Month: February 2019

Generally, people think that Beauty Pageants are just a medium of showing off their physical beauties, but they fail to realize ample of other things about the Beauty Pageants that help the girls to shape their future in an all-round way. Visionara Global MRS INDIA® Beauty Pageant believes that the most important quality that will shape the girl’s future is through her personality, which will in turn reflect to have a positive impact in the lives of million other people. Here are a few points about the benefits that serve towards the girls who participate in Beauty Pageants.

• Communication Skills– Today’s world is completely dependent on communication, and the worth of the ability to communicate is priceless. When it comes to communication, it includes communicating efficiently while talking face to face as well as expressing one’s thoughts and opinions through written messages. Two of the most important aspects of doing a pageant is the on-stage question and the interview. These both help with communication skills. We, Visionara Global MRS INDIA®, make sure that the girls who participate are well versed and possess the perfect skills of communication to be able convey their messages effectively.
• Confidence– It is one of the most important qualities that the judges look for in a women who is aspiring to win the title. The fact is, any women of today’s age need to be confident enough to survive in this competition called Life. But there are still many women who has a phobia of facing a crowd or perform on stage, which is successfully defeated by participating in beauty pageants as they are being exposed to a large number of audience. The biggest takeaway to keep in mind, however, is none of it matters if you don’t believe in yourself. Being in a pageant teaches you to be confident and love yourself; you have to be confident and love yourself regardless of the way that others see you. It helped you become confident while learning to accept yourself, every aspect, just the way you are.
• Ability to handle stress– With greater aims come challenges, and with the challenges come stress to handle them. Stress resides in everyone’s lives, and has the power to either make you or break you. The Pageant coaches here come as a rescue when they train the women on how to handle stress and be successful in their careers. It all depends on different perspectives on how we look at them to solve by the help of simplest means.
• Motivation and Satisfaction– People tend to work better and more when they are motivated. The hard work of the women in the pageants eventually pay off and they get the must deserved recognition at the end of it. It leads to self-satisfaction which makes them more confident in future.
• Personal Development– In order to have a personal development, a person needs to be aware of their strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Here in Visionara Global MRS INDIA® Beauty Pageant, each and every women goes through the process of self-development which in turn make them more confident and self-motivated.
• Friendship– The other contestants you are around during your journey will most likely become lifelong friends if everyone has the same intention. Some people strictly have the “eyes on the prize” mindset, but overall you have to think about how amazing and diverse the amount of personality you have combined in one room. Always remember that Journey is more beautiful than the destination.
• Networking & Opportunities– While participating in pageants oneself will make lifelong friends and the Pageant itself can grant you access to their vast network. Active networking is vital to career growth. Often confused with selling, networking is actually about building long-term relationships and a good reputation over time. It involves meeting and getting to know people who you can assist, and who can potentially help you in return. Networking is great for sharing ideas and knowledge & providing Opportunities. It’s natural that networking will result in opportunities & connections which will surely Increase your confidence and will help in raising your profile.

Let us all gather up the courage to put forward our feet towards a successful career and let the inner Diva inside speak through us.

“Why should we talk ill of her, who gives birth to kings? The woman is born from woman; there is none without her.” – Guru Nanak

Throughout my life I have seen many of us admire people who are courageous and calm in their communication. Such assertive communication with others is not always easy and women are simply amazing at this. As an individual courage in communication becomes crucial for you to pass through tough scenarios such as:

• Challenging someone internally or externally
• Expressing an unpopular opinion
• Proactively carrying out tasks with quality
• Dealing with individuals who are difficult
• Or even attempting to calm an upset colleague/client

In my books this is the application of ones executive presence. Assertive and courageous communication is crucial for executive presence. Personally, it always is a delight to see women excel in executive presence.

Individuals such Sheryl Kara Sandberg, Michelle Obama and Padma Lakshmi have one thing in common. Actually, they have two things in common. That is all of them are women, considered great leaders in their domain. What sets these woman apart is not just their skills or competencies but their executive presence.

If you look anywhere in the world and into any industry women rise up due to their strong sense of executive presence. Indra Nooyi, Michelle Yeoh, and Oprah Winfrey all exhibit that executive presence that makes them shine. So, it is alarming to know that on June 26, 2018 in Fortunec.com the article Why Can’t Companies Break the Cycle of All-Male Leadership?” reported “Despite decades of initiatives to increase diversity among corporate leaders, the percentage of female leadership hires has remained relatively stagnant.”

