Embracing Self-Promotion: Insights from the #IAmRemarkable Workshop by
Google
In a world where accomplishments are often overshadowed by modesty, the #IAmRemarkable Workshop by Google, in collaboration with NYWICI, seeks to change the narrative. Held at Google’s New York office on September 4, 2024, this empowering workshop brought together women and underrepresented groups to boldly articulate their achievements and embrace the art of self-promotion. Through interactive sessions led by Adriana Mayobre, Strategic Partner Lead at Google, participants engaged in exercises designed to boost their confidence and break down the barriers of unconscious bias.
From sharing research on the challenges of self-promotion to practical exercises that encouraged attendees to speak openly about their successes, the event was a powerful reminder of the importance of owning one’s narrative. Here’s a closer look at the key moments from the event, along with insights from the speakers and participants who
made it remarkable.
“Brag-A-Phobia” and the Power of Self-Promotion
One of the key discussions at the workshop centered around the concept of “Brag-A-Phobia” – the fear of being perceived as bragging when talking about one’s successes. According to research shared during the event, 82% of people hide their achievements to avoid this perception. Adriana Mayobre, who facilitated the session, emphasized that “it’s not bragging if it’s based on facts.”
She encouraged participants to take ownership of their accomplishments, reminding them that “accomplishments don’t speak for themselves.” In a workplace setting, self-promotion isn’t just about gaining recognition; it’s about ensuring your contributions are acknowledged, which is essential for career progression and personal growth.
Navigating Unconscious Bias and Embracing Identity
Another major theme was the impact of unconscious bias and identity-based stereotypes on self-promotion. Adriana Mayobre highlighted the importance of self-awareness and the need to challenge our own biases. “If you are unaware of your unconscious bias, you need to be open-minded to the feedback that you are receiving in order to change it and not make assumptions about it,” she said.
Participants also discussed the ways in which race, gender, age, and other identity-based factors can influence how competence is perceived. For many attendees, the workshop provided a space to explore how language and communication styles can either include or exclude, often based on societal norms that need to be questioned and redefined.
This conversation resonated deeply with many of the women present, who shared their experiences of navigating professional spaces where they often felt their voices were minimized. The workshop provided tools not just for self-promotion, but for breaking down these identity-based barriers, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and affirming environment. “Being inclusive is important, it tells us that we are all human, and Google is a testament to that,” added Akanksha Joshi, Customer Engineer in Analytics at Google.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
The session also tackled imposter syndrome, a common experience among high-achieving individuals who doubt their abilities. Career Coach at Stony Brook University Madeline Rosenberg offered a fresh perspective, suggesting that participants think of it as “imposter moments” rather than a pervasive syndrome, allowing for greater control over these feelings. Adriana Mayobre added, “Stop comparing yourself. Everybody’s path is different, so you should focus on your own journey.” This shift in mindset encouraged attendees to view their career paths as unique and personal, rather than a constant comparison to others.
The Group Exercise: Owning Our Remarkable Stories
One of the most impactful parts of the workshop was the group exercise, where participants were asked to write down both a personal and professional reason why they are remarkable. This exercise not only allowed attendees to articulate their achievements but also fostered a sense of community as they shared their reflections in small groups. Many found that recognizing and sharing their accomplishments was both more challenging and more rewarding than anticipated. The exercise encouraged meaningful discussions about the power of acknowledgment and the joy that comes from celebrating each other’s successes.
Adeola Oyedele, Strategic Partner Lead at Google, captured this sentiment perfectly, saying, “I am one step closer, I am closing the gap, I am getting better every day and it’s all about the journey such as by coming to this event at Google, I am networking, I am putting myself out there, and I am meeting with inspiring individuals and that is worth celebrating.”
Take-Home Tools for Continued Growth
The workshop concluded with practical take-home exercises designed to keep the momentum going. Participants were encouraged to engage in “Remarkable Wednesday,” a weekly habit of sharing achievements with friends and colleagues, and to track their successes regularly. This practice aims to normalize self-promotion and ensure that one’s accomplishments are ready to be shared when opportunities arise.
Building a Community of Empowerment
Linda Gharib, Chief Experience Officer and Board Member at NYWICI, concluded the event by linking the workshop’s purpose to NYWICI’s larger mission of fostering connections and empowerment among women. ”This workshop aligns closely with NYWICI’s mission to connect, network, empower women, and facilitate learning from one another,” she said.
“We can all learn from each other’s stories and help inspire, promote, and empower each other,” added Adriana Mayobre. The #IAmRemarkable Workshop was more than just an event; it was a call to action for women and underrepresented groups to reclaim their narratives, advocate for themselves, and support one another in the journey towards self-confidence and professional recognition. It reinforced the importance of building a community where we inspire each other to learn, grow, and make meaningful contributions – a mission at the heart of NYWICI.
Written by Hande Erkan
