Unwavering

CHAPTER 9I Am Where I Earned to Be

Today, more than 35 years into my Accenture journey, I am aware of what it takes to claim my earned space and have my voice heard. I have learned how to position myself to be seen and have my value acknowledged. I have assertively positioned myself, and I have recognized how each career decision impacted my overall wealth‐generating goal. Claiming my earned space has required honest conversations with myself about what is impacting me, while challenging myself to move out of the comfort zones that could have limited my opportunities and kept me stagnant. I have learned how to differentiate between emotionally charged decisions versus those that are well thought out. I have surrounded myself with motivators, and have assertively communicated my career goals with leaders, holding them accountable as my advocates. To claim my earned space, I have sought to learn and evolve, but I have also given myself grace when my mistakes led to tough or disheartening lessons. I have used the lessons to teach and bring others along on my journey while also helping them navigate their own paths. It has been a truly incredible ride with many incredible people, and it was only possible because I refused to let biases define me, and unapologetically defined my brand of courage.

Yet even with all the amazing things that I have experienced, accomplished, and learned, I still find myself triggered when someone doubts or dismisses my abilities. It's a familiar scenario ...