HOW DID YOU IDENTIFY YOUR PASSION AND THE WORK THAT SATISFIED YOU VERSUS WORK THAT JUST PAID THE BILLS?
I identified it by asking myself deep questions about what truly makes me happy, and also by visualising myself at 80 years old, looking back on my life. If I would have stayed in that profession and lifestyle would that be how I would have wanted my life to look like?
WHO WILL ETERNALLY BE A WOMAN YOU ADMIRE AND RESPECT, AND WHY?
A woman who can be vulnerable and grateful for what she has in the present. That is for me a strong woman. And when obstacles appears she always find a solution and rise again. She is kind to herself and to other people. She always lead by example, allowing other people to be as unique with their different personalities as we all are. To stand up for her opinions even if it sometimes makes her scared.
IN LIGHT OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF OUR HASHTAG #WHYITRIBE, WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO CELEBRATE WHO WE ALREADY ARE TODAY?
If we focus on being kind to ourselves, in our own presence…celebrating all the small steps we are taking every single day. That is what really counts in the long run. My mantra is one small step at a time. To be extremely grateful for what we learned every day. Then the magic feelings start to happen.
NAME A TIME RECENTLY WHEN YOU SAID SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF/HOW DID THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?
Early this morning I said to myself that I am very grateful that I’m the best possible mum I can be today. It gave me a really lovely and warm feeling in my stomach.
WHY DO YOU THINK WOMEN SHY AWAY FROM CELEBRATING OR PRAISING THEMSELVES SO MUCH?
In my world, I think we have been raised not to celebrate or praise ourselves, from the history and even today. We have been taught not to take up too much space in the world, but that is changing now. When we all give love, understanding and praise to each other, good things start to happen. When we all give, without expecting anything in return.
HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THE TENDENCY TO DISCREDIT COMPLIMENTS YOU ARE GIVEN?
To stand strong in my body language and just breathe, to give myself a minute to reflect on the compliment and then say ‘Thank you’.
WHO WAS THE FIRST FEMALE TO TEACH YOU OR INSPIRE YOU TO FEEL THAT #YOUAREENOUGH?
My cousin, who I grew up with, has always made me feel that I can be totally myself. We have so much joy and love when we spend time with each other.
HOW DOES SOCIETY REINFORCE THE IDEA THAT WE, AS WOMEN, ARE NOT ENOUGH AND HOW CAN WE TAKE THAT POWER BACK?
I think there is now a change in the world, where we as women are on our way to set our own rules. That is why it is so important that we encourage each other to raise our standards. We will always be stronger together and united.
ARE WE TOLD ENOUGH AS YOUNG GIRLS THAT #WEAREENOUGH? IF NOT, HOW CAN WE CHANGE THIS MESSAGING FOR YOUNG GIRLS TODAY?
I really believe that it all goes back to how we treat ourselves. If young girls hear us say good things about ourselves and to other women, then that will lead them in the right direction – always try our best to take full responsibility for our behaviour, how we show respect to each other and so on. Then their self esteem and confidence will also rise. Also, always put focus on the positive areas in our personality. That will bring out more joy and inner strength.
WHAT WOULD YOU GO BACK AND TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF, TO ENCOURAGE SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-LOVE?
To have the true courage to be myself and to stand up for myself and others, that just being me is good enough, and to enjoy my journey.
WHERE DO YOU THINK THE NEED TO COMPETE WITH OTHER WOMEN COMES FROM? IS IT TAUGHT?
I think there is an old idea that there is not enough room for all of us to take place in the business world.
WHY IS THE TRIBE MOVEMENT IMPORTANT?
We need to continue to focus on celebrating all the greatness within all the women. We can make a big change together in the world, if we learn from each other and support each other with kindess, genuine behaviour and lots of good energy and love.