Two exceptional women stood out for me last month….
Having recently watched A Star in Born, her Oscars’ acceptance speech and a short video at Yale, I’ve totally changed my mind about Lady Gaga. A few months ago I would have called you ‘gaga’ if you’d said I’d become a fan of Lady Gaga but this Lady is worth listening to as she’s one smart cookie.
There are a couple of things that she says that really resonate. ‘If you have a dream, fight for it”, she continued “There’s a discipline for passion.” I’ve never heard that latter expression before and it’s so wise. In her powerful acceptance speech, she shares and reminds us that success comes down to smart work and refusing to give up on what’s most important to you.
If you have time to watch the short clip of her at Yale, she also talks about nearly giving up music a few years ago as she felt “overworked and that her passion and creativity was taking a backseat because of it.” Time and time again in the past, I’ve fallen into the trap of overworking, becoming burnt out and resentful and when I talk to clients and friends, particularly, women, there seems to be a pattern here.
Lady Gaga goes onto to say “Regaining self-awareness is an act of uncovering your own personal narrative. What you stand for, where you’re going and why anyone else should follow.” She added “Part of my identity is saying no now.” It’s not that she’s being difficult here, but she realised that she was getting passed from pillar to post, doing too much and doing things that didn’t sit well with her and it was sucking away her passion and creativity. She advises the students “Know who you are and then choose what you want to do.” She’s right we all have a choice.
It doesn’t matter what you do and where you work, but staying true to your core values, embracing what you’re passionate about, knowing you have a choice and not being overworked, will ensure that you continue to shine at your brightest.
The other phenomenal lady that stood out to me in March from a leadership and communication perspective - and I’m sure you won’t be surprised at this - is Jacinda Ardern, the PM of New Zealand.
She not only voiced a nation’s grief, she led with empathy, she united people and avoided language of division, she galvanised the community and she communicated quickly, consistently, acting with good intent and with pace, with gun reforms announced two days after the terrorist attack. For me she is a fantastic force for good and at a time when there’s a lack of trust and truth in what we hear, she has it in spades. She’s not only competent and prepared but she’s has huge integrity and purpose and that’s why when Arden talks, people listen.
So two different leadership styles, both fantastic communicators, with strong beliefs and who have a great following. What are your core values and what kind of leader and communication style do you have or want to aspire to?