A few weeks ago I was asked by She Says to speak at their event DIVERSIFY OR DIE. Together with three other speakers from the fields of film, advertising and sports we explored how diversity – or a lack of it – has affected our careers.
Diversity can mean something different to everyone, from gender inequality to cultural or disability bias. They asked me to share a personal story. I decided rather than talk about how being a woman might have disadvantaged me, to talk about how I diversified myself so I could open interesting doors.
Here’s a recap of that talk.
IVERSIFY YOURSELF Don’t just focus on your job, but also on extra curricular activities. Especially ones that can help you expand your network and knowledge. Five years ago a foundation called RA*W Advertisers was founded and started hosting workshops for juniors ‘to learn from each other and seniors’. I went to a few sessions and realised a good network is extremely valuable, but in order to build it you do need to talk to other people. And I was REALLY REALL SHY.
My advice for everyone who gets shy from time to time and finds networking as uncomfortable as I did, I just want to say this: YOU’RE NOT ONLY ONE WHO FEELS AWKWARD.
Over the years I’ve learned myself a few networking tricks, and my favourite one is to write about an event. It gives me a reason to walk up to strangers and ask them questions. Great ice-breaker. I’ve written about events for a few different trade magazines, and this has also helped me build a solid network. Of course the more people you know in a crowd, the easier networking becomes.
photo: FinchFactor
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE A good place to meet new interesting people, I find, is the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. Don’t just go there for the rosé, but sit in on the seminars. In Cannes, and also in Amsterdam, I like to go to talks about something not directly related to my field of expertise – such as architecture or fashion design. And then try to apply those learnings back into my job. Getting inspired by other industries will allow you to see past the obvious solutions or partnerships – and you’ll become more valuable to your company.
For the same reason I joined the RA*W Board a few years ago, to expand my knowledge. I organised sessions regarding topics I wanted to learn more about. Topics ranging from media right to film production 101 to building a solid LinkedIn profile.
I try to get over fears or do things that I find very awkward every once in a while. Scary things can grow bigger and scarier in your mind (thanks to your imaginations) and create blockage. However, if you analyse a fear and face that fear, you often realise it is not that scary. Afraid to talk to strangers? The worst thing they can do is say they don’t have time to chat. Afraid to ask for a raise? Well, it’s unlikely they’ll give you less money!
People in general are afraid of the unknown and changes. I’m one of them. Change used to freak me out. My boss advised me to read Who Moved My Cheese – it helps you see opportunity and growth in change instead of fear it.
I think an interesting career path is never a straight one. By diversifying yourself, expanding your horizon and network, you can create a more interesting profile and open doors that might otherwise have stayed shut. Be the one who sees pas the obvious solutions. And embrace change and use it create opportunities for yourself. ENJOY!
photo: FinchFactor