by Amy Matthews | Oct 9, 2018 | Inspiration |
I went to my high school reunion this weekend – which was an absolute blast. I stayed with a long time friend of mine, we met in 8th grade biology class. Lol. We share fond memories together. I was in her wedding. I knew her parents. I know her family. She knows mine. There’s nothing quite like a friend who has known you since you were fourteen, right? I am very grateful for our friendship.
Though we’re dear friends, we couldn’t be more different.
We have different perspectives, differing points of view, different beliefs. It occurred to me that our differences mirror what is happening in our country today.
I’m a big proponent of sharing your truth and what you stand for – even when others disagree or have a differing opinion. Stand for what you believe in, no matter what. Here’s a caveat. Always be kind and communicate with respect. You don’t need to make the other person wrong.
It’s our differences, not our similarities that make us grow.
Next time you’re talking with your spouse, partner, sibling, child, colleague or friend, be open and curious to their point of view. Listening to different perspectives keeps you open. It keeps you flexible. It makes you better.
Celebrate your differences.
by Amy Matthews | Oct 2, 2018 | Business, In-Power |
One thing is blatantly obvious after last week’s happenings. We have a long way to go to achieve gender equality.
We also have al long way to realizing gender leadership parity. Women make up 51% of the US population. More women get college degrees than men. Yet less than 5% of CEOs of public companies are women.
If you feel angry and outraged with these sobering statistics, you are not alone. The progress and results made to date don’t speak for the amount of hard work, effort and time we’ve put into trying to change the course of history.
Whether it be in politics or business, we can either focus on the positive or the negative. We always have a choice on how we show up. We can get mad. We can get even. Or we can direct our anger into positive action. Day in and day out, we can claim our power, own our grace, speak up and make our voices and opinions heard.
We will win in some situations and lose in others. One thing is for sure — we will continue to make progress and build momentum. We will realize gender equality. We will realize leadership parity. It’s just a matter of when.
Never lose sight of the goal. #Keep Going. Keep on Keeping On.
by Amy Matthews | Sep 24, 2018 | Business, In-Power |
I am super excited and honored to be moderating a panel tomorrow at Dreamforce, Sales Force’s annual conference! The topic is Women In Leadership and is hosted by Map AnyThing and Women In Tech International.
So up my alley, right?
I’ll be having a lively and honest conversation with three distinguished panelists. Topics we’ll discuss will range from their personal experiences as female leaders in the workplace, biases they have encountered, and the effects the #MeToo Movement has had on their day-to-day professional lives.
We’ve made a ton of progress recently to close the gender inequality gap. And, the truth is, we still have a long way to go. I think it’s up to us.
We need to fully step into our power and claim it. Claim what we want and ask for it. Unapologetically. No more waiting for permission or until we are “ready”. No more waiting for old structures to change. For things to significantly be different, we need to speak up and team up with both women and men, and collaboratively and courageously lead the change.
You’ve Always Had the Power My Dear, You Just Had to Learn It For Yourself.
Glinda – Wizard of Oz
In leadership and in life:
Show Up Authentically.
Show up with Confidence.
Own Your Brilliance and Grace.
Rightfully Claim Your Seat at the Table.
It’s Time.
by Amy Matthews | Sep 18, 2018 | Business |
I help clients with personal branding and I often write and edit their resumes, bios, and LinkedIn profiles.
One of my clients who is quite accomplished, asked me to edit her bio last week. I tightened it up and added one line at the beginning so her educational background and work experience tied together. These minor changes made it read more powerfully.
My client’s response was, “That sounds like bragging.”
Huh? Then I said, “Not at all. It’s the Truth.”
Most of us hate the idea of self promotion. We’re socialized to minimize ourselves and our accomplishments. Perhaps for fear of sounding boastful. Or for fear that we’ll be labeled or judged. Or the worst fear of all..that we won’t be liked.
I’m not suggesting that you flag people down like “Hey, look at me!” People abhor that. But…
Emphasize Your Strengths.
Highlight Your True Talents.
Genuinely Be Yourself.
Communicate your truth of who you are, verbally and in writing, with authenticity, confidence and grace.
Think of one thing this week you want to toot your horn about. Then do it!
Come on..I dare you.
by Amy Matthews | Sep 10, 2018 | In-Power, Mindset |
Many of us are driven by the need to fit in and people please so we’ll be liked by everyone. I think it’s because, deep down, we fear if we show up as our true self, we may be criticized or rejected for being different. I get it. Being loved, accepted and wanting to belong are universal human needs.
But here’s the deal:
When we conform or dumb down to fit in, we’re doing it at the expense of living authentically and aren’t being true to ourselves. Every single person on this planet has a unique life story, different values, strengths, skills, passions and DNA. We are all one of a kind and that’s something to celebrate.
To me, the most interesting and refreshing people have a solid sense of who they are. They don’t try to be anyone or anything other than themselves -no ifs, ands or buts. They laugh at themselves. They don’t compare themselves to others. They don’t seek approval from others or give a fuck about being liked.
Instead of trying to fit in and not stand out, ask yourself – what makes me totally unique and irresistible?
Maybe you’re courageous. Or outrageous. Or highly intuitive. Or super creative. Or funny as hell. Or have a huge heart. Or you’re great with numbers. Or strategy is your thing. Or you can sell snow to eskimos. Or you’re able to see possibilities that others don’t see. Or you get a ton of shit done. Or you’re kind. Or patient. Or a great listener. Or the best dancer – ever.
Whatever your secret sauce is, amplify It. Embrace what sets you apart from the crowd. Listen to the beat of your own drum. Cherish and celebrate the unique You.
