An Exclusive Interview with Velera Wilson, Georgia Resident, Career Consultant and Author of the Award-Winning Book “You’re Absolutely Worth It: Release Self-Doubt, Embrace Confidence, and Own Your Yes”

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Q: How does confidence influence career progression, particularly for women in today's professional landscape?
VW:
Confidence increases the likelihood that women will go after a promotion, negotiate salary increases and lead more effectively because they have a fundamental belief in their ability to succeed. They understand that perfection is not necessary, nor is it a desire. They simply believe that they have what it takes to evolve and do well in whatever they choose to do in their career. In fact, KPMG did a study and found that 67% of senior women executives attribute their career success to confidence in their abilities. Confidence lays the groundwork for career progression.

Q: What are some practical strategies or tips for women to build and maintain confidence in their careers?
VW:
To build confidence, women should have mentors, peers and a community that they can engage with. In the women’s workplace study that I conducted, alongside my team, we spoke to hundreds of women across industries, and overwhelmingly they cited family and friends as one of the greatest contributors to their confidence. Women need to also leverage and refer back to past wins and success. This is a great technique to help boost your confidence in the moments of doubt. Also, never forget to continue developing your skill set and expertise. Competence increases the likelihood of confidence, so investing in your craft is very important.

Q: Can you share examples from women that you have coached or insights from your award-winning book “You’re Absolutely Worth It: Release Self-Doubt, Embrace Confidence, and Own Your Yes” where confidence directly impacted a woman's career trajectory or success?
VW:
With many of the organizations that I have partnered with, we have spent time training their female talent in communication, leadership and confidence. This resulted in increased performance ratings, recognition and accolades for high performance and career advancements.

Q: What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship, specifically on a path that supports career advancement and becoming an author?
VW:
I have always had the desire to be an entrepreneur even during my career. It took time for me to fully step into entrepreneurship because I firmly believe that you cannot take someone where you have never been. It was important for me to have the personal experience of having to lead global teams, hold executive titles such as Vice President and be responsible for nine-figure revenue, so that I could turn that into actionable strategies to train and develop other leaders to be successful.

Q: How important is mentorship and supportive networks in boosting women's confidence and helping them navigate career challenges? What have you done throughout your journey to ensure that you have that trusted network?
VW:
Referring back to the Women’s Workplace Confidence study that my team and I conducted, mentorship was the number one requested support cited by women to help boost their confidence, even beyond sponsorship. I believe this is because mentors, who may be further along in their career, offer advice based on experience and competence. Women can leverage this advice to make more insightful career decisions, which can help boost their overall professional competence while directly increasing their confidence. Throughout my career, I developed relationships with leaders that I personally and professionally respected. These evolved into mentoring relationships because I became intentional about developing and maintaining relationships with women I respected. All of these phenomenal women have been incredibly helpful in propelling my career and my business.

Q: What role does risk-taking play in building confidence, and how can women effectively balance risk with career advancement?
VW:
Risk is unavoidable. For example, there is even risk in getting too comfortable in one role. I think it is a matter of taking calculated risks based on where you want to go in your career. Perhaps you have typically worked at larger companies, but you are not progressing up the ladder as fast as you would like to. You believe that you are ready for the next level of responsibility so you may take a risk and go to a smaller company that is not as well-known or funded, but you increase your scope of responsibility and gain incredible leadership experience. This would be a risk given the company size, however there may be a reward that is worth it in the short term.

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Q: How can workplaces foster a culture that encourages and supports women's confidence development and career growth?
VW:
Workplace culture that fosters inclusivity is the first step. There also has to be an acceptance of other ideas, approaches, personality types and backgrounds. When this is the fiber of a company’s culture women will thrive.

Q: How does societal pressure and gender bias affect women's confidence levels in professional settings, and what can be done to mitigate these effects?
VW:
There is social programming from a very young age on how women should be versus men. I do not think one company can change that. However, I believe that if a company focuses on rewarding talent for great ideas, leadership skills and results - regardless of gender - women are set up for success.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
VW:
One of my most memorable career moments was assessing a job offer that I had received. I was not really happy with the salary they were offering. I talked to a mentor about it, and they gave me advice that I have stuck with, “if they made the offer, then they like you and if they like you, you should go back and ask for more.” I have kept that in my mind since that time for every negotiation. Now, I ask for more without reserve if I am unhappy with the offer, and in every situation, they have given me the amount that I ask for. 

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known? 
VW:
At the start of my career, it would’ve been helpful to realize that it is a marathon, not a sprint. That can be hard to see when you are starting out, because there are many times that you can be stressed unnecessarily. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
VW:
For young women who want to succeed in the workplace, work hard, but ask for what you need and want. Do not stay anywhere that you are not being treated with respect and courtesy. It must be a mutually beneficial relationship anywhere you work. Your greatest success is not who you work for, but who you are as a person, the skills you bring to the position, and your willingness to learn along the way. 

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you?  
VW:
I always knew my career path would be marketing. I just did not have all of the insights on how I would get there. It took some time, but I eventually landed where I needed to be in order to thrive.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
VW:
I typically work in sprints to manage my work life balance. I know that weekdays are for getting the work done so that when the weekend comes, I know that I can look forward to rest. 

Five Things About Velera Wilson

1. Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken. 
A two-week trek through Italy including stops in Venice, Rome, Florence and the Amalfi coast. It was amazing!

2. Do you read reviews, or just go with your gut? 
I definitely read reviews.

3. What were you like in high school?  
In high school I was quiet and focused. 

4. Would you rather cook or order in?  
Order in.

5. Cake or pie?  
Cake.


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