Become Your Own Best Advocate
Julie Murrell
Style & Confidence Coach → You hate getting dressed and you think to yourself, "I guess I'll just throw this on again"
Cultivating the Skill of Self-Advocacy
I recently had the privilege of delving into the topic of self-advocacy with Nada Buhendi , a seasoned career strategist with a rich background in agile coaching and product leadership.?
In our Beyond Style conversation, Nada shares how and why self-advocacy was critical for her to both survive and thrive, the most common hurdle and most impactful tools to becoming your own best self-advocate as you advance in your career.
Nada's journey is not just a narrative of personal triumph but a testament to the transformative potential of self-advocacy in navigating the corporate world.
But how does one cultivate such a skill, especially in a society where self-doubt often looms large?
Discovering the Power of Self-Advocacy
Nada's journey began against a backdrop of adversity. Growing up in a volatile household, she learned early on the importance of self-preservation. "No one really taught me how to [advocate for myself] as a child," she reflects. "I had to do it for myself because I had no choice from a survival perspective."
After immigrating to Canada and spending 15 years in the corporate world, Nada recognized the need to take control of her career trajectory and drive her own career rather than letting organizations dictate it. "You had to be your own best advocate," she reflects.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
The biggest hurdle to becoming your own best advocate is imposter syndrome.
Rooted in societal pressures and personal experiences, imposter syndrome can hinder your confidence, ability to speak up for yourself and get what you deserve.
Nada describes the first step to overcoming imposter syndrome being to understand your "North Star".
"Until you find that thing you're passionate about," she asserts, "you're not gonna advocate for yourself."
By identifying your unique strengths and deep rooted interests, you can cultivate a sense of purpose that fuels your self-advocacy journey.
The Role of Storytelling in Self-Advocacy
In Nada’s work as a career strategist, storytelling emerged as a powerful tool for self-advocacy.?
She believes that everyone possesses a compelling story that can differentiate them in the professional realm. By articulating your experiences, challenges, and triumphs, you can connect authentically with others and establish your authority.
Speaking from her personal experience Nada shared, "What has gotten me to where I am is because I started sharing my story," she affirms.?
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By embracing your narrative, you can reclaim agency over your experiences and harness them as sources of strength and confidence.
Cultivating Self-Worth and Professional Image
In the pursuit of self-advocacy, Nada underscores the importance of both internal and external perceptions.?
Cultivating self-worth involves recognizing the value you bring to the table, while also taking care of your physical appearance and presenting yourself with confidence which can significantly impact how others perceive and interact with you.
"You need to take care of yourself as a person," she advises. "Part of self-care is looking good."
Nada encourages her clients to invest in their professional image as part of their holistic self-care regimen, recognizing its role in enhancing credibility and authority.
Empower Yourself Through Advocacy
Self-advocacy is not just a skill; it's a mindset that empowers individuals to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential in the corporate world.
Nada underscores the importance of seeking external support and guidance to navigate the complexities of career advancement effectively.?
In the journey of self-advocacy, each story is unique, but the principles remain the same: know your worth, own your narrative, and cultivate a healthy self-image to confidently chart your course toward fulfillment and achievement.
Be sure to connect with Nada Buhendi on LinkedIn and click here to watch the full replay of our ‘Beyond Style’ conversation.
Julie Murrell
Image Strategist & Career Growth Catalyst for Professional Women
> Mastered the art of external self-advocacy
>> Ready to help you build a strong foundation for your personal and professional image
P.S. If you liked this, I have some FANTASTIC LinkedIn Events coming up that you might also like:
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Book a Style Strategy Session and I’ll share the exact system I’ve used for myself and my private image clients to master their image & style.
Founder Whisperer: Empowering Tech Founders to Grow Within, Tell Their Story & Build Thriving, Authentic Powerful Brands
6 个月Thank you Julie Murrell for putting this article together. I enjoyed our live ??
VP Emerita UN Women | Attorney Action Figure ????♀? | Arresting Author | Chief Negotiation Officer | Plucky Podcast Host | Irreverent Int'l Keynote | "What Box?" Bellwether
7 个月Because who else are you expecting to advocate for you?