A Childhood Lesson in Resilience
Being sent to live with my father and stepmother when I was three was a time of transition and uncertainty. It often left me feeling like an outsider seeking acceptance and belonging. This early experience taught me resilience and the value of finding strength within myself, even when I felt unseen or undervalued. Resilience and inner strength became my superpowers to withstand the constant ideological shift due to organizational and political change, with many internal and external forces out of our control. Yet, when we fall, we get up wiser and stronger than before.
Recognizing the Challenges of Male-Dominated Sectors
Fast forward to adult life, I saw a similar dynamic in the professional world, especially for women working in male-dominated sectors. Like my younger self, these women were often unrecognized and undervalued. They had to work twice as hard to be heard in spaces that weren’t designed for them and for less pay. I can also attest to these challenges, having moved eight times during my career.
Sadly, many people remain in their comfort zones for several reasons, limiting perspectives and opportunities. Choosing to work globally, I expanded my network. I worked on complex projects throughout the Middle East and the U.S., acquiring new skills and experience to further my career ambitions.
Turning Barriers into Breakthroughs
I know what it’s like to be overlooked and misunderstood, but I also see the power of transformation. Through my journey, I discovered that success doesn’t come from waiting for others to make space for you. It comes from creating space, owning your voice, and leading confidently.
Never leave your fate in the hands of others. Also, never put all your eggs in one basket; chart your path. Every barrier you overcome gives you the confidence, knowledge, and expertise to persevere. Moreover, having a reliable support system, there’s nothing you can’t handle or overcome.
Being the only woman in many places I’ve worked, I constantly prove my worth by managing microaggressions and systemic biases. Through educating myself and working with a coach, I learned to harness my strengths, advocate for myself, and implement strategies that elevated my career and inspired my male colleagues to reexamine their biases.
The result? Having spent 38 years working in civil service, I survived in the workplace and thrived. As a result, I want to pay it forward by paving the way for other women to follow.
Why I’m Sharing My Story on Substack
I brought my story to Substack to create a space where women navigating similar challenges can find inspiration, guidance, and community. Through this platform, I’ll share personal insights, actionable strategies, and the stories of women who have turned barriers into breakthroughs.
Maya Angelou said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with passion, compassion, humor, and style.” This quote resonates deeply with my mission to help women thrive authentically in environments where their voices matter.
What You Can Expect on Substack
This Substack will be your go-to resource for:
• Personal stories and lessons learned from my journey.
• Practical strategies for overcoming workplace challenges.
• Insights into how women are transforming male-dominated industries.
• A supportive community where you can share and connect.
Upcoming Topics and Resources
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:
• Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling: Strategies to rise above bias and thrive in leadership roles.
• Building Allies in Male-Dominated Industries: How to foster meaningful partnerships and support systems.
• The Confidence Blueprint: Overcoming self-doubt and stepping boldly into your power.
• Navigating Workplace Microaggressions: Tips for responding with resilience and grace.
• From Setbacks to Success: Real-life stories of women who turned challenges into opportunities.
• Free Tools and Templates: Worksheets to help you set goals, manage stress, and advocate for yourself.
• Live Q&A Sessions: Opportunities to ask questions and share experiences.
A Call to Action for Ambitious Women
This space is for you if you’ve ever felt like you’re fighting to be seen, heard, or valued. Together, we’ll rewrite the narrative of what it means to thrive in male-dominated sectors.
Subscribe to my Substack and join a growing community of resilient, ambitious women who transform challenges into triumphs. Let’s build each other up, share our stories, and create a future where women thrive as bold, confident leaders.
In the meantime, tell your friends!
