Michelle Hall’s Post

In As we approach the end of the week, how are you feeling? (A) “That’s another week down without anyone realising that I don’t actually belong here.” (B) “Crushed it” [image of Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect optional] There’s nothing wrong with admitting to (A). To be honest for a good chunk of my career I would have answered (a). And it didn’t stop there …. Feeling out of my depth and like an outsider has also resulted in * walking away from flourishing friendships because “once she realises I’m not as interesting as her she’ll ghost me” * not applying for promotions “because I hadn’t been in the industry long enough” * not pursing opportunities or staying in touch with former colleagues “because they were just being nice when they said ‘stay in touch’” So when Karen Jean-Francois invited me as a guest on the Women in Data® podcast with Holly Wall to talk about #ImposterSyndrome I jumped at the opportunity. If any of this resonates with you, I get it. It’s hard. But you’re not alone. You don’t need to feel stuck forever. I’d be delighted to read your comments on the podcast. You can listen to it here: 🎧 Apple Podcasts:https://lnkd.in/e4_4CxJP 🎧 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e-ks5TPb 🎧Castbox: https://lnkd.in/eGraquBA 🎧 Audible: https://lnkd.in/ekqn49z2 🎧 Deezer: https://lnkd.in/eR2B-a89

🌟 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🌟 Today is a great day to remember that 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀.  Ada saw the incredible potential of technology before most could even imagine it—and she did it in a time when women were rarely encouraged, let alone seen, in science and engineering roles. Although her contributions weren’t fully recognised until after her death. Her legacy and story feel increasingly more relevant as we continue to see issues with inequality in data and tech, and yet both are ubiquitous in our lives. 🚀 𝗧𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮: You are walking in the footsteps of visionaries like Ada, and just like her, you have the power to shape the future of technology. Whether you’re writing code, analysing data, or leading tech teams, your contributions matter. And if you ever feel outnumbered or unsure, remember this: 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲. Your perspective, skills, and ideas are vital to the innovation happening today—and will drive the solutions of tomorrow. Let’s honor Ada by continuing to build a more inclusive and diverse tech industry, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 💬 How are you making your mark in tech and data? Share your journey or tips for navigating your career in the comments. #AdaLovelaceDay #WomenInTech #WomenInData #CareerDevelopment #CareerGrowth #WomenInSTEM Photo: Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer. (Portrait by Alfred Edward Chalon (1780–1860) from Wikimedia)

Today's the day! Whether you've got a coding challenge you're trying to solve, an idea you want some input it, a new job or looking to meet some new folks, please join us. First Friday Coffee is designed to be a friendly and safe space for you to meet other people working in data and digital roles (but not exclusively) from the comfort of your home or office. And it's only for 45 minutes. There isn't a fixed agenda for tomorrow. All you need is a hot or cold drink, join me at 3:30 and introduce yourself. And if it's just the two of us I'll happily turn it into a laser coaching session if you like. I can't wait to see you later today! Joining details are in the comments. #networking #datacareers #digitalcareers #careercoaching

"𝗜'𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀. 𝗜 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲." Sound familiar? Perhaps you are also telling yourself ..... 🗨 "I don't have time to network" 🗨 "I'm not looking for a new role right now, so I don't need to network" 🗨 "People will try to sell me stuff I don't want if I go to the networking function" How do I know? Well, I used to tell myself all of this and more. This is why I created First First Coffee ... it's a place for people working in data and digital to met other people from the comfort of your chair. There isn't a fixed agenda. All you need is a hot or cold drink, join me at 3:30pm and introduce yourself. We're starting later than normal this month. On Friday morning I'll be at an The Athena Network West London in person networking morning tea (practicing what I preach!). If it's just the two of us I'll happily turn it into a laser coaching session if you like. I can't wait to meet you, or see you again, on Friday Joining details will be available on Friday! #careercoaching #networking #womenindata #womenindigital #careerchanges #leadershipcoaching

This week, development has been at the forefront of many conversations. It's inspiring to see people exploring their next steps in both their careers and personal lives. Some individuals I've connected with are mentors, while others are seeking guidance from a coach. Claire Withers CEnv shared a quote with me that perfectly encapsulates the essence of this week. It also resonates particularly well with this year's International Women's Day theme - "Invest in women: Accelerate progress." I'm curious, what goals are you currently working towards? Share your pursuits in the comments or feel free to send me a DM. ................................................................................................................ 𝗜’𝗺 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹. Women who are ambitious and want to make a positive difference. Women who want to feel confident to take on roles and opportunities that feel like a stretch. Women who want to enjoy their work, and be rewarded for the value and impact they deliver. How do I support them? I provide the space and time for them to talk about their challenges and successes, without judgement and completely in confidence. As their coach I challenge their beliefs supportively and safely to help them clarify their thoughts and create their own solutions. As their mentor, when asked, I provide insights from my experience. I support them to discover their superpowers, recognise their brillance and create fulfilling careers. #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerCoaching #datacareers #digitalcareers #womenindata #womenintech #womenindigital

