No More Hiding

How better feedback can make all the difference

I want to talk about the importance of feedback.

This is the thing with feedback - if done well it can be a great tool to support growth - if done badly it can really hold women back.

I talk about both of these things today and also not forgetting that feedback shouldn't be the only thing we rely on to grow and move forward and I will share some ways you can do this for yourself too!

Have you ever been told "you are great at your job - keep doing what you are doing" from a line manager or someone more senior to you. And you were expecting something a little more specific, something that you could sink your teeth into and something that well would actually help you and your career progression.

Research including that from the HBR (Harvard business review) has found that vague feedback is actually holding women back and they are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to promotion and we need more women at those decision making tables.

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call as there us still time to get it booked in the calendar.

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

Why feedback is important for women's confidence

• Barriers facing women at work
• Why feedback is important
• Celebrate the achievements
• The importance of peer recognition
• Internal Women's Networks (ERGs)

Today we are talking about the barriers that women often face when it comes to their career progression and what simple steps can be taken to to support them especially associated with remote working and the impact that this can have on women's visibility and career progression.

Networking in the corridors of after face to face meetings isn't a possibility right now and we have to think differently to make it work for everyone.

We get to hear insights from the amazing Michelle Jackson who is EDI Adviser at Shaw Trust. She creates strategies, a range of activities and ways of working that remove barriers faced by groups who are underrepresented in more senior roles in the workplace and create a culture where people feel confident to take forward opportunities. Shaw Trust has got some exciting ideas lined up and I know Michelle and I could talk about this all day! Take a listen.

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, talent development and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call and get it booked in the calendar.

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

https://calendly.com/gemmastow-1/call-with-gemma

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingpodcast

Connect with guest Michelle Jackson:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-jackson-58392b39/

How to Break Your Fear of Success

Quick Win Episode!

• How to recognise you have a real fear of success and what you can start to do about it!

Diving straight into this quick win episode where I want to follow on from last week where we talked about the impact that women can have when they speak up and how that impact can actually be causing a fear of success for you that's stopping you from moving forward.

The best way to break the fear is to break the habits that keep it strong. We all have habits or little rituals that we do in order to protect ourselves from things that we don't want or that scare us and fill us with fear. This fear can feel very real and although some people laugh it off it can actually be something that is holding you back from putting yourself forward for opportunities where you can really excel, shine and show everyone who you really are and what you are truly capable of.

Listen in and try the steps I share to get those quick wins.

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call and get it for great value when it's booked before the end of January

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

What happens when women ask for what they want and they get it

In today's episode we are focusing more on what can actually happen when women start speaking up and promoting themselves.

I also want to chat about one of the biggest fears that women can have and that they don't often realise they have which is the fear of success. Sounds counterintuitive right? But it is a very real fear for some and can get in the way of actually getting the success and opportunities you deserve.

"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women." (Maya Angelou)

"When we can recognise things stopping us from speaking up there can be no stopping us" (Gemma Stow)

I also share some of the things that can come about when you stars to promote yourself and what you stand for in different ways - here's a few I have seen happen first hand - listen in to hear more.

• Project opportunities at work
• Speaking gigs inside and outside of work
• Invitations to conferences and events
• Winning industry awards
• Speaking opportunities to share your experiences to inspire others
• Being recognise a the expert in your field

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call and get it for great value when it's booked before the end of January

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

How to ask for what you want at work

Quick Win Episode:

• Book the meeting
• Don't make assumptions
• Practice
• Ditch the guilt

Today I am going to give you a nudge in the right direction for a quick win. These nudges will be short episodes of no more than 5 mins with the aim of supporting you in one area of your self promotion journey. There is no official intro and we dive straight in. Quick wins are crucial when it comes to building confidence with self promotion and visibility.

Today follows on from the last episode which looked at how employers and managers can support women to speak up and ask for help they really want. Today I want to ask you some questions that will help you do that. If you are a line manager then please feel free to ask these questions to those women you are supporting at work too. The sooner women start speaking up and by that I mean saying what they really want to say) the sooner everyone benefits.

