On March 8, the world celebrated International Womenās Day ā and so did the team at °Ä²ŹæŖ½±½į¹ū! We all gathered together to share morning tea and discuss what the theme of 2022, #BreakTheBias, meant to us.
We had such a great discussion as a team, and learnt so much from each other, that we wanted to take it one step further. We asked the women of °Ä²ŹæŖ½±½į¹ū to share their thoughts on this question:
What is a message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
From following your passions, to finding your purpose, or throwing out your plan, thereās a message for everyone at any stage of the journey.
Kim
āYouāll have ups, youāll have downs, and you will have everything in-between. You will wonder if you are heading in the right direction, if you made the right decision, and if you will be OK. The best advice I can recommend is to do all you can to be a āNowistā; live in the moment, shed negative things from the past and gain energy from positive things in the right now ā¦ ultimately improving the possible future. The world is continually evolving at such a rapid pace, one cannot predict the future, nor what jobs will be in demand and on offer. Those who will succeed will be those who can adapt, innovate, and createā¦ so equip yourself with these skills and a growth ā mindset ready to spread your wings in whatever career opportunity society needs you for.ā
Van
āLadies! Donāt be afraid to voice your opinion in a conversation. Speak and express yourself with intention, and donāt apologize for things that are out of your control. Allow yourself to make mistakes so you can learn from them. Be ambitious, dream big, and donāt let anyone tell you what you can and canāt do. The only validation you need is from yourself.ā
Fran
āNothing ever goes to plan and you shouldnāt measure yourself by where you are in life according to āyour planā. Take advantage of any opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in study and in any job youāre doing as you donāt know where that path will lead you and who you will meet. If asked to do something outside of your job role, give it a go and challenge yourself to learn. Itās about exposure and putting yourself in opportunityās path by having the courage to put your hand up. As women, I think we often let perfect get in the way of good and donāt pursue new roles or career challenges because we arenāt already experts at it and donāt tick all of the boxes at first glance. So we tend to count ourselves out before we let anyone count us in. Back yourself and know that you can learn to do anything ā you just need to be willing to put yourself out there to do it. There are many of us out there more than willing to help you ā you just need to ask.ā
Vicky
āFollow your passion and plan your career around. Be ready to take a side-step or a downward step to get what you want. You may need to take a detour sometimes to get there!ā
Nada
āAlways remember to make room at the table for other women ā literally and figuratively - and help the next one in line. Throughout my career Iāve been guided and advised by phenomenal women who have helped me create space for my ideas, my passions, and my career. So, to me, itās important to do that for other women around me too. Thereās room for all of us.ā
Lynn
āYounger generations seem motivated to find ātheir purposeā in and at work but letās not forget to enjoy the ride. Most times we do not fall into the perfect job right away. We test out what works for us, eliminate roles/jobs that arenāt aligned with ourselves to move closer to what we stand for and feel passionate about (that is a win!). And if you want to become a leader one day but you arenāt there yet; look at how you can be there for your colleagues that are right and left from you. Showing up for them, helping them remove roadblocks and stepping into new territories is powerful leadership too. šā