For far too long, I relied on my organization to choose and fund my development. While my organization provided quality training on sales, basic leadership skills or strategic thinking, none of them were truly focused on helping me show up and use my unique leadership talents. As a former Corporate Training and HR leader, I am guilty of perpetuating this at work - creating development programs that shape leaders into who the organization needs them to be.
So, it's important to invest in yourself to make sure you are cultivating your unique talents and skills and putting yourself in the driver's seat of your development.
First, consider your goals and ask yourself:
What transformation do I want to make?
Am I building skills I desire or conforming to what I think my company wants?
What do I want to eliminate?
What truly lights me up and what are my best talents?
How do I want to feel?
I lean towards resources that help me find and trust myself versus encouraging me to trust others or conform to a certain "standard." I am fascinated by stories or resources that will teach me how to think vs tell me what to think.
Here are some of my favorites!
Books:
Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
Instrumental in helping me chart a life and career path that I truly desired.
I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
Loved her story of being black in America and speaks her truth with clarity.
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
Wonderful insights to help you question your thinking and dismantle the lies and fears you've bought into.
The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck
Some of Martha's best work - a true guide to telling the truth about who you are, what you want and bravely making changes in your life so you can live with more peace and clarity.
Presence by Amy Cuddy
This was the first book to help me find the courage to use my voice and overcome imposter syndrome. Side note: Following Amy on Instagram as she talks about overcoming bullying in academia is fascinating.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
A wonderful and inspirational memoir about owning who you are, unapologetically, and living your life without the need to constantly please everyone else.
The Confidence Code by Claire Shipman and Katty Kay
One of the best books I've read to date about being a woman in Corporate America and showing up with confidence.
The 9 Styles of Leadership by Beatrice Chestnut
I love the Enneagram because it is the only personality assessment / model that provides you a path for growth. The nine styles of leaders helps you show up authentically, use your true leadership gifts, and lead with more emotional intelligence.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Couldn't put this one down - his story of finding his voice and summoning the courage to step into his power and run for office is inspiring.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Not just for creatives - wonderful for any leader to bring more creativity into any of their work.
Podcasts:
Hello Seven Podcast by Rachel Rodgers
The BEST resource for women, especially women of color, to know their worth, work on their money mindset and claim their voice and their space.
Rich Coach Club by Susan Hyatt
Not just for coaches - this is female empowerment to the max without the hustle culture BS. Susan is super inspiring and has a range of guests to help you show up with more confidence.
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
Brene is the GOAT - I love the diversity of her guests and challenging us to lead with more empathy, openness and empowerment.
WorkLife with Adam Grant
Love Adam's science-based approach to helping workplaces be better and leaders to challenge their assumptions. I've read all of his books - equally great.
How I Built This with Guy Raz
Super inspiring stories of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship! If you've ever struggled to launch something at work, you'll love the insights you'll gain on this podcast.
Typology (an Enneagram podcast) with Ian Morgan Cron
Ian is a former therapist, so this podcast is part educational on all the nine Enneagram types and enlightening to learn how to better relate to your friends, family and colleagues of each type.
Courses: (Free to $$$$)
Free: Any webinar by Susan Hyatt or Rachel Rodgers
Again, not just for coaches, great for female mindset coaching. Subscribe to their respective email lists to get notified!
$$$$: My Wayfinder Life Coach Training Program by Martha Beck
Changed my life. Don't know how else to describe it!
$: Courses offered by The Shift Network (varied topics and range from $97 - 397)
A variety of topics - some a bit on the "woo" side, but overall some great options for deeper personal development!
Free to $: Any Enneagram Webinar by a reputable teacher (Instagram Handles Linked)
Teachers I love: Ian Morgan Cron, Beatrice Chestnut, Vanessa Fernandez (@theenneagramworkshop), Steph Barron Hall, Sara Jane Case, Michael Shahan (HILARIOUS Enneagram memes, too!)
...and, of course, a shameless plug for my Enneagram Program!)
Free to $: Harvard EdX courses. I took a women's history course this year I loved!
Go search the course catalog - sooo many courses to choose from!
Final shameless plug, my Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program (enrolling in the fall!)
Whatever you choose, I highly suggest you look for resources that help you learn to know and trust yourself. Learning to trust yourself may not always bring certainty, but it will always help you find clarity on your right next steps.
I'd love to hear from you! Hop into the Career, Clarity & Confidence Facebook group and share your favorite resources or ask for suggestions!