“Shine on you crazy diamond – Come on you raver, you seer of visions
Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine”- Pink Floyd 

I’ve spent the last 7 years as a product manager. Most of that time was at a bank and 3 years was at a telecommunications company. I’ve attended many technology conferences where I have been the only female in a room of over 100 men. Honestly, I loved it. I’d wear my skinny jeans, cute top, suit jacket, and own that conference.

Recently I started a new role at a regional bank. In this new role I was asked to attend a financial conference in Vegas. (I know, it’s pretty awesome and you should be jelly 😝). I went to Vegas with my husband a few days early to see some shows. I highly recommend Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson ONE” and “Absinthe” (the show, not the liquor). During my free time in Vegas I was loving my subtle sparkle eye shadow and sparkly lip gloss.

On the first day of the conference while I was getting ready, I opted not to go with my sparkle, but more of a “professional” look. This conference has more female representation and I felt as if I would be judged. As I thought about my decision, It occured to me.

“WHY do I care?” “ Why can’t I sparkle AND be considered professional?”

After all, we are born to stand out, not fit in. If I want to be the next innovator, then I need to be comfortable with defying the norm. Steve Jobs didn’t wear deodorant, so if I want to sparkle, who the heck cares? At least I don’t stink!!!😷

  If we all work a little harder at celebrating each other’s differences and quirks, then we may create a world where people feel free to be themselves and spend their brain power on more important things. I wore my sparkle the next day and honestly no one even noticed or cared. It was all in my head but I portrayed myself with more confidence the next day. My lesson learned was “go out and sparkle”, if you want to.  Most people won’t care and if they do, it doesn’t matter anyway. 

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