In fact when I have done an exercise called “Draw an effective leader” 99% of the times majority of the delegates (including women) tend to draw a man. When I question why no one drew a woman as a leader, there is silence in the room. It even surprises the women when they see they to have not drawn a women as a leader.

From the beginning of time women have changed and transformed the world. Throughout history women have played a crucial role in the progress of human kind, be this for the family, community or business. Across the globe women have brought change and transformation that has allowed nations to develop. Without a doubt our economy needs women who ooze in executive presence. But they are put down, ignored and belittled across the world in all cultures. Some other hard facts:

•  UN Foundation reports women reinvest 90% of their income back into their families, while men reinvest 30–40%
• McKinsey Global Institute says USD $28 trillion could be added to the annual global GDP if women were given equal employment opportunities
• Global Citizen says women account for 70% of the population living in absolute poverty

This is just the tip of the iceberg and still women are underrated across the globe. At the workplace women often suffer from:

• Discrimination
• Unequal pay
• Sexual harassment
• Career advancement
• Access to good jobs

A study first published in a 2012 by Harvard Business Review found that women outscored men on 12 of 16 leadership competencies. In addition, women are hard workers and results-focused and are good investors too.

Women are crucial to the existence to humanity. It is like the song says “This is a man’s world but it would be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl”. Still to this date why are women undermined across the globe, both the Western and Eastern Worlds are culprits to this.

Still the gap between men and women remains large. Men and women are equal, both play an enormous part in society, work and family. The greatest woman leader that most people will have ever met would be their own mother, aunt, female friend, wife or daughter. And when you look at these women in your life you will feel their executive presence even when they are not around you.

Apr 18, 2018 co-founders of Breakthrough: For Women Leaders on the Fast Track wrote an article called “The Secrets Of Leadership Presence For Every Woman Leader” for Forbes.com. They mentioned in the article that after surveying a number of women leaders they discovered that 65% identified leadership “presence” as a skill they are most eager to develop.

Women know or unknown inspire people around them. All because they know their executive presence focus is on:

• Knowing their unique strengths, which they evolve with time
• Pass through failures to success with integration of their brain, heart and mind
• Strengthening their interpersonal communication skills such as speaking and listening
• Actively managing conflict and find resolution by tuning into their emotional wisdom

Executive Presence is not only for men, it is equally important for women. A strength that has allowed women through the centuries to advance in their careers, businesses and lives.

A woman’s listening skill, critical thinking, speaking and having a sense of higher emotional wisdom is necessary when dealing with people or situations. Their impactful communication and presentation skills reduce misunderstanding thus allowing woman to influence and persuade with ease.

No matter at what level a woman is she requires the executive presence when communicating or delivering a presentation:

• One to one, small, medium or large group
• Challenging C-level audience
• Senior or highly experienced people

This could be for:

•  Sales – delivery a powerful pitch to a client or selling a concept
• Technical – ensure team, stakeholders or clients on projects get updates with clarity
• Business Case – influencing to get approvals for your ideas
• High-stake – persuasion with ease when defending decisions made

Women have this great ability to apply ACE to increase their executive presence. Which simply means they have this innate ability to strengthen their Awareness, Consciousness & Energy (ACE).

I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress, which women have achieved. – B. R. Ambedkar

SOURCE: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/women-excel-executive-presence-developing-executive-presence/
– Thanks to Rohit ROI Bassi

As a TEDx and Global Professional Speaker with decades of experience, I can help you to focus upon the most important leadership attributes, and inspire you to develop your own unique formula for success mastery. Connect with me or book me to be inspired by developing an executive presence that leads to your own unique formula of success mastery, www.roitalks.com – roi@roitalks.com.

“Why should we talk ill of her, who gives birth to kings? The woman is born from woman; there is none without her.” – Guru Nanak Jee

Recently, I was sent this write up about the essence of a woman. After reading it I felt I would like to share it with you. Please, do to read it completely… it’s worth it!!

WOMAN. . . . . . . . .

When God created woman he was working late on the 6th day…….

An Angel came by and asked.” Why spend so much time on her?”

The Lord answered. “Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her. She must function in all kinds of situations. She must be able to embrace several kids at the same time. Have a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken heart, She must do all this with only two hands. She cures herself when sick and can work 18 hours a day”

The Angel was impressed “Just two hands…..impossible! And this is the standard model?”

