9 Things I've Learned About Following My Bliss

I'm now in the eighth year of following my bliss. Full-time self-employment, entrepreneurship, start-up mode ...use whatever terminology you like, has been fantastic, challenging, exciting, daunting, confusing, illuminating and a continuous learning experience.

I chose this life for many reasons, but at the heart of it is (one of) my mantras. Life is too short for shit. 

ICYMI: Following My Bliss Looks Like This

In case you've missed it, following my bliss is working to close the global leadership gender gap and helping women to have careers that soar. 

In eight years, I have worked with some fantastic organisations to help them build and implement their DEI strategies. I've also worked with hundreds (maybe thousands!) of women to help them advance their careers, earn what they are worth and live a life well lived. 

9 Things I Have Learned

Here are nine things I've learned, and hopefully, you can take some actionable insights from them.  

1️⃣ I have a No Dickheads policy. 

I like being in charge, in control and completely autonomous (I always knew that). I have a 'no dickheads' policy, meaning I choose whom I work with and why. (Not a choice I had in my corporate career.)

2️⃣ I run my life; my life doesn't run me. 

So whilst I love my work and working, I am military about prioritisation and putting boundaries in place. I didn't leave the 'always on' corporate world to replicate it in my business. 

3️⃣ I am a hybrid, flexible, global worker. 

I am a flexible and hybrid worker and make choices about how, where, and who I work with. My guiding principle for my business is to work from anywhere in the world that has electricity and the Internet. So I have a paperless 'office' enabled by great technology. 

4️⃣ I prioritise doing business with women. 

Women are bloody fantastic to do business with. I am in awe at how collaborative, transparent and simply supportive the businesswomen community is. Check out Jules Brooke; She's the Boss, Sheree Rubinstein, and the One Roof Community if you want a good example. 

5️⃣ I choose vulnerability.

Vulnerability is a business and leadership game-changer. No woman is an island, and asking for help, guidance, and support is essential. See point 7 - people are uber-generous when they know what you want. 

6️⃣ I try to be audacious.

Audacity is an underrated business skill. Making bold moves and venturing into unknown territory takes a healthy dose of audacity. If I feel a bit wobbly, I challenge myself with my mantra, "What's the worst thing that could happen?" Or, I try and channel one of my audacity heroes, Cindy Gallop.  

7️⃣ Beware of time wasters. 

Time wasters can be people, technology (hello Instagram) or a need for more efficient tools or processes in my business. 

8️⃣ Networking IS Working. 

Strategic networking is essential to business success. That means something other than schlepping to every conference or event. It means getting serious about business goals and aligning your networking activity. Networking IS working, as I have learned from my friend and colleague Susan Colantuono. 

9️⃣ I build spaces and places for women.

I am good at and committed to building communities for women. My Women Who Get It network had nearly 5000 members, and now, the  Lead to Soar Network, which I co-host with Susan, Mel Butcher and Amal Yusuf. Together, we have created a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for ambitious businesswomen to be supported by us to have a career that soars. 

I am incredibly privileged and very fortunate to follow my bliss every day. What about you? How are you following your bliss? Who is helping you do that? 

Take action today because, remember, life is too short for shit!

About Michelle

Michelle Redfern is a globally recognised gender equality, diversity and inclusion strategist. She advises organisations in the business and sporting sectors on DEI strategy development and implementation and works directly with women leaders to advance their careers. 

Michelle has been recognised as one of Australia’s Top 100 Women of Influence and has won awards for her contribution to women’s advancement. She is passionate about what sets her soul on fire, closing the global leadership gender gap and enabling women to have a career that soars! 

You can connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.