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You know that adrenaline rush you get right before seeingQueen Bey, Coldplay, or insert-your-favorite-band-here?
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The only difference was that an iconic band wasnt performing.
Bouncers announced we should approach the ballroom entrance slowly while flashing our badges.
So no one would get hurt.
At an HR conference.
(Sadly, none of that was possible.
You know, Secret Service and all.)
It only got better from there.
Here, seven of her best nuggets of advice that are still sticking with me.
On confidence in the workplace: We have to love ourselves, we have to love each other.
We have to stop competing with each other, we have to start lifting each other up.
Do it because its the right thing to do.
Workplaces need to demand equal playing fields so women can actually thrive, Obama said.
This means it’s not just up to women.
Men need to spark these conversations, too, and do the work necessary to foment change.
“These questions arent just important but women but for men, too, for families.
On dealing with political differences in the office: Treat each other with a little more empathy and compassion.
We’re living in a turbulent, divisive time.
“Give one another the benefit of the doubt and assume they mean the best, Obama said.
On taking small steps to make your workplace more inclusive: The biggest impact happens right around you.
In an ideal world, all offices would welcome diversity.
In reality,there’s a lot of work to be done.
On keeping it professional: Come on, you gotta pull it together.
The former first lady reinforced this lesson with an anecdote that only made me love her more.
The following day, as her daughters said goodbye to everyone in the house, tears started flowing.
On the pressure for women to do it all: Most women need wives.
This is exactly why egalitarian romantic relationships are so important.
On self-care being necessary for success: We have to prioritize ourselves.
Its hard to put ourselves higher on a list that we dont think were even deserving to be on.
Part of shifting this mindset comes down to prioritizing ourselves, our happiness, and our mental health.
Enter:self-care, whatever that means for you.
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