Tag: authentic communication

Empathy: The Greatest Superpower of the Feminine

by Chantal Pierrat

Sometimes I feel torn between wanting to disconnect from the media and turn away from the pain I feel from current events, while at the same time leaning into my increasing heart rate and palpable anger over the negative forces alive in our world. This past week was no different. And “leaning in” has won out — yet again.

As I, like many of you, learned that our government was taking children away from their parents at the border, I wanted to collapse and shut it all out. Instead, I was swept up by the collective outrage of so many people. Now I feel more alive than ever, with a renewed clarity of purpose and a hopefulness stemming from the undeniable power of our connected voices.

It’s easy to become despondent when we are alone and feeling alienated from the rest of the world. In fact, the patriarchy has traditionally drawn much of its power from separating people and creating strong divisive lines in areas of gender, race, economics and political ideas. This kind of bullying, top-down negative reinforcement, and abuse of power has been the norm in cultures where the masculine is out of balance with the feminine.

Now all of life is suffering. What we see happening with refugees seeking asylum at the border is a metaphor for our current global crisis: Humanity has become separate from our primary caregiver — our true Mother, the Earth herself. The aching in our hearts as we hear the cries of children reaching for their parents echo the pain of separation we feel for the loss of the Feminine on our planet. And we need Her; we cannot survive without Her.

Empathy is the greatest superpower of the Feminine. May we not be drained by the strength of our emotions, the depth of our compassion, and the lengths that we must travel to fight for Her rightful place in our world. Eve Ensler could not have said it better:

“I think what I’ve learned is that every time I say something I’m not supposed to say and every time I’m willing to look at something or feel something, there’s incredible freedom that comes — even if there’s sorrow attached to it. Even if there’s despair attached to it, even if there’s a responsibility attached to it, there’s enormous freedom. It’s a big question. How do we say Wake UP and make awakening a beautiful thing?” 

Lean in and feel; then speak up, vote, and gather with others. Connect with and love as many people as you can. Now is not a time to be stingy! It is the intimacy of our relationships that will remind us what we are fighting for.

It’s not going to be comfortable, it’s not going to be easy, and we are just at the beginning – but we have each other.

And we are, each of us, FIRED UP. Collectively? Unstoppable.

Big Love,

Chantal Pierrat | Founder, Emerging Women

Member Spotlight: Sage Hobbs

by Chantal Pierrat

Each month we interview an Emerging Women member to deepen our connections and possibilities for collaboration with the conscious leaders living the truth of who they are. It’s the Emerging Women way!

This month we interview Sage Hobbs, a women’s empowerment and leadership coach, speaker, author of Naked Communication: Courageously Create the Relationships You Really Want, and host of The Naked Conversations Podcast.

Sage rocked the Sister Stage at Emerging Women Live so hard that we invited her to lead February’s Power Boost on Naked Communication. Here’s your chance to get a peek at what makes her tick… Enjoy!

Who are the most influential women in your life? Why?

There are so many women who have touched my life in profound ways, from those I’ve never actually met to the ones I call when I need support and encouragement. I’m way into the value of deep female relationships that are real and honest.

I’d name Audre Lorde for her message that has guided me for years: “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” It’s a battle cry to be courageous and to pursue our meaningful work, even with the fear that may show up along the way (which it usually does for me!).

And my mom, for her unwavering support of my big, driven spirit, from my childhood through to today. She always has my back, nudges me along when I feel doubtful, and is a total stand for women making a difference in the world on their own terms.

What’s your biggest struggle or challenge? How does it shape you?

My biggest struggle as a woman is the ever-elusive idea of “balance.” I’m constantly juggling my desire to go big with my work and my desire to be present as a mom and partner.

I’m naturally ambitious and service driven. I get super fired-up about amplifying women’s voices, supporting them in creating amazing relationships, and reconnecting with themselves (and how freakin’ powerful they are). I also really recognize that time is fleeting, that our relationships are the foundation of our happiness, and I want to always pay attention to those I love most. I had cancer when I was 23, and it made a lasting imprint about living life to the fullest.

It’s a dance between all my passions, and that’s the biggest challenge I have as a woman today… wanting to “do it all” and do it really well. There are other systemic challenges, of course, like speaking up and being heard in a “man’s world.” But the one I feel most acutely on the day-to-day is wanting to fill all the roles I play effectively.
Tell us more about your work and how it supports women.

Beyond my individual client work, I host a podcast (Naked Conversations) where I interview women who are courageously following unconventional paths to lead lives of their own design and make a difference in their communities. I love having the opportunity to share women’s stories and amplify their voices.

