Are you struggling to shift your mindset to a more powerful and self-assured one? As administrative professionals (mostly women), we have been taught to smile, be quiet, take notes, and make our executives look good. Many of us don't care to change, or thoroughly enjoy being in a support role, behind the scenes, behind the spotlight. That's ok. You own that girl! However, for some like me, it is increasingly not enough. We want more. We want to be heard and to be looked at differently.

"She is a lioness. Let her believe in herself!"

~ Avijeet Das

Have you heard the phrase, "Surround yourself with people that are smarter than you."? It's true. Although most likely, for most of your career as an assistant, it's sad but true that you have been surrounded by "smarter" people. If you want to grow and shift your mind, wholeheartedly seek these people out and have their presence in your life! YOU decide your definition of "smarter." Albeit a bit daunting in the beginning, you'll see why they are the way they are, why they are successful, and why people are drawn to them. Guess what? YOU belong in that room too! You must believe it. It's not a belief that can happen overnight. It's something you will have to dig deep to find most likely. You'll have to find the right people, you know, the ones that encourage and permit you to shine. The ones that don't look down on you for being a lowly assistant or perhaps not having a college degree.

Now as a business owner and entrepreneur who's left administrative work (still in my heart though), I have been working hard to find and release my inner lioness. In the past, the lioness was only present if someone messed with my cub. She's been in me all along, buried under the rubble, amongst all the insecurities, all the baggage. It took a select few people, at this later stage of my life, to slowly pull her up from the ashes to make up my current "me." My new mindset, my lioness, makes me feel worthy of intermingling with the best, the smartest, the wealthiest, and the elite. It makes my acquired know-how, combined with my experience, an expert in my field. My new lioness mindset has others migrating towards me, seeking me out for advice and to help them find themselves and their voices too.

The biggest thing for me is perfecting the art of being unapologetic. Its definition is this - Adj. Not acknowledging or expressing regret. Boy, oh boy, am I ever GUILTY! I had always apologized, even when something wasn't my fault or intent. Sometimes I don't outright say, "I'm sorry," but somehow, I manage to throw in other words that mean the same thing. It's instinctual. I'm a people pleaser and a peacekeeper. I can never recall a time when my bosses apologized or took the onus of something that went awry. Being unapologetic demands respect. Take a class or watch a YouTube video on how you can think differently or reply to an email more effectively. Read it out loud. Ask for someone else to read it and give you honest input to empower you and help you hit that send button.

Join me in shifting our mindsets, ladies (and gentlemen). Administrative professionals matter. We are the backbones of the company, the right-arms of our executives/clients. Let's hear you ROAR! Dig deep. I know it's in there and possible to unleash. Believe in it, and it will manifest. You will be surprised by how much your life changes, your job, or your business changes, your relationships change. All for the better. What are you waiting for? I am woman, hear me roar!