The Visible Women鈥檚 Conference was an inspiring and impactful experience. It provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with accomplished women, learn from their wisdom, and be motivated by their journeys. Witnessing the resilience and courage of these women left me energized and ready to embrace my potential.
One statement that struck me on the first day was, 鈥淭he best person is not the bar. The test is, can you add value?鈥�. This question echoed deeply and prompted me to reflect on my capacity to contribute meaningfully, asking myself, 鈥淲hat value can you add?鈥� Another powerful question posed to us was, 鈥淲hat changes would you like to see in your realm of influence?鈥� Shari Graydon鈥檚 reminder to 鈥渕ake your visibility about something bigger than yourself鈥� emphasized the importance of purpose in my pursuits.
During the panel on 鈥淭he Rewards and Challenges of Being Visible 鈥� When Success Meets Visibility,鈥� featuring Leslie Quinto, Caroline Codsi, and Tamara Close, I gathered invaluable lessons, including:
- Asking myself, 鈥淚 haven鈥檛 done it before, but why shouldn鈥檛 I try?鈥�
- Owning my space, leaning in, and trusting my instincts.
Leslie encouraged us to confront self-doubt with, 鈥淲hy not me? What鈥檚 the worst that can happen?鈥� Her words highlighted the courage needed to face obstacles head-on. Caroline鈥檚 advice to 鈥渃ome back and buy the building for every door that doesn't open was a striking reminder to remain persistent and bold. Tamara also said, 鈥淭ake the risk; it鈥檚 always worth it.鈥� The confidence and strength displayed by these women, even when visibility brought vulnerability, made me see the need to step out of my comfort zone.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was embracing reputational risk. Before putting anything out, it is essential to assess it from all perspectives. Developing a thick skin and recognizing that criticism often signals impact were valuable takeaways. Visibility requires courage to own one鈥檚 successes, and the real risk is in staying immobile and doing nothing. It鈥檚 either you win or learn; growth is inevitable.
Reflecting on Bianca King鈥檚 TED Talk session, my major takeaway was that ambition is essential for making an impact. She described ambition as unapologetic and empowering; it鈥檚 not a burden but a gift to the world. She says, 鈥淎mbition is the catalyst for making an impact.鈥�
By the second day, two things stood out for me: staying true to myself as being authentic will make me more visible, and the wisdom of Bibigi鈥檚 advice to 鈥渕icrodose into visibility," embracing growth gradually. This conference encouraged me to pursue my potential unapologetically, reminding me of the importance of authenticity amidst external trends.
I look forward to who I will become as these reflections continue to shape my life.
