I recently attended the NAED Women In Industry Forum and was honored to receive the 2018 Trailblazer Award.
Desiree Grace eloquently introduced the award, which is in it’s 12th year. “Being a Trailblazer IS about being brave, strong and capable. Trailblazers have had successful careers in our industry. They have proven that women are brave, strong, and capable. We can run companies, departments, and we can contribute. We have intelligence, creativity, business-acumen, analytical skills, and other attributes needed in today’s world. Attributes that have nothing to do with gender, and everything to do with results. However, being a Trailblazer isn’t only about being a successful business person. It’s about being a successful PERSON. All the Trailblazers, [Desiree included], TRY to PAY IT FORWARD. We mentor, coach, support and encourage each other, and other women.”
I was truly honored when she said “Our next Trailblazer personifies all these attributes.”
Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to make an impact, pay it forward and leave things in a better state than when I found them. So I was excited to accept the award from my dear friend Tammy Livers, and to leave the group with a few key take-aways, things to keep in mind as they move forward in their careers.
I’m pleased to share these with you now:
First - enjoy the journey
.....just be you, don’t be too serious and don’t be in such a rush to be the next you!
There was a time when I thought work had to be serious, when there’s no way you’d see me taking selfies with people at work or having a little fun.
Everything isn’t about return on investment or getting results. I remember a time when I was at an industry event, “stuck” in group who “couldn’t necessarily help my business” so I found myself looking for any way to excuse myself so I could go find that key prospect that I needed to connect with to make my meeting investment “worthwhile”.
How much fun do you think that was?
Then a wise man said to me: “KJ, everyone has something to offer, take time to establish personal connections, learn from every conversation, they might not advance your business or be in a position to give you a PO , but they all offer some unique perspective or insight,
So embrace that opportunity...and enjoy the journey!
Second – Check your woman card!
Which means ... Don’t go into a conversation as a woman in the industry, rather just be a “member of the industry”.
I was not always successful in doing this and remember many times asking myself “did he just say that because I’m a woman?” Or wondering “how would this guy respond to my question or idea if I was a guy.” But I surrounded myself with strong guys and gals who were willing to tell me the frank truth, treated me like a colleague and occasionally set me straight.
Cheryl sandberg talks about having a seat at the table (Lean In), I’ve always just taken my seat.
Perhaps it was my upbringing, I grew up in a neighborhood of lotsa boys and 3 girls, I grew up in my family business as an Electrical distributor and my Dad was always encouraging me and standing up for me. Whatever it was, I just took my seat at the table.
So take your seat...not as a “woman” in the industry, but as a “member” of the industry.
There are so many wonderful people in this industry. If you’re willing to be involved and build relationships with trust and respect, the industry can offer great personal and professional opportunities for growth.
So check your woman card and just be a “member” of the industry. You’ll be amazed at how the conversation shifts.
Third - Find a mentor or 2 or 10!
I was fortunate to have a number of awesome mentors in my life and career. Some of them formal, others more Informal, some lasted a long time and others wained.
But I lucked into it.
If I knew then what I know now, I would have been more intentional and deliberate in finding mentors and given more effort and commitment to make the most of those mentoring relationships.
So now, I am dedicating a large portion of my time to empower individuals in our industry to understand the value of mentoring, and then take a very intentional approach to finding and building mentoring relationships to capitalize on these benefits.