How to Consciously embrace how you are

Growing up, I was a geeky “tomboy,” passionate about math and science. This passion naturally led me to choose an engineering path, a field that resonated with my analytical mind and love for problem-solving. However, as I progressed in my career, I discovered a love for beauty and fashion. This new passion helped me get in tune with my feminine essence, presenting a unique challenge: reconciling these seemingly disparate aspects of my identity.

Would embracing my femininity be positive or negative for my career and success? This question—and the underlying fear—stemmed from a hidden subconscious belief. Many people might think it's positive to be multifaceted, but I haven't always seen it that way. Throughout my journey, labels like “superficial” or “not as good as” often came up, casting doubt on my achievements in very competitive, male-dominated areas such as Engineering, Business Consulting, Complex Industries, Operations, and Executive Committees.

The perception that a woman passionate about fashion and beauty could not excel in these fields was a hurdle I had to overcome. It made it hard for others to believe, and sometimes even for me to believe, that I had achieved so much. This skepticism forced me to redefine success on my own terms.

In our society, we talk a lot about providing young girls with models of success. However, the problem arises when we look at the spectrum of “successful women.” Many of these women—CEOs, executives, high-ranking politicians—often feel compelled to dress, talk, and act like men, usually at the cost of a balanced life. The traditional image of success seems to demand a sacrifice of femininity, perpetuating the idea that to be taken seriously, women must abandon their authentic selves.

I believe we have a responsibility to show different role models. We need to demonstrate that it is possible to be a brilliant scientist and a fashionista, a CEO and dress girly. Our unique qualities do not hinder our professional capabilities; in fact, they enhance them.

For instance, I love having beautifully artistic photos (Here at Harcourt) and wearing beautiful clothes. This personal passion hasn’t prevented me from being successful. I vividly remember sitting as the youngest executive in a room, confidently defending multiple nine-figure investment dossiers in my red Jimmy Choos. These shoes were not just a fashion statement; they symbolised my journey of embracing my true self while excelling in a demanding career.

The key takeaway from my journey is that success does not have a one-size-fits-all definition. We must redefine success on our own terms, embracing our unique qualities and passions. By doing so, we can inspire the next generation to achieve greatness without sacrificing their essence.

This shift in perspective is crucial. When young girls see diverse role models who embrace their femininity and excel in their careers, they learn that they too can pursue their passions without compromise. They learn that they do not have to choose between being themselves and being successful.

In conclusion, it's time to challenge the outdated notions of success and create a new narrative—one that celebrates the harmony of professional achievement and personal authenticity. Let's inspire the next generation to embrace their unique qualities and redefine success on their own terms. By doing so, we not only empower ourselves but also pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future.

Thank you for reading The Feminine Way.

I wish you an amazing week,

Abir

P.S. If you're new here, my name is Abir. You can learn a bit more about my story here.

As a CEO and entrepreneur, I can teach you how I did it all without sacrificing my personal life. I have opened a few coaching slots for this summer at a 50% discount. Make sure you book your slot before it's sold out.