When you think of the people who have impacted you in your lifetime, what qualities do you feel they instilled in you? Would you be the person you are without having known them?
My greatest influence in life has been my father and it is his gift of tolerance that has stayed with me, personally and professionally. My father accepts every individual as the person he/she is, without judgement. His influence on this front has helped make me a more observant, thoughtful and empathetic person, and I’m forever grateful.
Retroactive influence
Looking back in time, think about advice you would give the younger you. Chances are, that very advice could benefit someone in your personal circle today – possibly a young woman who hasn’t lived life enough to have gained that valuable knowledge. Doing this exercise myself, I have three things I would have told the younger version of me:
- Be patient
- Define success for YOURSELF. Don’t rely on external or corporate measures of acocomplishment
- Say NO more often
Women influencing women
This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the IGNITE IV conference, hosted by Distinctive Women. Influence was everywhere and it was fantastic. Women do each other a world of good when they’re unabashedly kind, supportive, encouraging and collaborative. The effect is contagious. Confidence is boosted. Mentors are born.
And best of all --- we’re empowered to keep doing it.