Networking … love it or loath it? Or never even think about it? If you're attending #BigDataLDN this week chances are networking is very quickly coming to mind. Unless you're sticking your head in the sand and planning to walk around and not speak to anyone for two days. I'm not judging you, I had the same plan in previous years. At heart I'm a bit shy, so I would avoid it as much as possible. When I couldn't avoid it, I’d most likely be the person in the corner on her phone. Or I’d find the other women doing the same thing and hangout with them.  So in the room physically ... wishing that I wasn't. The sense of imposter syndrome was strong, and when I started my career in data it was roughly a 1:10 ratio of women to men. Networking is an important part of career development – ✅opening doors to potential job opportunities, ✅developing new relationships ✅gaining a different perspective on a shared challenge  ✅boosting your confidence. Over the years I’ve addressed my imposter syndrome, and I’ve put in place some tactics to make networking easier and more enjoyable: ⭐ Find someone I know who is attending the same event ⭐ Be curious about the people I meet - What brought you to the event? What project are you currently working on? This year I'm curious about what AI tools you're using and how. ⭐ I look for the women who are standing on their own, I go over and say hi – it's much easier to start a conversation with one person than a group. So, if that's you, don't be surprised to find a 5ft 2" women in red or pink in front of you on Thursday 😆 I’ve also changed my mindset (I know, easier said than done) about networking. I chose to view it as being in a room full of strangers with the possibility that some will become friends, some will give me some tips on AI tools, and others might be looking for the support that I can provide. I'm attending #BigDataLDN on Thursday and would love to meet you in real life if you're going too. Let me know in the comments or send me a DM. #networking #careercoaching #careerdevelopment

Late in the afternoons I tend to pop into LinkedIn to see what I've missed. Some days not much. Some days some absolute gems are sitting at the top of my feed. Like this one. Having learned this lesson repeatedly I don't need the reminder, but I'm re-posting for anyone in my network that does. ❌ "I don't have the budget to increase your salary, but I can give you development projects" is not your problem, but it will be when you're doing more work, longer hours and your day rate plummets. ❌ "We think we pay you enough" is a cop-out. "Enough" in comparison to who and what role? Refer to the above. ❌ "Let's see how you settle into the role and evaluate in 6 months time" so basically you're back on a probationary period. Um, no. I get it why you'd keep quiet. In the middle of a cost of living crisis and constant uncertainity it can feel easier to put up and shut up rather than rock the boat. But at the end of the day when everyone else goes home and you're still in the office ... the one losing out is you - financially, physically and mentally.

Crying in the shower is no way to start Monday … or any other day of the week for that matter. I know. I’ve been there, done that. If t-shirts were handed out, I’d have drawers full. It’s not fun. It’s even worse when you’ve spent (wasted) all weekend worrying about Monday. * Worrying about how much is on your “to do” list. – Probably way too much * Worrying about what other people think. –Chances are you are the least of their worries. * Worrying about not being “good enough”. – You are more than good enough. It does NOT have to be this way. How do I know this? Well, I’ve spent loads of Mondays crying in the shower. Thinking all of these things (and more). Taking a duvet day in the hopes that will make me feel better. And it did for a week because I wasn’t flat out exhausted. But it’s not a long term strategy. Getting help Setting boundaries Learning how to delegate And wearing a crown like the queen you are, are long term strategies. If this sounds familar, I'm sorry. I'm also here to help. Help you set boundares. Help you recognise your brilliance. Help you harness your power. Help you to thrive in your career. #careercoach #leadershipcoach #womenindata #womenindigital #womenintech #happymondays

"𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗼 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁". This happens a LOT to my clients in their coaching sessions with me. But do you want to know the best part?  𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 ... 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀. Not mine. Not their mum's. Not their manager's.  Everyone of them agrees that they are much more likely to implement their good ideas, rather than implementing an idea someone else has told them.  Who's idea are you more likely to implement? Yours? Or someone elses?  If my post has made you think "𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘴", then it really is time you and I had a coffee and a chat. ......................................................................................................................................................... 𝗜’𝗺 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹. Women who are ambitious and want to make a positive difference. Women who want to feel confident to take on roles and opportunities that feel like a stretch. Women who want to enjoy their work, and be rewarded for the value and impact they deliver. How do I support them? I provide the space and time for them to talk about their challenges and successes, without judgement and completely in confidence. As their coach I challenge their beliefs supportively and safely to help them clarify their thoughts and create their own solutions. As their mentor, when asked, I provide insights from my experience. I support them to discover their superpowers, recognise their brillance and create fulfilling careers. #reading #CoachingJourney #ClientSuccess #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerCoaching #datacareers #digitalcareers #womenindata #womenintech #womenindigital