I realized I was more convincing to myself and to the people who were listening when I actually said what I thought, versus what I thought people wanted to hear me say.
Interpretation
Authenticity in communication fosters trust and clarity.
In this quote, Ursula Burns emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and expressing genuine thoughts instead of conforming to perceived expectations. This authenticity not only builds stronger connections with others but also enhances one's own sense of self-respect and conviction.
In practice
During a motivational speech to encourage others to embrace their true selves.
My mother was amazing. I guess, in our community, if you wanted to get by you had to work hard. So she cleaned offices. She did everything that you could imagine. We were really poor. But she would say, 'Where you are is not who you are.'
My perspective comes in part from being a New York black lady, in part from being an engineer. I know I'm smart and have opinions worth being heard.
I'm a black lady from the Lower East Side of New York. Not a lot intimidates me.
Fresh out of college, you tend to join a company because it's a job. But, you tend to stay because it becomes a career; you start to feel at home. In the beginning of your career, you're focused on you: 'I like this place because I'm doing rewarding work; they take good care of me; the people are nice; there's runway for me,' etc.
There is one appointed supreme executioner. Truly, trying to take the place of the supreme executioner is like trying to carve wood like a master carpenter. Of those who try to carve wood like a master carpenter, there are few who do not injure their hands.
The most active lives have so much routine as to preclude progress almost equally with the most inactive.
Never for the sake of peace and quiet deny your convictions.
Know well what holds you back, and what moves you forward
Words are like arrows, Arianne. Once loosed, you cannot call them back. - Areo Hotah
Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.
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