The Barb List

There were so many valuable events, speeches, and workshops during this year’s TechWomen program, but one of the highlights for the Emerging Leaders was The Barb List, a list of nine tips for fearlessly achieving your personal and professional goals from 2013 TechWomen Cultural Mentor, Barbara Williams. Barbara presented The Barb List at the Emerging Leader logistics orientation held at Oracle, which kicked off this year’s program. The Barb List is a simple but powerful guide to “achieving success and living an amazing life,” written by Barb herself, based on years of professional experience and success. The Emerging Leaders took Barb’s advice to heart. Not only did they use her wisdom to help them successfully navigate their professional mentorships, they also vowed to use these principles in their everyday lives upon returning home. This list is truly inspirational, and we are thrilled to share it with our TechWomen community!

The Barb List

Relationships Matter

Take the extra time to cultivate strong relationships and build connections

Ask for Help

Sometimes it’s the only way to get what you need

Do it Afraid

The best time to make your next move is before you feel completely ready

Be Curious – Ask Questions

Time invested in knowing more is always time well spent

Don’t Wait to be Introduced

Be a fearless networker and embrace the thrill of talking to strangers

Act As If

Embrace the person you want to be by acting as though you already are

Lift as you Climb

As you progress in your career, lend a hand to those also making the journey

Be Flexible and Have Fun

Things won’t always work out the way you planned; learn to enjoy the unexpected

Life Begins Outside of your Comfort Zone

Personal and professional growth come from pushing your own limits

 

Barbara Williams is a connector, citizen of the world, and award-winning leader with a global mindset. She is known as the “Go To” person who develops high-level relationship alliances that foster collaboration and commitment in order to  align diversity strategies with business objectives which drive innovation and organizational success. Barbara is known for delivering results by creating and implementing sustainable and measurable action plans in both the profit and non-profit arenas. She has been recognized for her strategic planning ability, her talent for developing and cultivating high-performing teams and her keen business acumen. Barbara’s mission is to unlock the untapped brilliance in all of us. Barbara is also a frequent keynote speaker and panelist on a variety of leadership topics for corporate leadership summits and organizations. As a leader in the community, Barbara currently serves as the Vice Chair and Commissioner for the Alameda County Commission on the Status of Women. @bawconnects