Gravitas is a Work of Fiction | Amy Kean | TEDxShoreditch Women

TL;DR

Overcoming societal bias on gravitas, voice, and power through self-definition and authenticity.

Transcript

[Applause] I'm Amy Kean I'm a CEO and when I left University I was told by a recruitment consultant that my accent was too common for a client facing job absolutely brutal the recruitment consultant said that it was unlikely I'd ever be able to work around important people they wouldn't understand me he said I wouldn't resonate and you know the wor... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧘 Society's fixation on traditional notions of authority based on physical appearance and voice perpetuates biases and limits diverse voices in leadership positions.
• 🫵 Self-perception is heavily influenced by external feedback, making it crucial to question and redefine how we view ourselves in professional settings.
• 🤳 Authenticity and self-narration are powerful tools in disrupting societal biases and reshaping the definition of authority in the workplace.
• ❓ Overcoming biases on gravitas requires a shift in mindset towards embracing diversity and individuality in leadership roles.
• ✊ The 7-Eleven rule highlights the need to challenge preconceived judgments and redefine what qualities are valued in positions of power.
• 💡 Leaders like Margaret Thatcher have historically adapted their voices to fit traditional ideas of authority, perpetuating biases against authenticity.
• 👷 The concept of gravitas is a social construct that can be dismantled by redefining authority and empowering individuals to embrace their unique voices.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did societal biases on accents and gravitas impact Amy Kean's career?

Amy Kean faced challenges in the corporate world due to biases against her accent and perceived lack of gravitas, leading to self-doubt and conforming to traditional norms to fit in.

Q: What is the significance of the concept of gravitas in the context of power and authority?

Gravitas is a biased and outdated construct that dictates power based on superficial characteristics like gender, voice, and appearance, perpetuating societal inequalities.

Q: How does external feedback influence self-perception and professional authenticity?

External feedback, especially from authority figures like recruitment consultants, can have a profound effect on one's self-perception and authenticity in the workplace, leading to self-doubt and conformity.

Q: What is the importance of self-narration and redefining authority in challenging societal biases?

Self-narration empowers individuals to define their own identities and authority, challenging societal biases and stereotypes that limit personal growth and authenticity in professional settings.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Amy Kean shares her journey of battling societal biases on accents, voices, and gravitas in the corporate world.

• She highlights the impact of external feedback on one's self-perception and the struggle to conform to traditional norms of authority.

• Through personal anecdotes and research insights, she advocates for redefining authority, self-narration, and embracing authenticity.