I recently had the chance to speak on the Emerging Women Live Sister Stage, where I talked about how to finally get comfortable being “naked,” to stop pretending that we have it all figured out, to really be ourselves and connect with each other in real and powerful ways. Whenever I can speak to a group of women and see them reconnect with that spark inside themselves, it is the most invigorating and moving experience. In those moments, I know that there is hope for a future where women support each other fully and lead courageously.

 

What are you known for?

I’m known for my bold, insightful, and dynamic approach to communication, relationships, and personal growth. I’m known for my work on “naked” communication and how to have better relationships and reconnect with our personal power. I’m also known for being outspoken, dropping some F bombs, being the best person to share good news with (I’m super enthusiastic), and always the first one on the dance floor. And I looooove the beach and Italian hoagies (in Philly only).

What topics are difficult for you to discuss and why? (Love, power, money, race, etc.)

I’m pretty comfortable with difficult conversations. Even if they make my heart race or palms sweat, I’m willing to have them. In fact, I really believe it’s in those conversations that deeper human connection happens. However, lately politics have been harder for me to discuss, as there are such strong and divisive opinions.

Five years from now what does your ideal career/family/social situation look like?

I’m a philanthropist on a bigger scale, traveling globally with my family while running a purpose-driven business that empowers girls and women to live the most powerful version of their lives.

Start your FREE TRIAL now to live inspired, grow, and connect with Sage and all of the brilliant Emerging Women members.


Key Tools for Killer Presentations

by Chantal Pierrat

Want to stand up and speak out with confidence, genuinely inspiring and influencing your audience?

Whether it’s a high-stakes presentation on a stage or a high-impact conversation in an office, Nan Crawford has some tools for you (and for an audio version of these tools, listen to Power Practice #16: Stepping Up and Speaking Out).


When preparing an impactful presentation, Nan says, it’s important to consider 2 realms: the internal factors of strategy and the external factors of delivery.

Internal Strategy

Ask yourself:

  1. Who is my audience?
  2. What do they need?
  3. How do I prepare to deliver that to them?

Identifying your audience and their needs is pretty straightforward. But how do you deliver on those needs if you’re busy worrying, “How do I keep from freaking out?!” That’s where #3 comes in.

It’s all about focus, Nan says. If you struggle with stage-fright or nerves, you can let go of that jagged energy by shifting your focus from fear to desire. Shift your focus from fear of failure to your desire to make a difference. Shift your focus from the fear of judgement to the desire to be generous. Shift your focus from a fear of rejection to a desire to connect. From fear of forgetting what you’re going to say to a desire to guide the audience to a place of discovery.

Shifting focus from fear to desire to be of service will allow you to connect with your audience and their needs in a way that is authentic, confident, and effective.

External Delivery

Ask yourself:

  1. How will I walk into the room? Where will I land? How will I hold my body?
  2. What am I aware of in terms of my breathing?
  3. Are my voice, facial expressions, and gestures congruent with my message?
  4. What do I want my audience to feel, say, and do?

The way you move and position yourself sends messages to the audience before you’ve even spoken a word. If you plan ahead of time how to position yourself so that energy is flowing through your spine, you’ll foster an immediate connection between your audience and your intention.

Breathing is another opportunity to send a clear message. So many of us live in a world of full plates and fast lanes. When you are “extravagant with our breath,” as Nan encourages, it allows you a moment of clarity to choose words that are delicious and juicy. More than that, it’s an act of generosity to your audience, giving them time and space to let your ideas (and their own) really land.

By taking big full breaths you give energy to your voice, allowing for concise, crisp, and clear words spoken with conviction. You connect with your body, creating facial expressions and gestures that are vibrant, alive, and compelling.

All of these factors are driven by your overall intention. Writing action verbs in the margins of your presentation will help you connect with what you want your audience to do, say, and feel. Maybe you want to challenge them or shake them up. Perhaps you need to dismiss a concern or clarify a point. You can paint a vivid picture. You can advocate, warn, or reassure.

It’s important to note: the question is not “What do I want them to learn?” If your intention is to inform, you are not going to inspire our audience to take action. “We’re all drowning in information,” Nan says. “What we hunger for is insight and inspiration, for energy and encouragement.”

We’re thrilled to have Nan Crawford bringing her insight and inspiration to the stage at Emerging Women Live 2017, along with killer presentations from Elizabeth Gilbert, Sera Beak, Alicia Garza, Esther Perel, Amanda Steinberg, and so many more. Register today for an some unforgettable energy and encouragement:


Remember: how you deliver your message is just as vital as what you have to say. With Nan’s tools, you are well on your way to giving a presentation that will genuinely inspire and influence your audience.

And be sure to tell us what killer presentations you have in the works in the comments!