In 2011 @ my first tech job:
🙅🏽‍♀️ I was afraid to seize opportunities
😬 I was afraid to speak my mind

In 2021:
🥳 I was headhunted to be a VP @Brandwatch
🏆 I was voted #13th most influential woman in UK tech @ComputerWeekly

So, how did I grow my self-confidence?

*A THREAD*
I actively removed negative people from my life.

When you're already struggling to be your own #1 fan, having people around you that encourage judgement & criticism won't help.

Be cruel (to them) to be kind (to yourself).
I leaned into my strengths. You can develop your strongest skills to become exceptional in your domain.

When you're exceptional, you get results.

When you get results, you build a track record.

Believe in your track record - believe in yourself.
I learned to say no.

I learned that not every opportunity or ask will serve my goals & priorities.

I learned that as a woman in patriarchy, and as a WOC in a mostly white industry, I had succumbed to the 'disease to please' as a survival tactic.

"No" became my friend.
I found my people.

I found people who shared my values, my ambitions & my insecurities.

Some I'm grateful to call friends, others I've only met through the content they create.

Their voices have elevated me during my lowest lows. Their gems of wisdom created light in darkness.
I learned to stop fearing failure & enjoy taking risks.

Fear of failure makes us procrastinate. It stops us from making moves that take us closer to our purpose.

It's a comfort blanket I grew out of.

Some risks paid off. Some risks hurt.

ALL of them were valuable lessons.
I learned to practice gratitude. This includes gratitude for myself & all my feelings & flaws.

The act of practicing gratitude has taught me how to extend the compassion I give to friends & family to the most important person in my life: ME.
I learned my value & how to fight for it.

I've learned how to assess the value of my time & create boundaries with collaborators

I know my worth & I know that I am worthy. Not just worthy of the big bucks but also of respect & appreciation.

Hope these tips help- GOOD LUCK! 💜

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More from @Abadesi

12 Jan
In 2020 I delivered close to 100 talks & keynotes 💫

Looking for advice on public speaking? 🎤

Here's advice on how to channel your inner @Oprah next time the (virtual) spotlight is on you ✨

*A THREAD*
Never read from a script.

It may feel comforting but it affects your regular cadence making your delivery come across unnatural.

Instead, practice your talk as much as possible & create bullet points of the key reflections you want to share.
Stand up for your talk, yes even if its virtual.

If you don't have a standing desk convert a table to a standing desk with books or whatever you can find.

Standing helps you project & if you like to gesticulate like me (& @Oprah), you have more range of motion to do so.
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