Why Women Don't Jump Towards Media and Visibility INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2020
I’ve enjoyed a few weeks of reading books featuring women who’ve stepped beyond their comfort zones or lived outside social norms. I’ve gone further afield than the now iconic Ruth, Frida and Gloria. Instead, I learned of rare female Viking rune-makers, Victorian mathematicians and twentieth century surrealist and Dadaist artists. I’ve also read about feminist trade unionists and politicians and females who advanced technology.
I’m grateful to publishers and institutions for funding the research and the authors for writing these her-stories. Goodness knows these women didn’t have any special assistance to build their renown. If awards or media gave any attention to a break-through, women were pushed aside (sometimes literally) for male colleagues to receive the attention and accolades.
I grew up in an era of the Page 3 Girls, a generic name given to the bikini clad woman whose photograph appeared on page 3 of daily newspapers. There they were, every time I opened a newspaper brought home by my parents. On International Women's Day today, I wonder which female authors, scientists, artists or politicians could have graced those pages, alongside stories of their achievements. How different the world view and sense of potential for girls (and boys) would have been.
As a publicist for many years, most of my clients were men. My male clients wanted to position themselves as media commentators. They wanted to sound authoritative and were not afraid of stepping up. I would encourage successful women I knew to use media, but they were afraid. Afraid of getting it wrong and afraid of appearing too big for their boots. Worst of all they were afraid they had nothing worth saying. Imagine a woman who has spent decades in her career or business and is a pioneer or responsible for advancing her industry. Now imagine her believing she had nothing to say. I felt exasperated.
But I didn’t fully understand their reasons and fortunately that changed.
Six years ago I launched a new program. I wanted to help people find their voice and create a public profile as leaders. They could use the new digital and social mediums as well as traditional media and speaking. It was a partnered program, which meant I would work alongside them all the way.
Women approached me as soon as I launched the program. I soon learned why they hadn’t been jumping towards visibility and media. They wanted someone to help them find what was worthwhile to say; a coach to guide them to the appropriate voice and a trusted expert offering quality control, to ensure they got it right. The first six to do the program were women and women have continued to make up the majority of my clients ever since.
They are business founders, department heads, managing directors and sole traders. Some are already global pioneers, others on the rise nationally. Each feels ready to share her story, achievements and wisdom. But she requires skills and assurances first.
When a woman finds her voice and uses it, something else happens. She feels liberated, unleashed and more empowered in all aspects of her life. This empowered woman has the capacity to uplift many, many others. I see this all the time. In fact, the most rewarding aspect of my business now is the community of women which has formed. It's a supportive group. They cheer each other on in professional and personal life.
This is why I love helping women find their voice. I’ve found mine along the way and this helped me create Dangerous Blogging and the programs, workshops and retreats. My six year old program has been updated and is now named Fearless: The Writing Program for Leaders.
I share this today to celebrate the achievements of my clients and yes, myself. I want to encourage and inspire every woman reading this to believe in themselves and the value they can create through sharing more of who they are, what they do and their wisdom. Perhaps you would like to send this email to a woman who needs to hear this.
My clients are blogging brilliantly, speaking confidently, running their own mentoring programs and writing books. They’re securing the business partnerships and promotions, winning international awards and are acknowledged by their industries as leaders. They are part of a movement whereby we are becoming visible in a way that is dignified, authentic and authoritative.
No bikinis.
This year I hope to guide more women to their voice. Will you be one? Join my introductory webinar for women, to be held on March 18th Click here to join the intimate online event Women’s Find Your Voice and Write
These are some of the fearless women and the Dangerous Blogs I’ve been fortunate to mentor:
Jamelle Wells, author of the fascinating memoir, The Court Reporter, Booktopia rating 4 Stars
Jamelle says, "Katie is an amazing writing coach who I worked with when I was writing my memoir, ‘The Court Reporter’ (ABC Books). She is fantastic at motivating writers and helping them focus and find their voice. She is highly professional and genuinely cares about her students. As a writer, journalist and long-time book publicist, Katie has an inside knowledge of the publishing industry and is a wealth of practical advice. I can highly recommend her writing courses and retreats."
Read about Jamelle's memoir The Court Reporter here
Michelle Ockers, Learning and Development disrupter,
Recipient of the Dr Alastair Rylatt L&D Professional of the Year 2019 and the Internet Time Alliance Jay Cross Memorial Award 2019 for her leadership and contributions to progressing her industry
Michelle says, “Katie caters for people who learn in different ways. She helps you see your journey goals very clearly and patiently guides you forward. She held space for me to transition into visibility, using my authenticity and authority.”
Read Michelle’s Dangerous Blog blog Learning at the Pace of Disruption
Kari Baynes, Director Different Strokes Swimming
Kari says, "Through the Dangerous Blogging program, I’ve developed a reputation as an expert in the adult learn to swim industry. I realise I am a pioneer and people look to me as an innovator and leader. Thanks to the regular writing and Katie’s method, I feel empowered with my own voice and confident writing about the business and my personal experiences.”
Kari supports Australian Muslim women in swimming. Read her Dangerous Blog Ripples Beyond the Pool
Christy Newman, Associate Professor, UNSW
Dr Christy Newman says, "“Not only did I come away with three blogs, immediately snapped by Huffington Post, I received enduring insights about the process and experience of writing.”
Read Dr Christy Newman's three successive Dangerous Blogs published in The Huffington Post
Beck Dawson Chief Resilience Officer City of Sydney
Read an interview with Beck’s here in The Sydney Morning Herald
Sarah Barns, Director ESME Projects
Read Sarah's Dangerous Blog in The Sydney Morning Herald Sydney's Grey Makeover
Jill Murphy, Director Open Road Consulting
Read Jill's Dangerous Blog First Woman on the Moon
and here is my own Dangerous Blog published in The Sydney Morning Herald on International Women's Day 2019 Why Women Experts Don't Speak Up
This year I hope to guide more women to their voice. Will you be one? Join my introductory webinar for women, to be held on March 18th Click here for the intimate online event Women’s Find Your Voice and Write