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Standing on Your Own Two Feet:

Creating a Powerful Professional Persona

Erin Eberle Quilinquin

EQubed, LLC

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Welcome

Appalachian State University
Middle School Teacher
NC State University
North Carolina to Pennsylvania
Small Business Owner!

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Agenda

Expectations

Imposter Syndrome

Your Professional Persona

Conflict

Resources

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Brave Space

Together we will create brave space

Because there is no such thing as a “safe space”

We exist in the real world

We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.

In this space

We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world,

We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,

We call each other to more truth and love

We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow.

We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know,

We will not be perfect.

This space will not be perfect.|

It will not always be what we wish it to be

But

It will be our brave space together,

and

We will work in it side by side….

Prioritize authenticity over politeness
Acknowledge discomfort is necessary for growth instead of avoiding issues.
Emphasizing conversation around critical topics rather than ignoring difficult issues.

Poem An Invitation to Brave Space By Micky ScottBey Jones, inspired by a poem by Beth Strano

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Reflection Points

Pick 1-2 lines that stand out to you. Write down why.

Together we will create brave space

Because there is no such thing as a “safe space”

We exist in the real world

We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.

In this space

We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world,

We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,

We call each other to more truth and love

We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow.

We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know,

We will not be perfect.

This space will not be perfect.|

It will not always be what we wish it to be

But

It will be our brave space together,

and

We will work in it side by side….

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Imposter Syndrome

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Imposter Syndrome

“People who struggle with imposter syndrome believe that they are undeserving of their achievements and the high esteem in which they are, in fact, generally held. They feel that they aren’t as competent or intelligent as others might think—and that soon enough, people will discover the truth about them. Those with imposter syndrome are often well accomplished; they may hold high office or have numerous academic degrees.”

- Psychology Today

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About 70% of all people experience imposter type feelings at some point in their lives.

According to the International Journal of Behavioral Science

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Winning the Battle Against Imposter Syndrome

Manage �Expectations

Professional�Persona

Celebrate Accomplishments

Don’t lose your individuality
Every workplace is different

Being Proud is OK
Reframe Failure
Find your community
Mentors

Self Talk
Realistic and Honest
Saying Yes

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Resources

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Your Professional Persona

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The Look

Be aware of necklines. Throw a tank or cami under something that might be too low
Is your job a sitting job or a standing job? That should inform hemlines.

Work Dress Code
“Dress for the job you want.”
Be aware of the level of your coworkers
Comfort is important!
Not all shoes are created equally!

For Interviews - Look on their website for clues

Resource: Article - Guide To Business Attire (With Examples)

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Body Language

Reflection Points

Shoulders
Chin
Eye Contact
Talking with Your Hands?
Confident Tone
Hand shakes

Resources

Video - Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are TEDTalk
Video - Former FBI Agent Explains How to Read Body Language

How are you sitting on camera?

What is a part of your body language that projects confidence?

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On Camera

Stay Centered
Lighting
Background
Tone
Resource - 12 Tips for Making Your Virtual Meetings More Professional

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Speak Up

Avoid “Career Limiting Moves”
Be Honest
Form positive relationships
Find allies
Subtly include your qualifications
YOU ARE NOT SORRY FOR SPEAKING UP!

Resources

Video - How to Speak Up For Yourself TED Talk
Article - Four Ways to Find Your Voice at Work
Article - Women, Find Your Voice

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A Note About Mentors

Reflection Points

What does a Mentor Do?
Assigned Mentors
Finding Your Own Mentors

Who are some mentors you can rely on as you move forward professionally?

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Race and Identity

Racial Identity

Gender Politics

Emotional Labor
Tokenism
Know the realities

Resources

The laws don’t always match people’s attitudes
Pronouns

Article - Addressing Gender Identify in the Workplace with Grace and Professionalism

Article - How to Signal You are an Ally in Hostile Environment

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Conflict

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Conflict is here. Now What?

Try not to react in the moment
Use an even tone
Play Devil’s Advocate
Lean on your mentors and allies
Emails - Only answer if you are asked a question
Plan ahead for frequently encountered scenarios

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Frequent Encounters

Reflection Points

You don’t understand

Mismatch of working styles

Too much, too fast

Pick one of the scenarios (or create your own) and plan your response.

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Saying “No”

Pick and Choose Your Battles

Commit

Manage your tone and body language

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Knowing Your ‘Place’

Confidence

Creative Ideas

Challenging the status quo

Know-it-all

Show off

Suck Up

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Resources

Article - How to tackle workplace conflict head-on

Article - How to Work with Someone Who Creates Unnecessary Conflict

Article - Conflict “Go To” Conversation Starters

Video - Why There’s So Much Conflict and Work and What You Can Do to Fix It

Video - The Gift of Conflict

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Contact

@TeacherEberle

www.equbedlearning.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-e-eberle/

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Icons from the Noun Project. Individual Attributions are in slide notes.

Plant Graphics @BarvArt via Canva Pro

Watercolor backgrounds @Sierra Bee via Canva Pro

Credits