The Power of Persistence

Joanne Lockwood

Tags: Inclusion, Mental Health, Gender Equality, personal growth, social media impact, persistence, confidence building, support networks, overcoming trauma, women's empowerment

From Personal Growth to Professional Triumphs

Sheena Yap Chan explores the essential role of persistence in achieving success, delves into the impact of social media on self-perception, and highlights the necessity of embracing authenticity and addressing personal and ancestral traumas.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood is joined by Sheena Yap Chan to explore "The Power of Persistence." The conversation delves deep into the essence of persistence, debunking the myth of overnight success and illuminating the relentless effort required to achieve one's goals. Joanne and Sheena share personal anecdotes, discuss societal dynamics, and highlight the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in today's fast-paced world.

Sheena Yap Chan is a keynote speaker and author, known for her work on leadership and confidence. She draws from her rich heritage and personal journey, including the influence of her great grandfather, to emphasise the value of persistence. Growing up in Toronto in the 1990s with little media representation of her Asian culture, Sheena faced identity challenges which she later turned into strengths. In 2015, she founded "The Tao of Self Confidence" podcast, primarily featuring Asian women, and has since interviewed over 800 women. Her mission is to combat negative stereotypes and bolster the confidence of underrepresented groups through storytelling and community building.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Sheena discusses the impact of social media on self-perception and the importance of authenticity. Joanne and Sheena also address the gender confidence gap, the role of men as allies, and the persistent double standards that women face in professional settings. They stress the necessity of mindset shifts, highlighting the transition from scarcity to abundance as pivotal for societal change. The discussion touches on the global timelines for gender parity and the specific challenges women face when re-entering the workforce after career breaks.

The episode concludes with a resonant call to action for continuous self-improvement, community support, and unyielding persistence. Joanne invites listeners to engage with the Inclusion Bites community and promises more inspirational stories in upcoming episodes.

A key takeaway from this episode is the emphasis on embracing persistence, authenticity, and the importance of dismantling superficial comparisons. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their personal journeys, leverage support networks, and remain steadfast in their pursuit of success despite societal pressures. Whether you're navigating complex professional terrains or personal growth, this episode offers invaluable insights into achieving genuine and lasting success.

Published: 29.11.2024

Recorded: 22.10.2024 Episode Length

Duration: 0:55:29

Shownotes:

AI Extracts and Interpretations
The Inclusion Bites Podcast #136: The Power of Persistence
Other Links
seechangehappen.co.uk SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts
Inclusion Bites Podcast on YouTube

Clips and Timestamps

Persistence and Passion: “But we also have to learn to pick ourselves back up and keep moving forward if what we’re doing is something that we’re super passionate about, if it’s in alignment with our values.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:03:48 → 00:03:57]

Viral Topic: The Power of Vulnerability on Social Media
Quote: “I’ve also seen a lot of people on on social media who’ve learned to be vulnerable, who’ve learned to share their mess to the world. And it’s actually refreshing to see that because more people are inclined to listening to them versus the people with the perfectly curated photos because to them, it doesn’t makes it’s not real life to them.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:06:08 → 00:06:27]

Viral Topic: The Hidden Struggles of Influencers
“keke Palmer mentions that she lives beyond her means, like, low way below her means, I mean. Like, she only she still drives a Toyota.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:07:46 → 00:07:53]

Mental Health Awareness: “Just because someone’s smiling on a photo doesn’t mean they’re they’re happy.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:09:52 → 00:09:55]

Persistence Pays Off: “I realized persistence was my power because without it, I wouldn’t be here today.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:19:15 → 00:19:20]

The Secret Sauce to Success: “Most people who are successful have no clue what they’re doing, and I think it’s okay to say that.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:20:03 → 00:20:09]

The Importance of Persistence: “You don’t you know, people think you have to be the smartest. You have to know everything. Actually, you don’t because I don’t know everything.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:21:02 → 00:21:08]

Childhood Failures and Life Lessons: “I failed kindergarten in the Philippines for colouring outside the lines of a photo. So, I mean, that traumatised me until my adult life.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:26:12 → 00:26:20]

