We're going to make a bold and perhaps controversial statement here, and say that living an audacious life is not necessarily about conforming to a singular definition of success (despite what social media highlight reels might be telling you!) ;-)

What if instead, it's about discovering what truly ignites your soul/essence/core (or however you want to label it) and simply, brings you joy? We prefer the word joy over happiness as it feels more attainable, and something that we don't need to chase or create but instead, can simply "be".

Success can take on various forms, each unique to the individual. Let's have a look at how you can master every moment and live an audacious life by finding what lights you up and focusing on the small everyday moments that make life truly fulfilling.

Discover What Lights You Up:

To live an audacious life, start by discovering what truly brings you joy. It sounds simple, but start by exploring your passions, interests, and values. Reflect on activities or experiences that make you feel alive and fulfilled. Whether it's pursuing a creative endeavour, engaging in meaningful work, or spending time with loved ones, understanding what lights you up is essential to crafting a life that resonates with your authentic self.

Embrace the Power of Small Moments:

Mastering every moment begins by recognising the significance of the small moments in our lives. Amongst our shiny, filters and hashtag #bestlife society, (you need only scroll here on LinkedIn to see the plethora of #humblebrags to leave you feeling as though you've failed before breakfast), it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of grand achievements, but true fulfilment lies in the appreciation of everyday experiences.

Learn what helps you to personally cultivate mindfulness so you can be fully present in the present moment. Get it? And the answer might not be meditation for you. Yes, meditation is wonderful and has it's many benefits, but it might just not be your jam. And that's okay. Perhaps instead you might find joy in simple pleasures like a warm cup of coffee, a walk in nature, or a heartfelt conversation. And by savouring these moments, you create a life that is rich and meaningful.

Follow Your Inner Compass:

Living an audacious life requires aligning your actions with your inner compass. Your inner compass you might say?! When you boil it down, it's really about learning how to trust your intuition and listen to the gentle and sometimes, not so gentle, nudges from within. And don't worry if this seems like a strange concept to grasp to begin with, it can take time and practice to learn how to listen to your inner compass, especially if you've never done it before. Embrace the courage to forge your own path, even if that deviates from what might be considered a conventional route. By following your inner compass, you unlock your potential to create a life that is uniquely yours. What could be more satisfying than that?

Embrace Growth and Learning:

Living audaciously also involves embracing growth and learning as an integral part of the journey. Seek opportunities to expand your knowledge, develop new skills, and challenge yourself. Embrace a growth mindset that sees failures as lessons and setbacks as opportunities for growth. As the saying goes, you gotta get out of your comfort zone! The pursuit of audacity is not without its challenges, of course, but it is through these challenges that we evolve and discover our true potential (or otherwise known as what we're made of!)

Cultivate Meaningful Connections:

We're social beings by design so it's really important to nurture the relationships that bring joy, love, and support into your life. Surround yourself with people who inspire, uplift you and encourage you to be your best. Cultivate deep and meaningful connections that nourish you mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. You could even share your audacious journey with loved ones and seek their support and encouragement. Together, you can create a community of like-minded individuals who celebrate each other's audacious pursuits. Now, who doesn't want to be part of that gang?! Hands in the air

Key Takeaways:

1. Discover what truly brings you joy and ignites your soul.

2. Find joy in the small everyday moments.

3. Trust your inner compass and follow your heart's desires.

4. Embrace growth and learning as part of your audacious journey.

5. Cultivate meaningful connections with supportive individuals.

We believe that mastering every moment and living an audacious life is about finding what brings you joy, even and especially, in those small moments in between. Remember, success looks different for everyone, and it's up to you to define what audacity actually means in your own life.

So, embrace the journey of self-discovery, nurture your passions, and savour the beauty of each moment along the way.

Your audacious life begins now.

If this topic is something you'd like to dive headfirst into, then we have just the show lined up for you.

Then join, Cookie as he opens the book with author and time management expert, Kate Christie, as she shares insights from her latest book, "The Life List: Master Every Moment and Live an Audacious Life."

In this transformative session, Kate will guide participants on a journey towards unlocking their true potential, maximising productivity, and creating a life filled with audacity and fulfilment.

Leave this cuppa with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools necessary to take bold actions, step out of your comfort zone, and create a life that reflects your true potential.

Reserve your spot and we'll see you there! 

When: Tuesday 6th June, 8:30am (AEST)

Link to join us: https://cuppa.tv/programs/kate-christie

In today's world, gender equality and women's empowerment have become crucial topics of conversation (and long may that continue). 

While significant progress has been made (anyone need just look back through history to see how far we’ve come - a recent Netflix series on Queen Charlotte set in the late 18th century acts as a stark reminder of what life once resembled for women of society, let alone women of lower classes), it’s true that gender bias still remains a persistent challenge, particularly when it comes to women's career progression. 

It’s also worth noting that here at Cuppa, we are committed to continually having the conversations which matter, regardless of how hard they might be, and there are many inequalities that should and will be addressed by us here in subsequent conversations, but this article’s primary focus is on the impact of gender bias on women’s careers. 

