Own It: Your Body. Your Rules. Your Bluprynt
She Means Business
In today's dynamic and competitive job market, empowering women to take control of their career paths has never been more crucial. At HerBluprynt, we are dedicated to equipping women with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their professional journeys with confidence and authenticity. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every woman deserves to feel empowered, valued, and supported as she pursues her aspirations.
As we delve into the essential topics of personal branding, negotiation skills, and leadership development, we aim to provide you with actionable insights and strategies that resonate with our empowering ethos: Your Body. Your Rules. Your Bluprynt. This mantra serves as a reminder that you have the power to define your own success and make choices that align with your values and goals.
Personal branding is the foundation of your professional identity. It’s about showcasing your unique strengths and values to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Negotiation skills are vital for advocating for yourself and ensuring that your contributions are recognized and rewarded. Leadership development empowers you to take on roles that influence and inspire others, paving the way for future generations of women.
Personal branding is a powerful tool that enables individuals to define and communicate their unique value propositions in the professional landscape. It involves a strategic approach to how you present yourself, encompassing your skills, experiences, and personal values. By crafting a compelling personal brand, you can differentiate yourself from others in your field, making it easier for potential employers and collaborators to recognize your strengths and capabilities (Schawbel, 2013). In today’s digital age, where online presence plays a crucial role in career advancement, establishing a strong personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn can significantly enhance your visibility and opportunities for growth. Key components of building a successful brand include engaging in consistent messaging, showcasing your achievements, and maintaining authenticity. By investing time and effort into personal branding, you empower yourself to take control of your career trajectory, aligning it with your aspirations.
Negotiation skills are fundamental for advocating for yourself and ensuring that you receive the recognition and compensation you deserve. Effective negotiation extends beyond salary discussions to encompass articulating your value, setting boundaries, and navigating workplace dynamics. Research indicates that women often face unique challenges in negotiations, including social biases that can impact their confidence and assertiveness (Babcock & Laschever, 2003). Therefore, developing strong negotiation skills is crucial for women looking to advance their careers and achieve equitable outcomes. Preparation is essential; understanding your worth, researching industry standards, and establishing clear goals will equip you to approach negotiations with confidence. Employing techniques such as active listening and empathetic communication can help build rapport and foster positive outcomes (Fisher, Ury, & Patton, 2011).
Leadership development is a vital component of owning your career path, as it equips you with the skills and confidence needed to inspire and influence others. Effective leadership transcends formal titles; it is about fostering a vision, motivating teams, and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Yet, women are often underrepresented in leadership roles, despite their significant contributions to organizational performance (Catalyst, 2020). Developing leadership skills involves honing essential qualities like effective communication and emotional intelligence while actively seeking growth opportunities through mentorship, training programs, or leadership initiatives. Building a supportive network is crucial, as mentorship and sponsorship can provide valuable insights and open doors for advancement (Hewlett, 2013). By investing in your leadership development, you not only enhance your own career prospects but also contribute to empowering women to take on leadership roles and shape the future of their industries.
Sources:
Babcock, L., & Laschever, S. (2003). Women Don’t Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide. Princeton University Press.
Catalyst. (2020). Women in Leadership. Retrieved from Catalyst
Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton, B. (2011). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Penguin Books.
Hewlett, S. A. (2013). Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor: The New Way to Fast-Track Your Career. Harvard Business Review Press.
Schawbel, D. (2013). Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success. St. Martin's Press.
FemTech
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death for women worldwide, yet it is often under-recognized and under-treated compared to men. Research indicates that women tend to be diagnosed with heart disease an average of 4.5 years later than men, despite exhibiting similar symptoms (Kumar et al., 2017). This discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, including differences in symptom presentation and a lack of awareness among healthcare providers regarding how heart disease manifests in women. In fact, a study of nearly 7 million people found that middle-aged women experiencing symptoms of heart disease are twice as likely to be misdiagnosed compared to their male counterparts (Hirsch et al., 2015). Such misdiagnosis not only delays treatment but also increases the risk of severe outcomes, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and tailored approaches to women's cardiovascular health.
