“Yes. In every job I meet the expectations / goals for the role, and then look for ways to maximize the role/opportunities. Once I have innovated & improved a role/project/department and am no longer challenged or feel like I am really moving that department forward, my internal flame seems to go out. This is when I know it’s time for me to find a new role. If I am not making a true improvement/difference in my job/project, I feel like I am failing. I could have saved the world yesterday, but if I haven’t done anything today to make a difference, I feel like I am failing.”
“This is true for me, although less true than it was when I was in my 20’s. Reading this statement makes me sad for myself.”
The women are confident in their choices and bold in their actions. They persevere, knowing that they can conquer any challenge they are faced with. And they want each challenge to be greater than the last.
Sample interview responses:
(JE) “I knew early on that I wanted to be more than just a nurse or a teacher. I was going to make my own choices based on who I am and who I want to be.”
(AS) “I would describe myself as ‘boldly going anywhere.’ I have a couple friends that tease and call me their corporate hippie. I’m either bold or defiant, couldn’t say for sure which drives me more.”
(AW) “I’ve really only worked for three organizations. I’ve been able to walk in feeling that I had value to give them, and then I am able to seize the opportunity to move and grow into other areas. That’s always been really important to me. It is a ‘what can I gobble up today?’ kind of thing. I like to master something and then move on.”
(JS) “My old boss who is now a very good friend said I am the kind of person if you held a cloth up, I’d find a way through. I’m going to start with a little pinhole and I’m just going to pull those threads until I actually get there. I’m not going to see the barrier…no matter how small the starting point is, I’ll be able to get through that fabric.”
