5 Tips to increase Self-Confidence

http://youtu.be/Af99k29RmEA

Anna Owokoniran, Life Coach and Hair Consultant from London gives us some of her best tips for gaining more confidence! 

Follow Anna on Twitter @aniowo or visit her blog on  www.askaniowo.wordpress.com.

5 Life Lessons from Dr Maya Angelou

On Wednesday 28th May 2014 Dr. Maya Angelou passed away at the age of 86 at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In what is truly a huge loss to the world we remember her 5 best life lessons that she left for us women to take with us on our own personal journey’s.

1. People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did but they will NEVER forget how you made them feel.

This is my all time favourite Maya Angelou Quote. It has always stayed with me whenever I am working on a project, at work or in relationships- it is so important to approach everything with love and make sure that people feel validated when they are in your presence.

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2. When someone shows you who they are the first time believe them.

Ooh this one is a goody for relationships and friendships! It has kept me sane. People will always soon enough reveal their true colours. If a friend shows any jealously or envy towards you its not a one off or an out of character situation- that is who they are! If a partner cheats on you, treats you with disrespect and insignificance they are not having a bad day that is who they are. Pay attention & act on the signs people give you.

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3. When you learn TEACH, when you have GIVE.

This is why we have Girls Talk London! I have never been one to keep information to myself and this platform is all about young and older women sharing our stories and lessons learned- whether its a great make up brush we used last week to how we got our dream job to how we have overcome an illness. These lessons and stories need to be shared so that you can help a person who may be going through a similar situation find a way out. Don’t be stingy!

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4. When you know better, you do better.

Have you ever been confused by someone’s behaviour? Just realise that some people do not know any better because if they did they would do better!

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5. We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.

Life is a journey with many setbacks and the key to success is how we bounce back from these experiences and never give up.

 

Thank You Maya for your words of wisdom that has touched many lives. May you rest with the angels.

 RIP Dr. Maya Angelou

Founder, Vanessa Sanyauke

@msvanessas

Our next event: Wednesday 2nd July 2014: Hosted at Teach First

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Our second event of the year will be held on Wednesday 2nd July 2014 hosted by Teach First at their plush offices at 4 More London Riverside. 

Our fabulous line up is:

Tami Hoffman, Interviews Editor at Sky News

Ndidi Okezie, Executive Director at Teach First

Katrina Arnold, Head of Anti-Bribery & Corruption, Global Banking & Markets at HSBC

Lara Oyesanya, Vice-President, Legal Counsel, Retail & Business Banking at Barclays

Claudenia Williams, Head of Key Stage 3 at Teach First & Cast Member of Tough Young Teachers

To book your place get your ticket click here

If you are a teacher there is a limit of 10 places per school. Please email events@girlstalklondon.com to book your place.

We are looking forward to having you all join us!

 

Girls Talk London Meets Nicky McGroarty, Head of Supply Chain, 02

I recently sat down with Nicky McGroarty, Head of Supply Chain at 02 where she spoke openly about her successful career as one of the few female senior leaders at one of the biggest technology companies in the world. Nicky spoke about her first job at The Burton Group, gaining a CIMA qualification whilst pregnant, moving from finance to supply chain, balancing work with family and what she thinks of Sheryl Sandberg’s Ban Bossy Campaign.

I absolutely loved speaking with Nicky. What surprised me the most (pleasantly) was how humble and grounded she still remains even though she is incredibly successful. It was so refreshing to hear about her modest beginnings and how she has triumphed without having any A Levels but with sheer hardwork and utter determination.

Whilst interviewing Nicky it was evident that she deserves everything she has achieved because she has grafted tirelessly for years and took on challenges headstrong. One of the key messages was to never give up as that is not what Nicky will ever do! She also was upfront about the sacrifices that she had to make to give her children the best future. It is important that women are aware from very early on in their careers that you can’t really have it all with the perfect life and some areas in your life will have to give- at some point.

I hope you enjoy this interview & as always please feel free to let me know your feedback!

Vanessa Sanyauke, Founder, Girls Talk London

@msvanessas

 

Michelle Obama: Girl Power Tag!

Michelle Obama recently joined American teen magazine, Seventeen’s new campaign, Girl Power Tag, to encourage young women to work hard and get a good education and to push for their dreams. Mrs Obama offers some great advice and one of our favourites is ‘No one can take away your education from you. It is something that you will always have’. Yes Michelle!

Watch this short video for more of  The First Lady’s words of wisdom!

 

Letter to my 16 Year old self: two

Dear 16 Year Old Me

I want to let you know that you are great just the way you are.  It may be really difficult to believe but the way you look in 10 years’ time really will not be as catastrophic as you think.  Please believe in yourself more and stop having so much self-doubt.  You need to pull yourself together!!

University is not the only path for success please look at apprenticeships and trainee career opportunities.  I have a feeling that you might like working with buildings and in particular residential properties.  But do not be afraid to look at engineering and science where you could excel as there are so few women in these fields.  Try to get some real life work experience as this is what will make you stand out from the crowd – (not that you are a follower remember that).

Never let anyone tell you that you will not be able to achieve something – Anything is possible.   Out of the box career paths are really exciting and they pay well. Do not be afraid to fail at something it will only give you more life skills for the next adventure.   Make time for personal growth and prayer, research other successful people in the field you might like to work in, what were their routes for success and motivation?

Finally try to be as young as you can for as long as you can – do not be in such a rush to grow up.

(P.S. – Invent an App – research it, invest some time and money in it and call it WhatsApp, Facebook or Twitter)

Love you more and more each day.

You

Xxx

Fabulous Female, 26