The Angel came closer and touched the woman “But you have made her so soft, Lord”. “She is soft”, said the Lord”, but I have made her strong. You can’t imagine what she can endure and overcome”.

“Can she think?” The Angel asked…The Lord answered. “Not only can she think, she can reason and negotiate”

The Angel touched her cheeks….”Lord, it seems this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her”. “She is not leaking…it is a tear” The Lord corrected the Angel. “What’s it for?” asked the Angel…..The Lord said. “Tears are her way of expressing her grief, her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her suffering and her pride.”

This made a big impression on the Angel, “Lord, you are a genius. You thought of everything. A woman is indeed marvellous”

Lord said. “Indeed she is. She has the strength that amazes a man. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens. She holds happiness, love, and opinions. She smiles when she feels like screaming. She sings when she feels like crying, cries when happy and laughs when afraid. She fights for what she believes in. Her love is unconditional. Her heart is broken when a next-of-kin or a friend dies but she finds the strength to get on with life”

The Angel asked, “So she is a perfect being?”. The Lord replies “No. She has just one drawback. She often forgets what she is worth.”

SOURCE: https://www.roitalks.com/blog/a-womans-essence/
– Thanks to Rohit ROI Bassi

As a TEDx and Global Professional Speaker with decades of experience, I can help you to focus upon the most important leadership attributes, and inspire you to develop your own unique formula for success mastery. Connect with me or book me to be inspired by developing an executive presence that leads to your own unique formula of success mastery, www.roitalks.com – roi@roitalks.com.

People with a high sense of executive presence are human like you. Failure, self doubt, fear, dedication, discipline, persistence and many more attributes has helped these people realise that the road of success is not a smooth one and it is a never ending journey of learning.

Most people when they see or hear about a successful person they tend to know about what is on the surface. Very few are aware of the struggles, adversities and pains that the individual has gone through.

This is known as the “the iceberg effect.” In simple terms that means to the naked eyes, an iceberg glaringly stands majestically above the water. In fact, approximately 90% of the actual iceberg is under the water. Most of us are unaware of this presence. This executive presence of an iceberg’s strength, might and power can be felt when you cross its path.

Sarah (Gamal) El Gohary is one such example of executive presence. On the outset you will see that she is someone with experience in the development and implementation of a fully integrated brand marketing strategy. But that is just a minor part of her existence; she is actually a versatile seasoned songwriter and performer.

She is extremely talented and has been self-funding her projects. Form 9 to 5 she works in the corporate world but that is temporary; a stepping stone to fulfil her ikigai (a reason to jump out of bed each morning to fulfil a “being” life). The journey for her passion for music has had many quirky incidences and strange stories. She still stands tall and remains focused despite the setbacks she has gone through.

For instance The National Newspaper of Abu Dhabi in an interview with her on July 22, 2017 re,ported on her saying “I have been offered some bizarre deals over the years. I remember in Egypt I met some companies who said I was not allowed to get married in my contract. Another company placed a one million Egyptian pound [Dh205,591] penalty if I didn’t abide by their rules. Another guy told me I had to lose weight first”

August 2018, this amazing, charming and bubbly personality still stands tall and releases her single called Beybosso with the infamous Ahzee (an American DJ and producer from New York). The music video was shot in the lavish backdrop of Dubai. The lyrics of Beybosso sums up the determination that Sarah has.

The feeling of the song reminds me of Kylie Minogue song “I’m spinning around”.  Note the song does not sound like that, it’s just the feeling it gives. Sarah has managed to capture her own executive presence through this song. Her innovative upbeat music and song is poles apart from her 9 to 5 job.

What is so unique about Sarah? How come she stands out? Where does she get all the energy? From my perception one simple word sums it up, she has tapped into her JIGRA. In other words, she has unknowingly been able to be brave heart, have grit or as the business world calls it executive presence.

She has that inner courage/ strength, to be in spirit to pass through the adversities of life with enthusiasm. Such a state makes other perceive her as being without fear, fearless. Her grit allows her to give courage and resolve; the strength of character.

My observation of her and many like her is that they tap into their JIGRA, grit, brave heart or executive presence and somehow accomplish harmonious integration of ICE.

ICE simply means:

• Intelligence
• Communication
• Emotional Wisdom

Let us look at ICE closely. Style, character, substance, levitas, gravitas, and much more are all part of executive presence. And for these to work with effectiveness there needs to be harmonious integration of ICE; each playing its necessary part when required.

