IWD: Influences & Impact

Navigating a career path is a journey marked by the influence of those we encounter. These individuals shape not only our professional technique and growth but also play a part in the essence of our professional identity. In my own experience, the feedback and invaluable lessons learned during my early career stages were important in developing my meticulous approach to financial performance analysis. This foundation has shaped my commitment to delivering detailed feedback and presenting findings with clarity and precision. I've come to appreciate the importance of adapting my approach to the workplace environments and the people I interact with.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of working alongside remarkable women—women of strength, intellect, and confidence. Each has left a mark, contributing to my growth as a professional, a mother, and an individual. What better day to acknowledge those positive influences than on International Women’s Day.

While many perceive me today as a confident, outspoken professional, that wasn't always the case. I recall being inspired by a manager who presented herself as hardworking, with sophistication and self-assurance. I consciously mirrored her approach, aiming to demonstrate those qualities myself. This wasn't just imitation; it was a crucial step in shaping my professional identity, a process fueled by the powerful examples set by the women around me. It underscores the profound impact individuals have on our development, demonstrating how, through observation, emulation, and ultimately, personal evolution, we form the professionals—and the people—we become.

While this post is about the remarkable women have shaped my journey, it's important to acknowledge that guidance and inspiration aren't confined to gender. Men, too, have played roles in my development, offering invaluable lessons and perspectives. Every individual we encounter, regardless of gender, leaves an impression. Mentorship and guidance are gifts offered by anyone we interact with daily, and each person we meet on this journey leaves an impression that molds who we become.

And so, as we celebrate International Women's Day, let's not only reflect on the extraordinary women who've illuminated our paths, but also commit to being those beacons for others, regardless of gender, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to build their own strong, confident identity and contribute their unique strengths to the world.