The Visible Women’s Conference was an inspiring and impactful experience. It provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with accomplished women, learn from their wisdom, and be motivated by their journeys. Witnessing the resilience and courage of these women left me energized and ready to embrace my potential.
One statement that struck me on the first day was, “The best person is not the bar. The test is, can you add value?”. This question echoed deeply and prompted me to reflect on my capacity to contribute meaningfully, asking myself, “What value can you add?” Another powerful question posed to us was, “What changes would you like to see in your realm of influence?” Shari Graydon’s reminder to “make your visibility about something bigger than yourself” emphasized the importance of purpose in my pursuits.
During the panel on “The Rewards and Challenges of Being Visible – When Success Meets Visibility,” featuring Leslie Quinto, Caroline Codsi, and Tamara Close, I gathered invaluable lessons, including:
- Asking myself, “I haven’t done it before, but why shouldn’t I try?”
- Owning my space, leaning in, and trusting my instincts.
Leslie encouraged us to confront self-doubt with, “Why not me? What’s the worst that can happen?” Her words highlighted the courage needed to face obstacles head-on. Caroline’s advice to “come back and buy the building for every door that doesn't open was a striking reminder to remain persistent and bold. Tamara also said, “Take the risk; it’s always worth it.” The confidence and strength displayed by these women, even when visibility brought vulnerability, made me see the need to step out of my comfort zone.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was embracing reputational risk. Before putting anything out, it is essential to assess it from all perspectives. Developing a thick skin and recognizing that criticism often signals impact were valuable takeaways. Visibility requires courage to own one’s successes, and the real risk is in staying immobile and doing nothing. It’s either you win or learn; growth is inevitable.
Reflecting on Bianca King’s TED Talk session, my major takeaway was that ambition is essential for making an impact. She described ambition as unapologetic and empowering; it’s not a burden but a gift to the world. She says, “Ambition is the catalyst for making an impact.”
By the second day, two things stood out for me: staying true to myself as being authentic will make me more visible, and the wisdom of Bibigi’s advice to “microdose into visibility," embracing growth gradually. This conference encouraged me to pursue my potential unapologetically, reminding me of the importance of authenticity amidst external trends.
I look forward to who I will become as these reflections continue to shape my life.
