How to create a meaningful career path in alignment with who you are

It starts with knowing yourself. It really does! Sometimes, when you are long enough in some kind of surroundings, you stop noticing. Maybe you don't want to notice, maybe it is a blind spot? I believe it happened to me—the longing for belonging, being a non-native, female of colour made me always want to fit in. Today, I know that it also made me want to erase parts of myself.

As an adult, I remember once being on a course almost for a full week without noticing I was the only female—very unconscious, I know!

Understanding Who You Are

The last couple of years, I have focused on creating a meaningful career for myself, based on who I am. I quit my job and jumped like a fool. I did, and then I noticed how hard it was. Not that I didn't know, but it really daunted on me. Something that has challenged me more than I have ever challenged myself made me go through all sorts of emotions and ups and downs. I have landed on my two feet, feeling deep inner alignment and fulfillment, and more and more it has made me realise who I am and how that impacts my ability to succeed.

Aligning With Your Values

I have, for an entire career, worked in a male-dominated industry, the Tech Industry. This has made my professional network, of course, very male-dominated—perhaps as much as 80% men. What I find very interesting, and has made me reflect, is the fact that 80% of those that do business with me are female. It makes me wonder, why is that?

I could keep going like I did on that course where I didn't notice I was the only female until a week had passed. But I won't. Because aligning with who I am is important. I am female, and I realise how powerful it is for females to support each other. If, as I wrote about in my previous blog post, IT leadership teams include less than 25% female and people of colour, it is even more extraordinary that 80% of my clients are female, right?

Building Community

Don't get me wrong, on a daily basis I am supported by my male colleagues in Tech. I feel their genuine interest in supporting and helping out. I am just noticing the actual facts and numbers of my business which make me reflect and ask new questions.

I believe that change happens when we embrace the wholeness of who we are and support each other regardless of gender. That is why I am building my circle of friends community with allies, supporters, and friends, where we learn, grow, and support one another. I strongly believe that men can support by being true allies. I believe those that acknowledge that these challenges exist and decide to take a stance and be an active ally are invaluable. I invite even more men to join in.

Reflecting on Broader Issues

For a long time, I have pondered whether the gender gap and glass ceiling is an issue or not, well, I know it is, but the main question has been if this is something I should focus on or not. Some time back, I attended a webinar held by Female Invest. They shared their story of how difficult it was for three blonde females to get investor support as entrepreneurs. They also shared that if you are a female of colour, you can almost forget it. That made me quite sad because a part of me doesn't want that to matter. What makes it even more difficult for me is that these females are Scandinavian, and it doesn't really match with the story "we Scandinavians" like to tell ourselves about equality.

Embracing Authenticity

What is important about these reflections to me is that I am becoming even more aligned with who I am—the good and the bad as perceived by myself and those around me. I obviously, just like you, have many blind spots, but leading from within means acceptance from within. Just because leadership looks a certain way today, doesn't mean that is how it is supposed to be. And just because it is hard to do certain things, doesn't mean we shouldn't try when we really want to, like for example making a foolish jump to start your own business. I believe in breaking patterns on many levels and most importantly, leading with who you are. That means embracing all parts, even those you judge.

Practical Steps to Alignment

Building a meaningful career path in alignment with who I am is important for me on many levels, also because I want to support you to do the same.

Here are some steps that have helped me:

• Inner Journeys and Meditation: Getting to stillness is an essential practice to allow expansion to happen. From this space, new ideas and perspectives can emerge.
• Head-heart-gut alignment: This means listening to what my body is telling me and allowing action to come through that. Easier said than done, but an ongoing practice worth it.
• Let go of fear: By giving space, accepting, and allowing it. This practice opens up for it to take a different shape and form into a landscape of opportunity.
• Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive colleagues and allies who understand and share your values. Even create your own mastermind group to do steps 1-3 together.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Accept all parts of yourself, including those you or others might judge. Authenticity is key to genuine fulfilment. No hiding.

Think about the popular term diversity and inclusion, what does that mean really? What is acceptable diversity, and what is acceptable inclusion? Where do we draw the line? Is there space for warm, feminine qualities in leadership, spirituality, mindfulness, and a non-judgmental mindset where everyone dares to be themselves? I believe there should be. Ask yourself, when you judge, what part of yourself is it that you don't accept?

My Approach to Coaching

Here are the parts of me that I accept fully and use in my work when I support people like you, both men and women in Tech and entrepreneurial spirits:

• Personal Insight: As a woman of colour and a first-generation immigrant in Norway, I understand diverse cultural challenges, bringing unique empathy to my coaching.
• Intuitive Approach: I use my intuition to provide deeper, more personal insights in my sessions.
• Spiritual Foundation: I believe that life's challenges are opportunities to unlock untapped potential. Developing these potentials helps you align your life with your genuine values so that you can live in authentic alignment with your purpose.
• Tools for Growth: I use psychological astrology and guided meditations. Inspired by Carl G. Jung, I help you explore your inner landscape for profound insights and clarity. And by the way, did you know that Myers-Briggs, which created the world-famous MBTI Test, based it on Jung's Psychological Typologies, which he based on astrology?
• Professional Experience: With over 20 years in the tech industry, I relate well to the pressures and dynamics faced by professionals and can tailor coaching to the corporate context.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: My journey from corporate and consulting work to entrepreneurship has enriched my understanding and ability to guide those looking to make similar transitions.

Invitation to Connect

If my story resonates with you and you feel ready to lead change and get fit for a future in alignment with who you are, I invite you to explore further if we are a good fit to work together.