InclusivelyHer

Are you who you say you are? From exaggerated skillsets on resumes to entertaining imposter syndrome at every opportunity in our careers, sometimes it's hard to don the cape so many think we should wear. Folks are out here lying on their resumes and for what? Join me on this episode as I briefly share the reasons why. I also have a thought or two that should help put things in perspective. 

November 8th is National STEM Day! While we're exposing children to the different areas of STEM, let us not forget to look out for one another. I recently suffered a bout of laryngitis followed by a couple of other challenges and I knew that once I felt better the first thing I wanted to do was encourage us to use our voices more. So enjoy this bonus episode of InclusivelyHer and keep writing in with your thoughts and stories. You say that I inspire you ... please know that you all inspire me as well. 

My first guest is adept at calling a thing a thing -- of course she is ... she's a senior software quality assurance analyst. With over 25 years of experience in technology, Lola Awomolo is nothing short of inspirational and aspirational. She immigrated to the United States from Nigeria and had an interesting start while getting into tech. I hope you enjoy our conversation -- I may have laughed a little too much but you'll see why, Lola brings that part of me. 

I had way too much fun recording this episode. I laugh a little ...well a lot I laughed a lot. I enjoyed recording this episode because it came about after I had a chance to talk with two incredibly bright people. Often times when we're confronted with challenges at work, especially gatekeepers -- those what would block access -- it can be an overwhelming experience. Take a listen and hear me discuss the connection between gatekeepers and the quest to boldly go where no one has gone before. 

I'm drawing inspiration from the great Hattie McDaniel, award-winning actress from Gone With the Wind, in this episode.  Aside from being a fantastic talent, she actually laid a blueprint on how to get the recognition you deserve. Here's where the power of discernment comes into play. Can you tell whether you're being included and appreciated or if you're given lip service? I'll give you three things to consider. Join me. 

Do you trust your gut? Sometimes our instincts can unintentionally lead us towards an unconscious bias, and other times, it's a life-affirming phenomenon. I'm channeling the late great RBG in this episode. I'm talking about all things conscious and unconscious bias. I'm also sharing with you a tool I recently used to check myself; afterall, I've got to walk my talk. The Implicit Association Test (IAT) can is here: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/education.html 

Today's episode is based upon one of the challenges I've had in my professional career. I've tried to do great things but wasn't provided the opportunity to flourish or receive support. Does this sound like you? You're not alone. Studies have shown that for the past decade, women continue to face the same challenges: gender pay gap, sexual harassment, racial discrimination, lack of career advancement opportunities, microaggressions, and more - this is a multi-generational issue. Join me, listen, and then talk back to me at: hello@inclusivelyher.com or leave a message!