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Intelligence

Albert Einstein once said, “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. Be it music, spirituality, developing software, constructing a building or designing a chair or clothes in all of this intelligence certainly assist. All require the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. Different types of intelligence are required such as analytic, linguistic, emotional, creativity and innovation, critical thinking in being a success. Technological advancement has transformed the world and all of it requires some kind of intelligence. Without tapping into the different types of intelligence robots, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality would be impossible.

It is a matter of using the whole brain and to gain insight to ones neurological dominance always helps. Knowing yourself is the foundation of developing an executive presence. This allows you to know why you think and behave the way they do, and why other people may think and behave differently. It provides crucial insights on developing your JIGRA in terms of influence, persuasion, communication, listening, emotional wisdom and decision making.

“I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing” was a saying by Socrates. Philosophers, scientists and neuroscientists till date are looking to measure intelligence. People like Sarah (Gamal) El Gohary display intelligence in their creativity yet require to use their intelligence of critical thinking, problem solving and decision making to be great at her music and her 9 to 5 job.

 

Communication

When I 18 year old this notion of “You cannot not communicate” was absurd and ridiculous in my map of the world. Until I came across the image of a Japanese person bowing down to greet while in response a Western person extends his/her hand to reciprocate the greetings.

This is a complete mismatch but both individuals are correct in their way of greetings. Their cultures have taught them that this is the best way to greet. So, you can easily see a message has been communicated in such a scenario. Both individuals could easily take offence and can accuse each other of being rude. On the other hand they could realise they need to adjust their greetings thus the communication being a good one.

No matter what you do, you are always communicating. The communication is happening through mediums such as verbal (language, words, sentences), non-verbal (body language, gestures, emotions) and voice (tone, pace, volume).vThe most important critical one is the communication that is happening within you. When a person is unable to communicate with him or her in a productive manner than the outcomes are not pleasant.

For people like Sarah (Gamal) El Gohary to achieve success continuously comes from knowing herself. To do this she has to comprehend her own perception of the world. Her perception impacts and influences her decisions and behaviour.

Emotional Wisdom

Often many people talk about emotional intelligence but let us turn our focus to emotional wisdom. Susan Jeffers has a wonderful way of looking at emotional wisdom. In her book “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway” she refers to this as the Higher Self.

She has been quoted to say, “I have a vision of a light, an energy that we can tune into which can guide us. Our minds, when governed by the Lower Self, aren’t capable of imagining the grand possibilities that are there for us. It is important that we learn to tune into a part of us that has much greater vision, the Higher Self.”

Now some may say this is mumbo jumbo but than the likes of Daniel Goleman say “Emotional wisdom determines our success in life.” Compassion is an extremely high sense of emotional wisdom. This allows one to take themselves and others from disruption to transformation. Without self compassion and compassion for others, we will always see failure as a great disruption to our life.

The likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Guru Nanak Dev Jee had great JIGRA due to their compassion. All there was work was through compassion. As we live in era of where we cannot trust our own “knowing” we are so dependent on science to prove everything. And this where the father of evolution comes in, Charles Darwin. His work on compassion is never spoken about, our schools, business and leaders seem to focus on his work survival of the fittest while Charles Darwin later research work shows he was all about focusing on compassion and not survival of the fittest.

For people like Sarah (Gamal) El Gohary to be on the path of success comes through self-compassion and the compassion for others. People like her are aware compassion is care and warmth either for self or the other person. It is about creating, developing or seeking a solution that takes you or the other out of their misery, problem or fear.

“Stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny. All the strength and succour you want is within yourself.” – Swami Vivekananda

Yes, material/financial success is great to have. Times are such that many of us are taught to measure success in terms of material/financial success. For many of us driving force in life is material/financial success. Unfortunately, when we fail no one teaches us how to overcome failure, no one educates us that failure is part of success and no one practically demonstrates how to celebrate or failures.

When one is able to harmoniously integrate intelligence, communication and emotional wisdom they heighten their JIGRA, brave heart, grit, or executive presence. Through this, they discover the missing link to success and it has nothing to do with material/financial success.

SOURCE: https://www.roitalks.com/blog/i-c-e-of-executive-presence/
– Thanks to Rohit ROI Bassi

As a TEDx and Global Professional Speaker with decades of experience, I can help you to focus upon the most important leadership attributes, and inspire you to develop your own unique formula for success mastery. Connect with me or book me to be inspired by developing an executive presence that leads to your own unique formula of success mastery, www.roitalks.com – roi@roitalks.com.