Inside Edelman is an ongoing series that spotlights our colleagues who are doing extraordinary work across our network. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreaktheBias and throughout the month of March, we’ll be highlighting strong voices from across the network who are championing women in the workforce, re-defining what “success” means and committing to a more gender equal world.
What does the word “success” mean to you?
I think of success as moving in a direction that allows me to stay true to my values and priorities, while continuing to learn more about myself and the world at large. Moreover, for me, success means becoming a kinder, gentler, and more caring person.
What advice do you have for women with regard to finding “success”?
Find your own definition! We’re constantly being told of success standards that may have little to do with ourselves as women and individuals. This overexposure blurs the line of what we should be trying to accomplish and who we’re striving to become.
Have you ever experienced bias in your career? If so, how did you overcome it?
Of course, from both sides. On the receiving end, I spoke up and defended myself with help from caring advocates. On the giving end, I continuously try to question the image I have of others and consciously try to go beyond the “single story” that squeezes the infinite possibilities of experiences in others to narrow and false stereotypes. Listening to others, staying curious, and acknowledging the value of every perspective is very rewarding in and of itself, as it expands our own understanding of things but, more importantly, it fosters a kinder, more meaningful shared experience of the world.
What steps do you think businesses need to take to #BreaktheBias?
One of the key elements to break the bias in businesses is to ensure that decision makers, managers, and recruiters become aware and question their worldview, but also, that they have the emotional intelligence, flexibility of mind and undying curiosity to understand the origin of their prejudices to dismantle them.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Listen to others, find the value underlying every perspective. Grow with your teams, go beyond your comfort zone, and help others reach their goals. But mainly: learn more about yourself. There are countless treasures and experiences just around the corner—sometimes it’s a matter of saying “Hi!”, just once, to someone you’ve crossed ways with a thousand times to change your perspective of that person and discover something truly remarkable.
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Andrea Beltran Segura is the Collaborative Journalism Lead in Edelman Mexico.