Let’s set the scene, it’s 2023, so you’d think that career progression wouldn’t still be impacted by gender. And yet, here we are. The truth is, work is a game originally developed by men, for men. And whilst the players may have changed, the rules to succeed have not. When today's talented women play like men, they often get punished for not being 'ladylike', accused of acting “like a man”, yet when they play like women, they get punished for not being 'leaderlike' or being “too soft” and if a woman chooses to become a mother then she is often sidelined for not being committed enough to her career.

Women of recent generations are taught that they can have it all, but are we setting them up for unrealistic expectations, burnout and failure when we match it to the current reality of the working world for women? 

Welcome to the gender penalties that sideline women from the game of work.

The Prevalence of Gender Bias:

Gender bias manifests itself in various forms, such as unequal pay, limited access to leadership positions, unconscious biases, and stereotypes. These biases permeate workplaces, shaping perceptions and decisions that ultimately, affect women's career progression.

Let's look at some eye-opening statistics:

Unequal Pay: According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2021, women globally earn, on average, just 63% of what men earn. This wage gap not only affects women's financial wellbeing but also impacts their prospects for career progression. Let alone when it comes to a woman’s choice to have a family, she is then hindered with choices around returning to work and the cost of childcare. 

Leadership Representation: Women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. The 2021 Catalyst Census found that women hold only 29.5% of senior management roles globally. This lack of representation hampers the development of diverse and inclusive workplaces.

So, what is the impact on career progression?

Gender bias has profound implications for women's career progression, often resulting in:

Limited Opportunities: 

Stereotypes and biases can lead to women being overlooked for challenging assignments, promotions, or important projects. This lack of visibility and opportunity inhibits their professional growth.

Confidence and Ambition Gap: 

Women often face societal and cultural expectations that discourage them from pursuing ambitious career goals. Moreover, gender biases can erode confidence, making women doubt their abilities and potential, which further affects their progression.

Work-Life Balance Challenges: 

Balancing work and family responsibilities disproportionately falls on women's shoulders. Stereotypes and biases assume that women prioritise caregiving over their careers, creating challenges in achieving work-life balance and career progression simultaneously.

What can we do to make a difference?

Change is not linear, nor is it overnight, but by continually showing up and committing to show up, we are able to not only help women progress in the workplace for this generation, but for every subsequent generation that comes. Together, we can make history.

Here are a few ways in which we can continue to bridge the gap:

Raising Awareness: 

By educating individuals about unconscious biases, stereotypes, and their impact on women's career progression, we can foster a more inclusive workplace culture. Employers should provide training programmes and resources to promote awareness and understanding.

Building Supportive Networks: 

Organisations can facilitate mentorship and sponsorship programmes that connect women with influential leaders who can provide guidance, support, and advocacy. Peer networks and professional associations can also serve as invaluable sources of support and inspiration.

Encouraging Leadership Diversity: 

Companies must prioritise diversity and inclusion at all levels, setting measurable goals and holding leadership accountable. Implementing policies that promote gender balance in leadership positions is essential for fostering an inclusive work environment.

Flexible Work Arrangements: 

Offering flexible work options, such as remote work or flexible hours, can help women better navigate the role and decision around motherhood, and managing family responsibilities whilst still enabling career progression at the same time.

Equal Pay and Compensation Transparency: 

Companies should ensure pay equity by conducting regular pay audits, establishing transparent salary structures, and addressing any disparities. Transparent compensation practices contribute to building trust and equity within organisations. Not to mention, that this kind of transparency, makes an organisation more attractive to work at too. 

Gender bias still remains a significant hurdle for women's career advancement, perpetuating inequalities and limiting their professional growth. By acknowledging these biases, understanding their impact, and taking actionable steps, both individuals and organisations can create an environment that empowers women to thrive. Breaking these barriers requires collective effort, but the benefits of a more inclusive workforce are undeniable—a diverse and equitable workplace benefits everyone and paves the way for a brighter future.

Let’s turn obstacles into opportunities for women at work.

If you’d like to find out more about the gender penalty, then we have just the show for you. 

Ready to learn how you can overcome the challenges and biases that may be holding you back in your career?

Join us for an engaging cuppa on "Gender Penalty" by Anneli Blundell, a thought-provoking book that explores the impact of gender bias on women's career advancement. Anneli Blundell, a renowned executive coach and leadership expert, presents a compelling argument that despite women's increased participation in the workforce, gender biases still exist, and these biases limit women's access to top leadership roles and earning potential.

Some of the key topics we'll be touching upon are:

• How gender biases still exist in the workplace, and how they limit women's access to top leadership roles and earning potential

• How the motherhood penalty is real and can have a significant impact on women's careers

• How the confidence gap is a major obstacle for women, and it is often fuelled by societal stereotypes

• Why female role models in leadership positions are essential for breaking down gender barriers and inspiring the next generation of female leaders

• How women can take control of their careers by building their confidence, leveraging their strengths, and advocating for themselves

  
  

Grab your spot and we'll see you there.

When: Tuesday 23rd May at 8:30am (AEST)

To reserve your spot you can do so here: https://cuppa.tv/programs/anneli-blundell