I've Interviewed Many Successful Women. Here's What I've Learned About Creating A Career You Love.
As International Women's Day approaches, it's the perfect time to celebrate the achievements and wisdom of women across various industries. In my corporate journey, I've had the privilege of engaging with numerous successful women from diverse backgrounds. Their stories resonate deeply, offering profound insights into what it takes to build a career filled with passion and purpose.
Each woman I've interviewed has a unique narrative, but amidst the diversity, a common thread emerges: they have all charted a path to work that they truly love. Their journeys serve as guiding lights, illuminating the way for those of us striving to find fulfilment in our professional lives.
Here are five invaluable lessons distilled from conversations with some of the most accomplished women:
• Define Your Own Success: Success is a deeply personal concept and can vary greatly from one individual to another. Many of the women I've spoken with emphasise the importance of defining success on your own terms. It's not just about climbing the corporate ladder or achieving societal recognition; it's about aligning your professional endeavours with your values, passions, and aspirations.
• Embrace Your Unique Journey: No two career paths are alike, and that's something to celebrate. These remarkable women have embraced the twists and turns of their journeys, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Whether it's overcoming setbacks, changing directions, or pursuing unconventional paths, they have remained resilient in the face of adversity.
• Cultivate Self-Awareness: Understanding oneself is fundamental to building a fulfilling career. Many successful women stress the importance of self-awareness – knowing your strengths, weaknesses, values, and interests. By introspecting and identifying what truly matters to you, you can make informed decisions that steer your career in a direction that resonates with your authentic self.
• Seek Mentorship And Support: Mentorship can be a powerful catalyst for professional growth. The women I've interviewed attribute much of their success to the guidance and support they've received from mentors, sponsors, and peers. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide invaluable insights, encouragement, and opportunities for advancement.
• Embrace Continuous Learning: In a rapidly evolving world, the pursuit of knowledge is perpetual. Successful women understand the importance of staying curious, adaptable, and open to learning new skills. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or experiential learning, they prioritise personal and professional development, positioning themselves for long-term success.
• Be Intentional About What You Say Yes To: Doing things that bring you joy and propel you forward is essential in crafting a career you love. Successful women are intentional about the opportunities they embrace. They carefully evaluate each proposition, considering whether it aligns with their goals, values, and overall vision for their professional journey. While it's tempting to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, discernment is key. Most of these female leaders would say yes to the things that would move them closer to their dreams, and they would say no to the things that didn’t serve them. By prioritising activities that bring fulfilment and advancement, they maintain focus and momentum on their path to success. Remember, every yes is a commitment of your time and energy – choose wisely.
Creating a career you love may seem like a daunting endeavour, but it's entirely within your reach. As you embark on this journey, remember that your path may be nonlinear, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Embrace the process, stay true to yourself, and remain steadfast in your pursuit of meaningful work.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us draw inspiration from the stories of all the extraordinary women that have shaped the corporate landscape. Let their wisdom serve as hope and empowerment for women everywhere around the world, encouraging us to dream boldly, strive for excellence, and forge our own paths to success.
The journey begins with a single step. Are you ready to take yours?
