Advocacy News – May 18, 2022
Yesterday, the Michigan ATHENA program, housed within the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, kicked off its 2022 series with guest speaker, Lilah Jones, a leader at Google. Lilah spoke on how to unlock your potential in the workplace without losing your sanity.
“Lilah has spent the last 10+ years in various sales and leadership roles for Microsoft, Dell and Google. She currently leads a team that brings the ‘best of Google’ to solve growth challenges for strategic customers across multiple verticals globally and is known for her authentic leadership.”
For more information on Lilah and her journey, click here.
Michigan ATHENA aims to support and honor women leaders throughout Michigan, from entry-level to executive. The program strives to provide real, thoughtful and innovative tips to help women grow and succeed both in and out of the workplace, and yesterday’s program was no exception. Check out some key take-aways below from Lilah’s inspiring presentation:
- Find (and use) your voice. When you’re in meetings, it is important to have a point-of-view rather than just being in another meeting – whether virtual or in person. Even if you’re shy, find something productive to add within the first few minutes. If you find it difficult to conjure up a point-of-view in a meeting, consider how or if the meetings you are attending are helping your organization advance its goals or your career. Most times, high-achieving people are choosing options that will likely result in success. So, to find your voice and point-of-view, be OK with failure, as failure might be just the feedback you need to change your course. Push yourself beyond what is obvious and make yourself uncomfortable, as discomfort often results in growth.
- Build your network. When is the last time you reached out to check in? Or when you asked for help? Stop viewing seeking assistance as a sign of failure. Do not block your blessings, and allow others the joy in helping too. You should think critically about what you want to accomplish and build a network accordingly. It is up to you to own your career!
- Keep your tank full. When is the last time you looked at your calendar and there was not an ounce of free space? There are so many people in our day-to-day lives that are constantly busy, and continuously accomplishing – maybe that person is even you. But glorifying “busyness” can be detrimental; it is time to change the narrative and celebrate balance. Balance is the key to your energy and productivity – take breaks and participate in self-care and celebrate those moments! As Vince Lombardi said, “fatigue makes cowards of us all.”
You can watch the full discussion here:
If you have any questions about ATHENA, please contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for the follow-up events in our series:
August 30, 2022 – Learning from Your Greatest Mentors
Having an advocate in your corner or a sounding board for career and life decisions can help steer you clear of pitfalls in the workplace. This program will enlighten you about the benefits of mentorship and showcase powerful duos that have proven that a good mentor gives you the courage and confidence to do things maybe you wouldn’t do on your own!
October 25, 2022 – The Business of Human Performance: Having Your Mental State Right at Work and Home
For many of us, work is a focal point of our lives. It is where we spend a majority of our time, where we get our income and often where we make our friends. Having a fulfilling job can be good for your mental health and general wellbeing, but it’s not always easy to bring your “A” game when you feel stressed or unsettled. In this session we will explore techniques and strategies to combat mental fatigue, stress and optimizing your performance in the workplace.
More details can be found here.