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call and get it for great value when it's booked before the end of January

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

How to encourage your women to speak up for what they need

Today I am talking about how employers and line managers can encourage their employees to speak up for what they want. I have rerecorded this intro after the current announcement here in the UK that we are in yet another lockdown. Although you know it is coming and is so much needed to fight the spread of Covid19 it is still always a shock to the system when the reality sets in.

This will yet again impact many people in many different ways and my thoughts are with those that have lost or let's face it lose loved ones in the near future. It is also a very isolating time for so many and even us introverts can get a little stir crazy from no social interaction.

So reach out to those you know need it and perhaps those you think don't - let's stay stronger together. And a shout out to all the parents who are now contemplating what the next weeks will look like trying to juggle everything. When children are learning from home instead of school, it can often fall to the mother to do the work whilst also trying to do her own work and research has already shown the impact that this is having on their own career progression not to mention mental health. Not an easy task and I speak from experience. It's therefore even more paramount that women get comfortable with speaking up and asking for what they want.

I share some tips for individuals to do just that in next week's episode on the importance of self advocacy. So listen in to today's episode and learn how to encourage women to speak up and understand some of the reasons they hold back. Thank you for tuning in and Stay safe and remember We can only do the best we can. So less judgement and more kindness and we will get through this together - again.

So how can you encourage women to speak up?

Well I think it is important to first discuss WHY women avoid speaking up in the first place.

Listen to the 5 reasons that will help you understand what's holding them back and then what you can do about it.

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call and get it for great value when you book it before the end of January

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

• Get the newsletter:

https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

How to be ready for success in the new year

It is 2021! Happy New Year and let's hope that this year is better than the turbulent 2020. All the uncertainty and unknown. I am excited for the new year and all that it brings and I am all about supporting women to set themselves up for success when it comes to owning their expertise and their career progression.

In this episode I will get you thinking about what you really want and reviewing what has gone before so that you can build a fantastic plan for 2021 that will create everything you want for you and your team. Listen in to the questions I ask that will get those cogs turning ready to hit the ground running ….here is a taster

• What things happened that you planned?
• Were there things you were still waiting to happen?
• Were you waiting to be offered more experience, or to speak up in that meeting or to be invited to present at that conference.
• What made you feel like you were missed off the radar?
• What opportunities did you think were coming your way but maybe didn't? -
• Who are you blaming and can you start to look at approaching it differently to make it happen in 2021? What would you need to have in order to achieve the things you want to achieve in 2021?
• Do you have a GPS?
• How will you know when you reach the goals you have set?

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

'Do you have a GPS? This is so important and is one of the key things I work with women on to make sure they know exactly where they want to be going' - Gemma

'This is key - review. Spend some time reflecting and see what worked. And when it comes to reflecting I am the woman to ask you some great questions to help you out on that front' - Gemma

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call as I have a great deal happening for any company that books it in before the end of the year and I cannot wait to facilitate these sessions.

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

• "5 Steps to being more visible at work"

https://www.gemmastow.com/5-ways-to-be-more-visible-at-work

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgemmastow/

How to get that last confidence boost from 2020

It's Christmas!!! So short one from me today but something that will pack a punch for you in terms of giving you a well earned confidence boost! Celebrating the wins is a habit worth building so will you start now and take on my mini challenge?? Let me know how you get on!

Don't forget you can get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

'This is something I do with my clients and create weekly habits where they get used to celebrating their wins. As women we definitely don't do this enough. And for some women I work with they find it so difficult to find a win every week. Why is this?' - Gemma

'Well it's mainly because we take ourselves for granted. Those things we achieve and get done day in day out we start to become complacent with. No longer thinking they are anything important or worth valuing and then over time this feeling becomes the norm and no longer do we see the celebration in the things we achieve. It's like the small wins don't matter and therefore we don't matter.'' - Gemma

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call as I have a great deal happening for any company that books it in before the end of the year and I cannot wait to facilitate these sessions.

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

• "5 Steps to being more visible at work"

https://www.gemmastow.com/5-ways-to-be-more-visible-at-work

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgemmastow/

There is always more to do when it comes to being seen.

