Ashleigh Paholek’s Post

"The more I advance in my career the more I realise that leaders learn by doing. Most people who have big responsibilities, whether is speaking or something else, are still learning, and they don’t have all the answers. Sometimes they even do it wrong! The difference is that they simply have the courage to try." Our guest interviewer Iosetta Santini recently sat down with Nepa's Andrea Goeres to discuss public speaking, keeping an audience entertained, and everything in between for our newest edition of 'Centre Stage' — a blog series dedicated to empowering #WomeninResearch to take the stage. Read the whole post at https://bit.ly/3Yun9Q4. #MRX #MarketResearch

How to Stop Being Offended by Others' Opinions? 💭🚫🙅♀️ In today's video, we explore effective ways to stop being offended by what others think, say, or do. Embrace diverse opinions, engage in civil disagreement, and focus on personal growth. Join us in embracing a more open-minded perspective! #StopBeingOffended #OpinionsMatter #OpenMindedness #CivilDisagreement #PersonalGrowth #EmbraceDiversity #PositiveMindset #SelfDevelopment #OpenMindedLiving #GrowthMindset

Your Voice Matters: On Personal Truth and Public Discourse A reflection today... I've been thinking about the power of shared experiences and honest dialogue. As professionals connecting daily with diverse groups, we have a unique opportunity - and perhaps responsibility - to create spaces for authentic conversation. My observation: When we lean into understanding rather than arguing, magical things happen. Each person's lived experience shapes their worldview, and those perspectives deserve respect, even when they differ from our own. Speaking specifically to women's experiences: The constant awareness of personal safety, the ingrained "be nice" messaging, the weight of societal expectations - these aren't just talking points. They're daily realities that shape decisions, careers, and lives. The challenge before us: - Creating safe spaces for authentic dialogue - Listening to understand, not to respond - Acknowledging experiences different from our own - Moving beyond polarization to connection Personal truth: As a woman in business, I've navigated complex waters between professional expectations and personal authenticity. These experiences shape my perspective, just as your experiences shape yours. Let's commit to: - Genuine dialogue - Respectful discourse - Active listening - Personal growth through understanding What experiences have shaped your worldview? How do you create space for authentic conversation in your professional life? #AuthenticLeadership #ProfessionalGrowth #RespectfulDialogue

💡 Over the 3+ years of running Uncommon, I have witnessed incredible transformations from quitting a job to launch a startup; overcoming the fear of being visible to healing from heartbreak, divorce, the loss of a parent and more. ❤️ Women at Uncommon contain multitudes and with the power of a supportive community, have a multitude of opportunities. Yet, one thing I have noticed is that whenever we navigate a bold move toward our deepest desires and goals, we are faced with insecurity and doubt. 📢 I have said it once but I will say it again - if you are alive and breathing, you are here to lead. You need to believe it. You are more powerful than you give yourself credit for. Your insights are more valuable than you imagine. Your voice, your actions, your heart are necessary for the collective good. So do what you need to do to stop limiting yourself and playing small. Do what you believe is worthy and then share that worth - that is your uncommon spark. 🚀 On August 1st, I am so proud to roll out a tool for members that is designed to help you find that spark. It uses research from the Wharton School of Business to unlock your potential and will gather 360-degree insights from 10 people of your choosing - colleagues, bosses, friends, partners to really give you insights on when you shine your brightest. 🌱 We will be using these as a starting point for onboarding in your coaching sessions from September and I cannot wait to see what emerges. https://lnkd.in/g6q_KhM

"I loved it" Great to receive this feedback message soon after the event. Creator and speaker - Patricia Ezechie's "Personal Impact and Influence" session, hosted by Barclay Simpson via partnering with WiBF, was a resounding success. Attendees reported feeling energized and empowered, with the event providing reflections and "light-bulb moments." Key takeaways (without giving anything away) 😉 ✔️The importance of self-promotion: "Talk about what you do" was highlighted as a game-changer for career advancement. ✔️Practical tips and tools for professional growth. 💪🏾Content valuable enough to warrant repeat attendance. The session's impact underscores the significance of woman realising the importance of changing the social preconceptions and assumptions of how we should behave professionally. I would love to hear how implementing the tools and tips from this session go for you. 🌈Look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Young People Redefining Integrity: Surprising Conversations Join us as we explore eye-opening discussions with young people about the importance of integrity. Discover how this unexpected topic reveals their commitment to living authentically and making meaningful choices. It's a conversation you won't want to miss! #IntegrityMatters #YouthVoices #AuthenticLiving #UnexpectedTopics #MeaningfulConversations #MillennialMindset #YoungLeaders #IntegrityInYouth #PersonalGrowth #InspiringChange

One great piece of advice I took away from Circles Conference was to ask people you’ve worked with to describe you in a few adjectives (at least that's how I remember it 😄). It’s like holding up a mirror to your professional self and reflecting on how you show up in your work. On the last day, I kid you not, without even asking, someone I had just met told me I came across as friendly, smart, and dependable. It was a great reminder that sometimes we don’t fully recognize how others see us and the first impressions we make. Today is National Leave a Review Day, which is a perfect time to think about how feedback—whether it’s glowing or constructive—helps us grow and refine our businesses and careers. It’s the insight from others that often helps us take things to the next level. #nationalleaveareviewday #circlesconference #NetworkingEvent #alwayslearning #firstimpressions #tuesdaythoughts

Reflections: Understanding "Woman Under the Influence"   Woman Under the Influence, another masterpiece by John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands, has always been a favorite of mine. Last night, I watched it again in my own little “private cinema”. I've watched it so many times, thinking I understood it. But last night was different. I didn't just watch it—I felt it. This film is a powerful and raw portrayal of the human experience—painful, truthful, and deeply sad. It’s one of those rare movies that makes you angry and compassionate at the same time. But beyond the story, Woman Under the Influence invites us to ask deeper questions: Who is she? What does being  "under the influence" really mean? Is it about social expectations, family pressures, or our internalized values? And how often do we find ourselves living according to what we think we should be, rather than who we truly are? As a coach, I encourage you to reflect on this. What are the influences in your life? Are they aligning with your true self, or are they pulling you away from it? It’s a tough but necessary conversation we need to have with ourselves. This film is more than just a story; it’s a mirror, challenging us to confront our own influences. I know it’s always on my wall, wherever I go—both literally and metaphorically. #PersonalGrowth #SelfReflection #Coaching  #JohnCassavetes #GenaRowlands #FilmInspiration