WE ROAR Magazine April 2024 - Magazine - Page 21
In business, the spotlight often shines on
conventional notions of success, leaving
little room for those who navigate the
corporate landscape with neurodivergent
traits or physical disabilities. However,
within this often-overlooked demographic
(fortunately not in WE ROAR) lies an
incredible amount of resilience, creativity,
and determination. I want to explore how to
maximise body confidence and emotional
wellbeing to help you smash your business
goals in a world that wants to put us into
boxes to define us.
Society has long perpetuated stereotypes
about what constitutes a successful
professional in the same way it does an ideal
body. One of the most powerful tools you
have is your ability to embrace your
uniqueness. Rather than viewing your
differences as obstacles, you can harness
them as strengths, bringing fresh insights
and innovative approaches to the table. This
self-acceptance not only creates personal
growth but also inspires those around you to
embrace diversity in all its forms.
My experience has shown that a lack of
empathy and a whole load of unconscious
bias are often the catalyst to the thoughts
and ideas of the people around us. People
are too busy to take the time to learn about
how other people experience the world and
how they have been influenced in their
current ideas about bodies and people.
Often fuelled by the media, old fashioned
ideas or a lack of understanding, that
unconscious bias can have a huge impact on
the way neurodivergent business owners or
those living with a disability experience work
or service delivery.
Find your sunshine people!
The onus lies not only on individuals but also on
businesses to create inclusive work environments
that accommodate the diverse needs of their
employees. From implementing flexible work
arrangements
to
providing
accessibility
accommodations, companies can adopt a culture
of acceptance and support. It is becoming well
known that by prioritising diversity and inclusion,
businesses not only empower their employees but
also enhance their bottom line through increased
innovation and productivity. You have the power to
encourage these changes and help educate those
around you about the power of diversity.
But if you struggle with your own confidence, it
can feel difficult to speak your truth, to be honest
about how things could be improved and how
people make you feel. So I want to give you some
of my top tips for creating a body positive world
around you that will make you feel empowered
and more confident.
1. Clean your feed: If you are on social media as
most business owners are then make sure it is a
place that makes you feel good. Follow accounts
that show a diverse range of bodies, some that
look like yours and some that don’t. Variety will
help your brain learn to love the diversity in others
and then in yourself. Unfollow accounts that make
you question how awesome you are, anyone that
makes you look at your body and think it is not
good enough. Mute any adverts that do the same.
2. Find your sunshine people: Connect with people
who make you feel good. Minimise time with those
who do not. Find online or in person communities
that you feel safe in. There is so much power in
community.
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