Semira Khaleeli’s Post

Why is it important to have diverse role models? Because, during my childhood, I once contemplated bleaching my skin to conform to societal norms. I knew that as a Black girl, I wouldn't become the main character or even a well-liked character. I wanted to be like everyone else, I wanted to fit in. As a teenager, I rarely witnessed women, especially Black women, in positions of leadership or power. I grew up with all the tropes of Black people in films: first to die, sassy sidekick, mammy type, etc. Or only ever seeing Black people in films about Slavery... However, I can see the positive shift with more people who share my background excelling in various fields, from STEM to entertainment. While challenges like racism and bigotry persist, seeing diverse individuals celebrated in society makes the world feel more inclusive. Hopefully, this will spare future generations from considering drastic measures to fit in, fostering a sense of belonging and worthiness. Representation truly matters. For more on this, you can tune into my and my colleague Henry Fairnington's discussion on this topic: https://lnkd.in/eZWAWHCn

We tell our clients to "create a simulation" in your speech. Bring your audience to a specific moment that they can experience with you. Oprah Winfrey demonstrates exactly what we mean. Listen to the opening 60 sec of her 2018 Cecil B DeMille acceptance speech. https://lnkd.in/gjCwNrhT She creates a simulation of watching the moment that Sidney Poitier became the first black person to win an Academy Award. 🎬 You can see little Oprah sitting on the linoleum floor watching this moment on TV. You can see Sidney Poitier walking up to accept his Academy Award. You can feel how much this meant to a little girl. We get to experience this impactful moment with Oprah. Notice that she doesn't start her speech with meaningless fluff. ❌ No "I'm going to tell you a story." No "Thank you so much for this award. It means so much." ✅ Instead, it's immediately 1964. We are in Milwaukee, sitting with this little girl, watching history be made. You don't have to be a young Ophra watching the first black person receive an Academy Award to give your audience this experience. We can all bring our audience to moments that create a simulation and draw our listeners in. Ophra is an incredible and powerful speaker. What else does she do well in her acceptance speech? There's a lot! Drop what you think in the comments ⬇ *** Hit the 'Follow' button to stay updated with the latest in public speaking excellence. And don't hesitate to reach out for personalized advice or share your experiences. Let's make every word count! 📢 #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #PublicSpeakingTips #EwingSchool

Insights on: 1. creating a simulation in your speech and 2. how to open your talk

"If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough." - Oprah Winfrey 🔄 Repost this post

Beautifully put: you are defined by how you treat yourself and others. Simple fundamentals, that tend to fade out in the process. #leadershipdevelopment

"It'll do well. And if it doesn't do well, I will still do well." Who we are doesn't have to be defined by what we do. Our core worth as individuals is independent of our professional roles, or the success of our projects. Recognizing that our purpose and ability to thrive isn't tied to a profession is indeed one of the first steps toward well-being. #wellbeing #lawyerwellbeing

🔥 "Only YOU Define YOU! 🚀 Happy Monday to you all! Just a reminder as you start your week: You Hold the Key to Your Limits. 💪 🌟 Oprah nailed it when she said it's YOU who defines who you are. 💥 You know those limits you see? They're not set in stone. YOU hold the power to redefine them! 🚀 You are the master of your destiny. Own it! 🌟 See you in about 2 hours for your live hypnotic session. Let's reactivate your self-love. https://lnkd.in/ekztUe6P #GrowthMindset #UnleashYourPotential #PersonalGrowth #Wellbeing #hypnosis

This is truth, confidence and a clear perspective.

"If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough." - Oprah Winfrey 🔄 Repost this post

"If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough." - Oprah Winfrey 🔄 Repost this post