You know when people say that sometimes you need to hear something over and over before it sinks in. I believe that to be true. But I also believe that sometimes someone can say something to you and it hits you so hard...it grabs you by the shoulders and gives your whole being a shake. That's how KMC began.
I'd like to say Kiss My Credentials started with a simple question. But the funny thing about simple questions is that they can have answers that put you on complex and interesting paths.
The beginnings of KMC started in January of 2019. I had the opportunity to take an in-person training course by David Loyst (remember in person learning-wasn't it great?). Well after 2 days of training, I was ready to put these ideas into action. The biggest hurdle in my mind was convincing the higher ups in the organization the value of this type of work.
As I was walking out of the building I caught up to Mr. David Loyst and asked him that very question. "How can I convince my bosses and those in the fancy seats to let me work in this way?"
He stopped walking, looked directly at me and said "Sometimes you just need to remember that you are probably the smartest person in the room" and then he continued walking.
I can't remember if I started walking or if I just stood there feeling those words land in my soul. If Oprah was here she would say that was my Aha moment.
Call it serendipity, coincidence, fate or luck but what followed next were many more moments that grabbed me by the shoulders.
A podcast talking about a confidence gap between men and women mentioned a book called The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman. So I ordered it (because I like to underline, circle and make notes in books).
A colleague shared a brilliant idea with me that she had but didn't speak up during the team meeting.
There was a mass shooting in New Zealand and Jacinda Ardern (prime minister) faced her country with empathy and action that highlighted true leadership. Especially when compared to the lack of action to the 417 mass shootings in the US in 2019.
A provincial election in Alberta brought to forward daily examples of women in politics and the harassment they face and the sexist treatment they endure from media.
Pretty much all things Trump
It seemed like the universe kept throwing things right in front of my face. I knew these issues were always there but everything just seemed more intense and enough already!
When the book arrived I didn't get very far into it when I came up to this quote
"We see it everywhere: Bright women with ideas to contribute who don't raise their hands in meetings. Passionate women who would make excellent leaders, but don't feel comfortable asking for votes or raising campaign money. Conscientious mothers who'd rather someone else become president of the PTA while they work behind the scenes. Why is it that women sound less sure of ourselves when we know we are right than men sound when the think they could be wrong" Introduction pg XXV
This has to change. Our voices, our ideas, our gifts as women are needed in this world. So I started giving myself these little pep talks before meetings or before doing anything that was outside of my comfort zone. I would say to myself "I am the smartest person here" or "I am a fucking rockstar" or "I am pure genius" or "I am relentless tenacity". And I wanted these little pep talks for my friends, my sister and my daughter. (As a side note there are many many issues that the book The Confidence Code brought to light and there will be a few more blog posts touching on them to come.)
I called my sister to tell her I needed a pair of underwear or something I could wear under my clothes as a reminder of who I am underneath it all.
And well...
Welcome to the world Kiss My Credentials
Love Dyan
P.S A word about books. Please support your local libraries or local bookstores. Penny University is an amazing local bookstore! Annabel is the owner and if she doesn't have a book in stock she will order it in for you. She supports local Saskatchewan authors, is published herself and makes a wicked cup of coffee. I simply cannot say enough great things about her and The Penny University. So we get it, ordering off Amazon is easy but by supporting local businesses you are investing in your community and helping it thrive.
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