4 Steps to Create Positive Change on Your Professional Path
I was born and grew up in Chiapas, in the South of Mexico. I have been a passionate believer of entrepreneurism and the value of individual leadership for social change from an early age.
My professional journey has been the result of dedication, perhaps some luck or destiny, but definitely the result of steps taken to follow an inner call to contribute to the world, whether that is related to myself, my family, organization, or community. It has not been without its own set of challenges, but what has guided me has been an awareness of my purpose while investing time in preparation to take every step forward.
My latest endeavor is a global initiative called Changemakers Forward, to support and connect changemakers (yes, like you!) across the globe, through the power of available technology.
What does it take to pursue a professional path as a journey to make change happen?
You Can Make a Difference
Possibilities abound. There are simple ways to contribute. When I was a student I used to visit the orphan kids in the community as well as organize events to support them. I am convinced that we can all be change makers. We can each exhibit a leadership that is caring, empathic and compassionate. It also requires a new definition of career success, giving fulfillment in three areas: personal life, work and in giving back to the wider world. It requires visionaries: inner and forward-looking leaders, individuals of courageous inspiration and action, who feel part of a greater whole and believe strongly in the possibility of genuine change for the betterment of the societies we serve.
Be Aware of Who You Are
Spending time getting to know myself and following my heart has been the key for me. What followed led me down an amazing path of self-awareness that has allowed me to equip myself with key skills to take opportunities where to invest myself in making change happen. I didn’t necessarily know the title of my dream jobs, but I knew their ingredients.
Listen to your heart by making time to think about what you want. Write it down. Then make a plan that is aligned with your authentic self. Take care of your personal life, your family, relationships and what matters most to you.
Create a Strong Professional Foundation
A strong professional foundation will be your platform. It starts with doing our work as an expression of who we are. It involves joining networks, meeting new people, learning new skills, as well as spending time working on your passions.
Seek to Expand Your Impact
For me expanding my impact has meant going from the personal and the local, to the global.
The world needs healing and change and we can’t expect others to bring about the changes we would like to see. We must start where we are. Perhaps the biggest global impact we can have starts by healing ourselves. The path can sometimes feel challenging and lonely but when we are aligned with our purpose and are determined to achieve our unique contribution, anything is possible.
I would never be in the happy place I am today, doing what I enjoy doing, if I did not listen to my deeper longings and work on a plan. I am still listening, sharing, learning, navigating my path, making an impact. I truly believe that we can all live a life that is balanced, purposeful and authentic while making a difference. And when we do, we become fully alive.
What are you passionate about? How can you integrate your professional path with the change you want to see in the world?
I came across The Way Women Work earlier this year, and I have found it a great encouragement to continue moving forward. I wish the same for you – much continued success and the hope that you discover and continue to create the difference your heart wishes the most.
I would love to hear from you. You can find out more about my work at fabiolabenavente.com, follow me on Twitter @fabibenavente and let’s connect on LinkedIn!
MORE ABOUT FABIOLA:
Upon obtaining my BsC in International Marketing from the University of Monterrey, in Mexico, I was invited to take on a marketing role in London for a magazine called For A Change, that was produced by Initiatives of Change, in the UK. After returning to Mexico I was determined to get a taste of the corporate sector and worked at Intel as a Marketing Specialist. It was an amazing time professionally, but also a time when I realized I wanted a career more aligned to my passions.
A career change for me was in order. I went back to the non-profit sector invited to direct a Leadership Development Department at a think tank in Mexico City. I also had my first start up with the launch of a Leadership Program based on Being Authentic.
I have had some unique opportunities in leadership development and in the non-profit sector, particularly with Initiatives of Change International, an international network present in over 60 countries. Since university, I have been building a team for Initiatives of Change in Mexico. In 2010 I was invited to join Professor Rajmohan Gandhi, a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who shares his grandfather’s peace-building mission, and who was then President of the organization. He was was leading a team to countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle-East, Europe and the Americas, on a Voyage of Dialogue and Discovery. This has been by far one of the most enriching experiences in my life so far as I got to learn from the amazing spirit and leadership of Rajmohan Gandhi whom I truly admire. Some of the learnings remain with me. That same year I had the humbling honor to be elected to serve the organization on its International Council.
Working with people of such beautiful diversity has given me a multicultural perspective as well as an expanded network of friends and connections that has opened doors that I never imagined.