Today’s episode is a little unusual as we feature someone who is not an entrepreneur but has an empowering message for everyone.
Shivani Reddy wears many hats – she is a HR and Organizational Development practitioner, startup mentor, coach, speaker and finally, #IAmRemarkable ambassador.
Her 15 years of experience spans positions in renowned organizations such as Groupon, Societe Generale, NIIT Limited, and TDCX Malaysia.
I Am Remarkable Because…
Shivani is also the Partnerships Manager at Girls in Tech Kuala Lumpur and a Google-trained #IAmRemarkable facilitator.
As a Google-trained #IAmRemarkable facilitator, Shivani is part of a global network of 4500 individuals dedicated to empowering women and underrepresented groups.
In this episode, we discuss #IAmRemarkable, a transformative workshop that she facilitates.
The workshop advocates the value of vocalizing one’s accomplishments no matter how big or small. Acknowledging achievements, regardless of their perceived size, is a crucial aspect of building genuine confidence.
“Authenticity in self-promotion is crucial. Don’t do it for the sake of doing it,” Shivani emphasizes.
She believes that acknowledging one’s achievements is not just helpful for career advancement but is an essential component of self-care.
“If you’re not going to acknowledge our achievements or our contribution or our accomplishments, nobody else is going to do that for us.”
Shivani challenges the common tendency to categorize accomplishments as big or small, urging individuals to view every achievement as significant. She emphasizes that the problem lies in how we internalize and categorize our successes, often overlooking their true value. “An accomplishment is an accomplishment, no matter how big or small it is,” she asserts.
But I Don’t Want To Be Boastful or Brag
The struggle to talk about accomplishments is universal and this is why she facilitates #IAmRemarkable workshops.
Shivani encourages individuals to build a system for themselves where they feel at ease doing it. “Do it authentically, do it genuinely, feel connected with yourself,” she advises. According to Shivani, self-promotion is a powerful way to cultivate a positive relationship with oneself and build genuine confidence.
She says, “I find inspiration in everyday people who face adversity with grace and courage. I once worked with a colleague who navigated challenges at work while maintaining a positive outlook, and that resilience left a lasting impression on me. My colleague was in a position where many would have crumbled under the pressure, but they faced each obstacle with determination and optimism. Instead of complaining or getting discouraged, they approached problems as opportunities to learn and grow. Witnessing his ability to maintain a positive attitude and overcome difficulties showed me the power of resilience and inspired me to adopt a similar mindset in my own life.”
“This experience taught me that inspiration can be found in the people around us, those who quietly demonstrate strength and character in the face of challenges. It’s a reminder that even amid difficulties, we can choose our response and shape our narrative.”
Sharing Accomplishments With Newfound Confidence
Through the #IAmRemarkable workshop, Shivani has positively impacted the lives of approximately 400+ individuals. By fostering open dialogue and support, she has empowered individuals to perceive themselves in a new light, sharing their accomplishments and achievements with newfound confidence.
When she is not facilitating #IAmRemarkable, Shivani is the Partnerships Manager at Girls in Tech Kuala Lumpur. Shivani serves on the board of Girls in Tech KL, playing a pivotal role in setting up the local chapter and expanding the chapter to over 2500+ members in one and a half years. Her focus on creating a safe space for women in tech reflects her commitment to providing comprehensive support for women to excel in various tech-related fields.
In addition to her professional achievements, Shivani shares her passion for food through her food blog on Instagram, “grab.for.eats.” She also reveals her top favorite books, which include “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, “Growth Mindset” by Carol Dweck, and “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight.
Shivani says her favourite quote is by Oprah – “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”