Empowered women are their best authentic selves

Women make up 50% of the world’s population, and yet there are disparities of gender-equity, and ethnic-equity, in the workplace (C-Suite), education, economy (pay gaps from our male counterparts), politics, etc.

It begs the question how do these discrepancies continue toward this large demographic that exists on the planet?

More importantly, what can we do to empower others and ourselves to start living an enriched life where we are fulfilled? How do you go from surviving to thriving? Here are some key things to consider:

• Develop your personal brand. Show up as your authentic self and give yourself permission to be you. If you shine, you shine. Period. Never diminish your light.

• Be honest with yourself and others around you (family, friends, colleagues) about your boundaries and limitations: work, family, mental, financial, and when and where you need help. (You are not superwoman!)

• Uplift other women. Mentorship…take under your wing…encourage other women around you.

• Advocate and sponsor. Invest in others (time/money). Take a more active role as a participant in the success of the outcome

• Share your story! This is a hard one because you have to be vulnerable and that’s a scary place to be. With strangers, yes, but even with the people you know, love, and trust. But by telling someone you’ve been where they are, or how you overcame a challenge, it let’s another woman know she is not alone. And it can be freeing for you too!

• Have an open mind for new experiences and people. Travel to new locales, learn a new language, or try new cuisine. Expand your mind and welcome the new!

• Don’t let fear stop you. Fear of rejection, being misunderstood, under-qualified, impostor syndrome…comparing yourself to others. Don’t ignore the fear. Acknowledge that it’s there, but don’t let it overtake you, causing you to become stagnant/stale so you can’t move forward. (start the business, go after the extra degree, fill out the application, ask for the promotion)

• Pursue joy. Find the things you are passionate about and pursue them with fervor. Don’t just dream about it, be about it. A dream without a plan is a wish.

All of this is individual to you.

Only you know that inner work that needs to be done so that you can show up as your best and authentic self and have a positive impact on the people within your circle of influence.