Gender Inequality in Venture Capital: “I mean, you look at the VC the VC world, like, only 2% of women get funding. And when they do get funding, it’s only, like, $1,000,000 versus, like, you look at the guy who owned WeWork. He got he made it bankrupt, opened a new company, and got, like, $300,000,000 funding just because you know, even though his track record isn’t great, meanwhile, women over you know, are very smart or very capable, have prepared such an amazing presentation, and yet they’d be lucky if they get 7 figure funding.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:34:11 → 00:35:07]

Gender Parity Struggles: “The World Economic Forum mentioned it’s gonna take a 130 years for gender parity to be achieved, at least. But I feel like at the rate we’re going, it’s gonna take longer.”
— Sheena Yap Chan [00:36:12 → 00:36:21]

Definition of Terms Used

Gender Confidence Gap

Definition: The gender confidence gap refers to the disparity in self-esteem and confidence levels typically observed between males and females, often beginning at a young age and perpetuating into adulthood.
Relevance: Understanding the gender confidence gap is crucial for addressing the uneven playing field in professional and personal growth opportunities, contributing to gender equality.
Examples: Girls displaying lower self-confidence in STEM subjects compared to boys, or women being less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications.
Related Terms: Confidence disparity, Gender bias, Self-efficacy, Imposter syndrome
Common Misconceptions: It is often wrongly assumed that women are naturally less confident than men, disregarding the societal and cultural influences that shape confidence levels.

Double Standards

Definition: Double standards refer to the application of different sets of principles for similar situations, particularly when comparing behaviours and expectations between genders.
Relevance: Recognising and addressing double standards is essential for creating equitable environments where individuals are judged and valued equally, regardless of gender.
Examples: Women being labelled as aggressive for assertive behaviour that is praised in men, or the greater scrutiny on women’s appearances in professional settings.
Related Terms: Gender bias, Inequality, Stereotypes, Sexism
Common Misconceptions: Some people believe that double standards do not exist anymore due to progressive gender policies, overlooking the subtle and systemic ways they manifest.

Personal Branding

Definition: Personal branding involves the practice of marketing oneself and one’s career as a brand, focusing on establishing a unique professional identity and reputation.
Relevance: Building a personal brand is vital in today’s competitive landscape, helping individuals stand out and advance their careers by clearly communicating their values, skills, and experiences.
Examples: Creating a professional social media presence, publishing articles or books related to one’s expertise, and engaging in public speaking.
Related Terms: Self-promotion, Professional identity, Reputation management, Networking
Common Misconceptions: There is a belief that personal branding is superficial or only necessary for celebrities, ignoring its importance for professionals across various fields.

Support Networks

Definition: Support networks refer to the groups of individuals who provide emotional, informational, and practical assistance to one another, particularly during times of challenge or growth.
Relevance: Having a robust support network is crucial for personal and professional development, providing encouragement, advice, and resources that help individuals overcome obstacles.
Examples: Professional mentorship programmes, women’s groups, peer support circles, and online communities.
Related Terms: Mentorship, Peer support, Community, Networking
Common Misconceptions: People sometimes assume that seeking support is a sign of weakness, whereas it actually demonstrates proactive engagement in one’s own growth and development.

Scarcity to Abundance Mindset

Definition: This phrase describes the shift from a scarcity mindset, which focuses on limitations and competition, to an abundance mindset, which emphasises potential, collaboration, and opportunities.
Relevance: Adopting an abundance mindset is critical for fostering an inclusive culture, driving innovation, and empowering individuals to pursue ambitious goals without the fear of scarcity.
Examples: Encouraging collaboration over competition, sharing resources and knowledge openly, and focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term gains.
Related Terms: Growth mindset, Positive thinking, Cooperative behaviour, Optimism
Common Misconceptions: Some believe that an abundance mindset is unrealistic or overly idealistic, neglecting the practical benefits it brings in fostering a more inclusive and productive environment.