In my career I’ve worked hard to climb the tower, which I will now call a jungle gym. I started out as a 19 year old looking to provide for my son and just pay the bills every month. I can now say that I more than provide for my family as the breadwinner! (Insert “Thank you wonderful husband who has my back”) But my climb is not over… I still have big goals to obtain.
In this path there have been more than a few obstacles. From being treated like a youngster that doesn’t know anything, to being judged by other females or just plain not given the chance that so many of my male co-works have because I was a female with a child.
48 Things Women Hear In A Lifetime (That Men Just Don’t)
I pride myself in continuing to climb from vine to vine. In this climb I’ve collected a duel bachelors degree, my 201 Admin Salesforce certification and about half the badges on Trailhead. I continue my journey with my education in collecting certifications and just daily learning from great mentors and relationships that I make alone the way.
Some days, OK most days I feel like the picture below!
I’m juggling all of life’s craziness, plus work and all the needs for my family. The inevitable question hits… “How the hell do I do all of this and remain sane?!” Well truthfully you can’t… Let’s be honest people, we can’t do it all nor should we. And if by chance you do “have it all” bottle it and sell it!
Here are just a few books that have helped in along the climb. If you don’t have time to read like me, download them from the local library or Audible and listen to them in the car or while working out. AKA walking with the kids to the park! 😉
Making a plan
I started with Lean In the year the Sheryl Sandberg spoke at the Dreamforce keynote. It really didn’t hit me until a year later that I really needed to do something for myself and lean into my career. I took the first step in finding a job were I could grow.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
Looking at the map
There is no easy button as much as I wish there was. Leadership and leaning into your career are hard and taxing. There are days that I want to throw in the towel. Those days I “phone a friend” or go running to just get it out of me. These 2 books helped me understand what kind of leader and map I want to follow.
Asking for directions
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my climb is to ASK! I’ve never been afraid to ask for something, just ask my mother. But it was figuring out how to ask in a way that will get the attention you are looking for. Whether the answer is yes or no at least I asked and asked in a way that I was heard.
I’ve even passed these books off to a couple of senior executives. (wink, wink)
One of my mentors shared this recently with me. I love this quote because we all need to support one another regardless if we agree or disagree.
#SalesforcePrincess 