
Imagine being the only woman in a room full of senior executives and being asked to make coffee. This was a real Board Room ?experience for one of the women we spoke to. Instead of reacting with frustration or anger, she used this moment to initiate a conversation about gender roles and expectations in the workplace later on in her career. Her approach not only addressed the immediate issue but also sparked a broader dialogue about respect and equality.
Seek Allies, Not Just Mentors
A pivotal moment in another woman's career was finding a mentor who not only guided her but also became her staunchest advocate. This mentor's belief in her potential opened doors and provided opportunities that she had never imagined. It was a relationship that transcended traditional mentorship, offering her a blend of guidance, support, and advocacy.
Your Unique Self is Your Greatest Asset
One leader's story of career interruptions and shifts is particularly inspiring. Instead of viewing these interruptions as setbacks, she embraced them as opportunities to develop new skills and perspectives. Her journey of adapting to different roles and industries highlighted her unique ability to thrive in changing environments, making her an invaluable asset in the dynamic corporate world.
With love,
Your Future Self
Experienced sales professional specializing in advanced technology for automation in freight forwarding. Ensures transparency and efficiency, driving optimal performance and customer satisfaction.
1 个月Dear Zeynep, our society truly needs more inspiring stories like yours. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I appreciate you sharing such an amazing experience with us, take care :)
Head of Behavioural Science and Innovation Expertise at Kantar. Innovation expert and thought leader.
8 个月Loved reading this ZEYNEP YALIM UZUN. Your first point certainly resonated with me. I’ve taken many leaps in my life, like the time I moved from R&D to Marketing and from client to agency side, but I think I’d tell myself to take even more chances. I was always told the best way to do this is to keep one foot in the familiar so you aren’t totally out of your depth but making one big change at a time (eg Homecare R&D to Marketing R&D) was probably the best thing I ever did ultimately. So I’d tell my younger self why not take more of these leaps. They will help you move towards finding a role that fits with your unique self (the last one resonated as well). I’m also gonna reflect on whether there is anything else I can add in due course.
Integrative Expansion Guide?
8 个月This is very valuable, inspiring and I would love to get involved ???? I believe it is time for the natural feminine leadership qualities to become truly visible, understood, normalized and used. We miss on immense potential as so many women use so much of their capacity on things like creating safety, appropriateness, endless demonstrations of worth, while calibrating themselves to display much smaller, quieter and dimmed expressions vs their powerful, brilliant authentic nature and voice. We will all benefit from a culture where women leaders and aspiring leaders feel safe to simply focus on how to best harness and channel the power of the gifts of their unique self. Leadership has many facets lying dormant under mass calibration of female expression.
ZEYNEP YALIM UZUN dearest, loved loved loved your letter to your younger self (who would have appreciated and used these words of wisdom - as would my younger self who was in the same classrooms with you!) Thanks for leading with love, courage, ease and last by not least, by example! Love you to the moon and back ? ?? ? ??
Partner at The Exetor Group
8 个月Powerful, Zeynep. Congratulations for your impact!