When you first enter the workforce, you’re rewarded for your knowledge and skills. But as you climb the career ladder, you quickly learn that skills alone won’t get you to the top. Research indicates that “executive presence” makes up 26% of the criteria for promotion into leadership roles. Those who exhibit a strong executive presence are often viewed as more credible and capable, significantly influencing how others perceive your leadership potential.
In this blog, you’ll find a summary of the powerful conversation with Christina Mitine, Women in Revenue Committee Volunteer and GTM Specialist, on the Women in Revenue podcast: Resilient Revenue.
The discussion focused on key strategies for building your professional presence. See how to navigate challenges like imposter syndrome and self-advocacy and get practical tips for leveraging your unique strengths. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence or showcase your worth, you’ll get valuable insights and actionable advice to help you excel in your career.
About the Expert
Christina Mitine is a seasoned professional at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she serves as a Go-to-Market Specialist in the Worldwide Specialist Organization. In her role, Christina builds go-to-market (GTM) plans and demand generation (DG) sales programs to drive awareness, adoption, usage, and revenue of cloud Communication Services. She is instrumental in generating pipeline opportunities for Amazon Simple Email Service (SES).
With a strong commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, Christina actively contributes to initiatives like Women at AWS. Her expertise in building executive presence, coupled with her passion for mentoring and advocating for fair compensation, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in her field.
“You are your own best advocate. There is no one that knows your worth, your skills, and your passion better than you do.”
– Christina Mitine (49:10.66)
Key Takeaways
In this enlightening podcast, Christina Mitine shares her insights on building executive presence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and advocating for oneself. Here are some key takeaways from the discussion, spanning from the beginning to the end.
Emphasize Your Work (5:23.45)
Christina stresses the importance of emphasizing your actions and being comfortable with self-promotion. This is crucial for building a strong professional presence. By clearly communicating your contributions, you not only highlight your value but also position yourself for future opportunities.
Embrace Your Version of Executive Presence (15:37.18)
Executive presence is the ability to inspire confidence and command respect from others. Christina explains that this concept is subjective and should align with who you are. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, it’s about embracing your unique style to build your brand and presence in a way that feels authentic. By finding and refining your own version of executive presence, you can effectively influence and lead, making a significant impact on how others perceive you.
Building Internal Confidence (25:49.33)
One of the core themes Christina discusses is the importance of building internal confidence. She shares strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, which disproportionately affects high-performing women. For example, creating a “brag folder” with evidence of your accomplishments can serve as a powerful reminder of your value and boost your self-assurance. This folder should be used whenever you need to remind yourself of your achievements, prepare for performance reviews, or build your case for a promotion or raise.
Leaning on Your Network (36:54.87)
Christina advises leveraging your network, including mentors, sponsors, friends, and family. These individuals can often see your abilities better than you do and can encourage you to showcase your strengths. Networking is a crucial part of professional growth and can provide the support needed to advance in your career.
Understanding Gender Differences in Confidence (46:10.50)
Highlighting a critical statistic, Christina notes that men often apply for jobs when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, while women feel they need to meet 100%. This discrepancy underscores the need for women to recognize their worth and apply for opportunities even if they don’t meet every requirement. Christina encourages women to challenge this mindset by applying for positions even if they don’t tick every box, focusing on their strengths and potential for growth rather than perceived shortcomings. This proactive approach can significantly enhance career advancement and open up new opportunities.
Celebrate Your Wins (47:28.55)
Celebrating your successes is crucial for reinforcing self-worth and confidence. Christina emphasizes that taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements helps in building a positive and empowered mindset, which is essential for long-term career success. She suggests practical ways to celebrate, such as organizing a small get-together with friends or colleagues to mark a milestone, treating yourself to a special gift or experience, or simply taking a moment to reflect and journal about your accomplishments. These acts of recognition can reinforce a positive mindset and encourage continuous growth and achievement.
Advocate for Yourself (49:10.66)
One of the most empowering messages from Christina is the importance of self-advocacy. She states that no one knows your worth, skills, and passions better than you. Advocating for yourself and your values is key to professional and personal growth.
Importance of Community (50:46.14)
Finding and engaging with a supportive community, like Women in Revenue, provides essential networking, mentorship, and support. Christina shares how such communities play a vital role in professional development and personal well-being and encourages others to find their supportive networks.
Conclusion
Christina Mitine’s insights underscore the importance of authenticity, self-advocacy, and empathy in professional growth. From leveraging executive presence to navigating negotiations confidently, her career journey to-date and engagement with Women in Revenue illuminate strategies any woman in a revenue role can use.
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