#Takeaways

• When women think they have done all they can to be seen and heard there's always more to do

• Finding and trying different strategies and techniques really can make a difference to being comfortable with self promotion

• Self Advocacy is a crucial part of Self Promotion

• Getting clear on what women really want from their career is key for knowing the purpose of visibility and raising profiles

• The internal work and personal development plays a significant part in talent development

• Try the checklist to see what else can be done in raising visibility and owning expertise

Today we are talking about what happens when women think they have done all they can when it comes to securing future promotions and opportunities.

It can really disheartening if women feel they have done ALL the things in terms of raising their profile and being more visible only to find that they still miss out on opportunities. In this episode, I share a quick checklist to make sure that women have a platform to access opportunities and that they are really doing all they can and stacking the odds in their favour when it comes to their career progression.

Get my monthly NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter or book a chat http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

"Self advocacy. It plays such an important piece for self promotion. Without having the confidence to be able to talk about yourself and ask for what you want then all the other strategies may not come to anything." - Gemma

"Have they been identified as emerging or top talent for succession planning in the future talent pipeline? And more importantly have they been told about this and what they need to focus on to secure future opportunities or promotions" - Gemma

What is your company doing to celebrate International Women's day in March 2021?

Get in touch as I have an excellent lunch and learn session that is being booked by companies right now that focuses on self advocacy and how this builds self promotion for women's career progression so that they can start owning their expertise, and speaking up and asking for what they really want which fit is really well with the theme #ChooseTo Challenge.

Email me for more info [email protected] or book in a call as I have a great deal happening for any company that books it in before the end of the year and I cannot wait to facilitate these sessions.

#Resources

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

• "5 Steps to being more visible at work"

https://www.gemmastow.com/5-ways-to-be-more-visible-at-work

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgemmastow/

Why being vulnerable is absolutely a strength

#Takeaways

• The power of being an authentic role model that inspires

• Companies can do more to create a safe space for women from all levels to share stories and experiences

• Leaders hold back from always sharing because they feel like they need to protect others

• Peer groups and women's networks are key to shifting the company culture.

• Women can have it all - when they figure out what their all is

• Surround yourself with different people so you can open your mind

And today we have the super inspiring Zandra Moore on the show. Zandra is CEO and Co-Founder of Panintelligence Data Analytics Software Business in Leeds and Founder of LeanIn Leeds 800+ women's leadership network, mum to 2 and football coach to twenty, 15 year old girls.

When you meet Zandra you cannot help but be inspired by her. And that's exactly how I felt a number of years ago. I am really excited to have her on the show as she doesn't hold back.

She is open and willing to talk about things that sometimes female leaders don't often talk about. Women often have to work so hard in their careers that being vulnerable when you are in a senior positions can be difficult. Although vulnerability is absolutely a strength it's not always viewed that way by others. So many women are inspired by those around them but have often told me that they can't ever reach those heights. Seeing successful career women as 'superwomen' or having to make huge sacrifices in their lives to get to where they want to be.

Isn't it time we start breaking down these barriers to show what the reality is and that if women want it all they have to figure out what their 'all' looks like and that anything is possible for them.

" It's had it's hurdles, of course it has it's never been plain sailing, but when I look back at why I have been able to persist and overcome those hurdles, I had the benefit of somebody from a very young age that made me believe that anything was possible" - Zandra

" It's addictive...the more you do for others the more these things walk towards you..givers gain " - Zandra

"You don't have to be an expert in something to be able to add value or change things or inspire others" - Zandra

"I want women to hear that message that you don't have to know everything to get ahead" - Gemma

"People just present the good, they never present the bad. It's never easy in any role whatever level you are at and it doesn't change whether you are a graduate or a CEO" - Zandra

"There's such power in the 'me too' element of safe spaces and that association with each other" - Gemma

#Resources

Get my NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

• "5 Steps to being more visible at work"

https://www.gemmastow.com/5-ways-to-be-more-visible-at-work

• Get the White Paper 'Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women's Career Progression:

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

• Book a call with Gemma:

http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgemmastow/

Connect with Zandra:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zandramoore/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zandramoore

Website: www.panintelligence.com