Everyone has their own unique story; I think most of us would agree with that. But, what most people don’t realise is that everyone’s unique story is worth sharing with others; everyone’s story is worth amplifying – including your own.
The question is: How?
How do you shape your own story? How do you navigate those times when you doubt yourself, question your ability or the value that you bring? And how can we amplify the voices of women more overall?
When I spoke with Dr Katherine Iscoe (or Dr. K as she is commonly known) recently, we discussed these questions and how, as a keynote speaker, author, board member, academic mentor and former CEO of a dual-listed public company, she became confident and proud to share her own unique story and be unapologetically herself.
Whilst proud of these accomplishments, her greatest love is connecting with people on a deep and ‘filter-free’ level. She is widely known for her humorous and relatable stories that help people realise: they are perfect just the way they are.
3 ways to amplify your story
If you are ready to OWN your story and really amplify the message you are sending to the world, here are 3 reminders from Dr. K on how to do this in the most effective way.
1. Stop worrying about what other people think and know the value you bring.
As human beings, we tend to diminish our stories because we’re so worried about what other people think; we’re not thinking about what lights us up. Instead, we focus on which person’s opinion is going to make us feel less about ourselves, less than efficient and unworthy. So, having these conversations with yourself comes first.
Understand the value that YOU bring to the table, and remind yourself that it might look very different from others. Albert Einstein once said “if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”.
Understand the unique value that you bring and stop comparing yourself with others; don’t fall into this comparison trap that the story you have isn’t as good as someone else’s.
2. Get away from the win-lose mentality.
If you want to change the way you think, you must first understand why you think the way you do. What are the driving forces that cause you to have this win-lose mentality? Once you’ve identified them, you can then steer your mind in the direction you want it to go.
You need to understand the value that YOU bring and remember: We all have different privileges. And by privileges, I mean we’ve gone through different experiences that have made us better human beings. So, instead of competing with others, why not help each other instead? As they say, we rise by lifting others.
The reality is that the only person you have to be better than is yourself. Competing with others is a waste of time.
Get to know yourself better, own your story, and become comfortable with who you are.
3. Find Strategies to Close the Gap Between Men and Women
Sometimes we need that extra push to help identify gaps and opportunities to rise up and amplify our voice and presence. I often say, you do not need to be the loudest person in the room to be noticed - find your niche and let that be your loud.
But remember, we are all in this together. So, lift those around you too as often as you can.
If you know someone – whether it’s your daughter, your sister, your aunt, your CEO, CFO, your GM, or someone else – watch out for those opportunities, where you see that spotlight needs to be shined on that person, and allow them that space.
Allow them to win, you don’t need to win, we can all win by helping each other.
Final Thoughts
Your values, interests and relationships are the parts that make you stand out. You have your own unique story, and it IS worth sharing with others. Everyone’s story is worth amplifying.
So find yours and project it to the world!
