I was privileged to be invited to share my career journey with an audience of mostly female millennials at the second Women 4.0 – “a platform to highlight successful women in industry, to inspire all people and to lead a positive path for the next generation” – which was held in the conference room of Rollits (Solicitors) LLP in Hull.
The event coincided with Ada Lovelace Day and I shared the speaking platform with the inspirations that are:
- Claire Clark CEng, BSc Hons, MIET, MBCS – co-founder of Women 4.0, award-winning Director Of Software Development at Sauce, Certified Agile Coach, Professional Scrum Master, Prince2 and Change Management Practitioner.
- Rachael Winter, Director of Global Operations at Smith & Nephew (Hull).
It was the first time I had been invited to speak to (primarily) women in tech and industry. Although I have performed many talks, including keynotes, I tailor them for every event, every audience. For Women 4.0, it meant starting with a blank screen, as I had absolutely nothing existing on which to base a talk for this audience.
To my delight I discovered that technology had connected every chapter of my life since the age of 7. Once I’d found that common thread, the story started telling itself.
It was also the first time I had been seated on the platform, facing the audience, awaiting my turn to speak. Once I’d got used to the “goldfish bowl” sensation, I enjoyed it! Going last gave me the opportunity to observe reactions, identify the encouragers with whom to make initial eye contact, exchange smiles and get a feel for the room. If you are new to speaking, I would recommend this approach. Don’t be tempted to go first just to “get it over with”. No! It’s not the dentist! This is your moment, your chance to shine. Enjoy it, don’t merely endure it. If you’re relaxed you can better support your fellow speakers and the audience will enjoy it more, too!
My thanks go to Shannon Capon for the wonderful photos and to Claire Clark and David Summerbell of event partner Barclays Eagle Labs Hull for the opportunity.
Courtney Farrow of Bloom reported on the event for the C4DI (Hull) and you can view it here.
Annalieza put a lot of effort in to the presentation and had carefully considered its purpose, tailoring her talk to ensure relevance to the event. She delivered her inspiring story with great enthusiasm and passion. Annalieza, you certainly ‘made your marque’. – Claire Clark
I am keen to help millennials master a legacy mindset so that they can grow into their big model leadership boots. If this is you, please connect with and PM me on Twitter and/or LinkedIn.
**** STOP PRESS **** Don’t miss out on tickets for the next event which will take place on International Women’s Day, Friday 6 March 2020. Tickets are free of charge and they sell out very quickly. For more info and to purchase your ticket, click here.