Equivalent Too

Stereotypes are formed at a young age, with the toys that we give girls and boys and the colours we make them wear.  Stereotypes can bring people down, particularly those who are unique and conventional.  Stereotypes never acknowledge the substance of a person, which is why it's important that each of us look within to discover who we really are.  What makes us tick?  Only then can you be bold and brave enough to be the person you want to be, in a world full of stereotypes.  

This week on Innervation is all about proving ourselves, because most of us spend so much of our precious time trying to do just that.  The need to prove ourselves to others can push us to make choices we actually don’t want to make.  That need can start from an early age, wanting to prove to our parents, for example.  On the other hand, I discuss how great things can come out of life’s difficulties and that proving oneself doesn't have to be a bad thing.  Tough times can help you clarify what it is you want out of life.  The truth is that life is not without its challenges, so we could use each of those challenges to learn more about ourselves, rather than proving ourselves to others.  Enjoy being you - prove yourself for yourself!

Self doubt is inevitable.  It can be paralysing, but it can also be the rocket fuel to launch you!  I uncover the perspectives of my Scilence guests on this topic to find out how and where self doubt comes from and the best way to deal with it.  

What does having it all mean to us?  Is having it all different for men and women?  Is it realistic to expect to have it all?  Is it just material?  Is it sustainable?  Is it a motivator, or the source of pressure and disappointment?  Who defines it?  What is the healthiest approach to having it all? With all these questions addressed, we come up with ideas for avoiding the pitfalls in striving to have it all, whilst maintaining one's sense of self, staying sane and happy.  

Life can get competitive, can't it?  

In this episode, I break competition down to try and find a way of navigating it in a healthy way.  On the one hand it can drive and motivate us, but left unmanaged, it can drag us down.  

As always, I draw upon the wisdom of my inspiring guests from Scilence, who have their own perspectives  They share their wisdom on how they are able to come out winning in every competition.

We may all experience bullying in one form or another, sometimes it can be subtle.  In this week's episode I take a look at the bullying that Women in STEM have experienced, and more importantly how they have handled it and even used it to grow stronger and more self-assured.  

My new podcast is here at last, and what better way to launch it, than on International Women in Engineering Day (23rd June)!  On this series, I'll be scouring through all of the 100 past episodes of Scilence, to drill down deep into the issues that concern all of us.  In this episode, we hear the perspectives of several women on the subject of self-acceptance, what is it, why is it important and how to have it!  

My last and final guest on Scilence opens up about her past, present and future.  We talk about childhood, menopause and having a genuine passion and interest in the technology she is involved with today.  

She herself has struggled with being a woman in a very dominated industry, but she has soldiered on no matter what.  Her key message breaks through all discrimination to say that whatever it is you do, no matter who you are, do it well.  

My guest is a powerful woman to end this series on.  Thanks for listening to the honesty and openness of this podcast - I hope people's stories have resonated and helped you to feel more empowered.  

My guest this week travel to remote and extreme places for a living.  When she's out doing her science, she goes into 'expedition' mode, which means she has to forget about what is going on at home.  This involves a huge amount of trust and understanding, both from her partner and from her - as this is not the way stereotypical women behave.  Women are expected to prioritise families.  

My guest challenges these stereotypes, through her career, because she has always been so passionate and curious about the world around her.  She confidently makes her own decisions based on her gut instinct and following her heart and what comes with that territory is taking responsibility for your own decisions.  

My guest this week travel to remote nd extreme places for a living.  When she's out doing her science, she goes into 'expedition' mode, which means she has to forget about what is going on at home.  This involves a huge amount of trust and understanding, both from her partner and from her - as this is not the way stereotypical women behave.  Women are expected to prioritise families.  

My guest challenges these stereotypes, through her career, because she has always been so passionate and curious about the world around her.  She confidently makes her own decisions based on her gut instinct and following her heart and what comes with that territory is taking responsibility for your own decisions.