Despite being nearly half of the global population, women's health issues, including heart disease, are often viewed as a niche market. FemTech companies are poised to address the unique health needs of women, offering innovative solutions that range from wearable devices to mobile applications focused on heart health. Although women account for 80% of consumer purchasing decisions in the healthcare industry, FemTech has received only 3% of all digital health funding since 2011, highlighting a significant gap in investment and attention (Friedman, 2021).
Wearable technology, such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit, plays a crucial role in monitoring heart rate, activity levels, and other vital signs, allowing women to take a proactive approach to their cardiovascular health. The Apple Watch features heart rate notifications that alert users to unusually high or low heart rates, signaling potential underlying conditions. Its irregular rhythm notification detects signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), providing early warnings and data for healthcare providers. The ECG app enables users to capture and record heart rhythms, offering insights for medical decisions. Additionally, the AFib History feature helps patients track lifestyle factors and monitor their condition over time, emphasizing the importance of proactive heart health management.
Sources:
Kumar, S., et al. (2017). "Gender Differences in the Presentation and Diagnosis of Heart Disease." Journal of Cardiology.
Hirsch, A. T., et al. (2015). "Misdiagnosis of Heart Disease in Women: A Review of the Literature." Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care.
Friedman, E. (2021). "FemTech: The Next Big Thing in Women's Health." Harvard Business Review.
Fitzgerald, M. (2020). "The Role of Wearable Technology in Women's Heart Health."
Apple. (n.d.). Health on Apple Watch.
Heart Health Hacks: Expert Tips for a Healthier Heart
To improve heart health, experts from NYU Langone Heart emphasize the importance of small lifestyle changes that can have a significant impact. Dr. Doris Chan highlights that while genetics play a role in cardiovascular health, lifestyle choices regarding diet, exercise, and stress management are crucial. For instance, replacing butter with olive oil can lower heart disease risk, as studies show that doing so can reduce the risk of heart disease by 5 to 6 percent (Reynolds). Regular physical activity, such as walking your dog or establishing a consistent workout routine, is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, according to Dr. Chirag Barbhaiya and Dr. Kinjan Parikh. Intentional breathing techniques can also lower blood pressure and reduce stress, benefiting heart health (Chan). Additionally, making exercise a social activity can enhance motivation and enjoyment, as noted by Dr. Shaline D. Rao, who suggests engaging friends and family in fitness-related activities. These expert-backed hacks highlight that proactive and manageable lifestyle changes can lead to better cardiovascular health.
Sources:
NYU Langone Heart.
Mindful Moment
Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally. — Janice Bryant HowroydJanice Bryant Howroyd, affectionately known as JBH, is a trailblazer as the first African American woman to establish and grow a multi-billion dollar enterprise, ActOne Group, which boasts a workforce solutions organization valued at $3.4 billion and operates in over 32 countries. Her company, known for its innovative technologies that support employment opportunities for millions globally, embodies her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), values instilled in her by her parents during her upbringing in the segregated South. JBH's leadership style emphasizes humanity, discipline, and excellence, which has earned her numerous accolades, including Black Enterprise's 2022 Woman of the Year and the first-ever BET Honors Entrepreneur of the Year. She has served on presidential advisory committees and is an advocate for women and minorities, notably contributing $10 million to the University of Southern California and supporting her alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University. As an author of two Amazon bestsellers and a prominent speaker on economic inclusion and entrepreneurship, JBH inspires others while imparting the wisdom that one should "never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally" (Howroyd, n.d.).
Sources:
Howroyd, J. B. (n.d.). About Janice Bryant Howroyd. Retrieved from ActOne Group
Gifts for Growth
I highly recommend the American Heart Association (AHA) website, especially the section dedicated to women's health, as a valuable resource for our female readers.
Website: American Heart Association - Women’s Health
Comprehensive Information: The AHA offers extensive insights into heart disease, focusing on risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies specifically tailored for women.
Educational Articles: You'll find a wealth of articles covering various topics, including nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, all designed to address the unique heart health needs of women.
Awareness Campaigns: The site highlights important campaigns like "Go Red for Women," aimed at raising awareness about heart disease and its impact on women's health.
Tools and Resources: Take advantage of helpful tools such as heart health checklists, tips for maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, and access to webinars and events focused on women's cardiovascular health.