I was recently asked to share some thoughts in advance of International Women’s Day 2025.
Traditionally celebrated in February/March each year, this International Women’s Day truly emphasises the power of women, collegiate perspectives, insights and recognition of those that have come before us.
Women who fought for the right to vote, right for gender equity, fought for remuneration and basic human rights as members of the community.
It is a time to celebrate women, empower, be informed and to support our community of women.
So I offer a few observations and recognise there are many more aspects to being your ‘authentic self’. These have helped me over my nearly 30 years’ service in Defence.
By all means, these are not all of them. However, several of these have had a significant impact and influence on me and my life.
Work out your core values
Reflect on those core things that most resonate with you.
What are your values?
These are important to how and who you convey yourself to others. Identify what things are critical to ‘your joy and fulfillment’ or help to drive your motivations and desires.
It may be a range of things, that include priorities for family, meaningful work and engagement, respect, positive connections, integrity among others. These do not necessarily need boundaries and may change priority over time. However values will guide your consideration of things you hold most dear.
Make an impact in your own way
Some of us may be introverts, some extroverted, some hybrid, some really protective of who they are.
Whatever the perspective, make an impact in small and big ways.
Self-awareness and understanding your potential impact on others can make a real difference to some during your week.
Take the time to look out for others, mentor and lift up others.
The impact of your investment (whether it be small and large) may be felt for years post those interactions. Make them count, be a decent person and treat others the way you would like to also be treated.
Measure of success
What makes you happy, content and fulfilled?
What are you prepared to accept or trade-off?
These elements and measures also may change as we grow, develop and become more aware and reflective. It may also change year to year considerably due to priorities for family, friends, stability and what you enjoy contributing to.
On a personal note, for the first 20 years of my working life my measures of success have been working with great people, professional engagement and an interesting appointment or portfolio. In my later career stages, it has been more focused on seeking stability and family.
Recognise what the elements are that help to inform your decision.
Then own it.
Communication
Communication in whatever form – verbal, written, unspoken, gestures and body language are all important in how you convey your thoughts, views and ideas.
Recently, I was advised that I am too direct. Am I aware of this observation? Absolutely. I would be naïve and lack self-awareness if I did not. Where possible I try to adapt and consider my engagement and audience (depending on the situation).
I am also a bit of a self-confessed ‘over-sharer’ for information. In small and large teams, communication is key. Be forthright, demonstrate integrity and take issues on notice if you need more time to clarify and return feedback.
The return on that investment, that time, that engagement is 100% valuable.
Its ok to be vulnerable
My observation is that women can really have a positive impact when supporting other women.
It is truly powerful. In my opinion it does not demonstrate weakness, quite the opposite.
Share your story, share your concerns, talk through when you hit challenging times, accept and consider insights and constructive feedback. Find your tribe, your village. Ask for help when you need it.
Being vulnerable demonstrates courage, integrity, understanding, empathy and a strength of self.
Where possible try to put yourself in another’s shoes and reflect on how you may feel given challenging circumstances.
I have been fortunate for three decades to have a village of colleagues (male and female) that I can call on to vent and step through issues. It has greatly supported me, enabled greater clarity and consideration when a tough decision or issue is ahead of me.
Dig deep and stand up
(and get help when you need it)
Life is tough. It presents doozies to us in all shapes and sizes.
As a mum of a young daughter there are times, where I force myself to take that deep breath (while muttering a fair amount!).
I have also experienced failure, disappointment, some burnout, adaptation and deep reflection. I have seen some things; some things one should never see.
I have felt and experienced physical and psychological pain and celebrated the joy in work and personal endeavours. I endeavour to identify deliberate recharge time (and continue to work on it – some years are better than others).
Women are damn strong. We are vulnerable too, but we rally, and we are amazing.
Sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper and sometimes you need a hand or a leg-up. That is absolutely fine. Do what you have to do to be authentic to your needs, beliefs and values.
In consideration of being your authentic self, what are those things that you consider important?
What are elements of your individual unique proposition?
If you had five mins to explain to someone what your core values are and why – what would you consider yours to be?
This article has provided a few examples and observations of being your authentic self.
Reflect on your character and the strength of character that women inspire and create.
