Sunflower Diaries

Powerful women feel empowered. 

Confidence is a muscle. You don’t develop it overnight. It comes with years of hard work and practice. Build on your muscles – like you would in the gym.

Listening to uplifting podcasts and songs will help.

Podcast recommendations:

The Science of Happiness 

Squiggly Careers

Good Vibes Good Life

The Goal Digger

Harvard Business Review – anything from this series.

My strategy:

I know if I am going into an important meeting or event, I need to look and feel confident. This gives me the edge for interviews and important presentations.

I was given advice … and will give you the same, you need to have a power outfit/ pretend you are wearing a superhero costume.

…

Dress to impress: 

Hair and makeup

I like to look natural and relaxed. 

Sometimes it is as simple as a fancy clasp with loose curls.

Minimum makeup.

Choose a scent / perfume which is not overpowering.

One you can associate with being powerful but does not smell too strong/ could cause a headache. For me, I choose Jimmy Choo Floral Scented perfume (best friend bought me it- just the right scent for office setting). 

Outfits that make you look and feel good before you leave the house.

Suit trousers/ skirt, and shirt/ blazer combo 

Or:

Suit dress. I tend to wear greys, navy or black. Add your own style but keep it simple and sophisticated (no bling jewellery or bright colours). 

You don’t need to wear heels or certainly (if you do) make sure you can walk in them. I spent many years thinking I must wear high heels at interviews or client meetings. I ended up with sore feet. Choose wisely.

A formal pair of boots or Mary Jane’s often does the trick. I even wore a nice pair of shoes for a remote interview (my current job). Even though the panel did not see, it made me feel empowered and confident. 

Post it’s

I find this helpful before an interview/ exam – with positive words or sayings. 

Rehearse.

It’s like being in a play. Act the part you want to have/ impress your panel. If you have got to the interview/ presentation it shows that you’re worth it. 

You never know the questions but be prepared to answer anything on your CV or presentation. Don’t bluff. Interviewers will know.

Research.

Know everything about the company, topic or reason for interview. You want to impress your panel. 

Bring your whole self. Authenticity goes a long way: 

“Bring your whole self to the experience. Because the more we do that, the more that people get to see that, the more comfortable everybody’s gonna be with it.”

Bozema Saint John

If you don’t feel like you can then you’re probably in the wrong place/ should rethink your options. My mentor last year said she always felt able to bring her whole self to work – making her more happy and productive. 

Believe in yourself. 

If you don’t no one else will. Advice from my mother. 

This article is worth a read for more inspirational quotes: 

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/g38335193/strong-women-quotes/