FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 / 8:00AM – 8:50AM / ROOM – BARNWELL/CALIBOGUE
SPEAKER DETAILS:
SPEAKER: Jessica E. McClain, CFO, Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital
SESSION TITLE: Embrace You: The Power of Authenticity & Courageous Communication
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
In this session, attendees will delve into the significant role of authenticity and speaking up in the workplace and will:
- Explore the significance of authenticity in fostering trust, building relationships, and driving innovation within teams;
- Identify common barriers that prevent individuals from speaking up, such as fear of judgment, imposter syndrome, and cultural norms; and
- Examine the tangible impact of authenticity on professional success. From career advancement opportunities to creating a positive work environment, authenticity can be a catalyst for achieving both individual and organizational goals.
Field of Study: Communication/Marketing
Program Level: Basic / 1 CPE / Non-Technical
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Speaker BIO:
Jessica E. McClain serves as the CFO for Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital and spent over 11 years in public accounting. Jessica is a Council Member-At-Large with the AICPA and serves on the Greater Washington Society of CPAs board. She is also the National Treasurer for Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. Jessica has been named, a 2023 CPA Practice Advisor Most Powerful Women in Accounting, a Maryland Association of CPAs 2021 Women to Watch- Emerging Leader, a 2021 AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award recipient, and is a 4x CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 Professional. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Towson University and her master’s degree in accounting from George Washington University.
Email: jessica.e.mcclain@outlook.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-e-mcclain
Website: www.gscnc.org.
SPEAKER ARTICLE – MORE ABOUT THIS SESSION:
Embrace You: Unlocking the Power of Authenticity and Courageous Communication
Get ready to be inspired and energized! This October, I am thrilled to announce that I will be presenting “Embrace You: The Power of Authenticity and Courageous Communication” at the Women Who Count Conference hosted by the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance. This session is set to delve into the profound impact of authenticity in the workplace and how courageous communication can transform professional and organizational success. My goal is to inspire and empower attendees to bring their true selves to their professional endeavors.
The Need for Authenticity
The pressure to conform and fit into predefined molds can be overwhelming in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving professional landscape. Many of us have experienced moments of self-doubt, hesitancy, and the fear of judgment. These feelings often lead to suppressing our true selves, hiding valuable insights and perspectives that could significantly benefit our organizations.
“Embrace You” aims to address these challenges head-on. By understanding and embracing authenticity, we can foster a work environment that thrives on trust, collaboration, and innovation. Authenticity is not just a buzzword; it is a powerful force that can transform workplace dynamics and unleash the full potential of every team member.
Session Preview
During this session, we will dive into several key areas:
Understanding Authenticity and Courageous Communication
We will define what it means to be authentic in the workplace and why it is crucial for individual and organizational growth. Courageous communication involves being honest, open, and willing to take risks. It requires the courage to speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable, and the vulnerability to share personal stories that foster connection and empathy. Balancing authenticity with respect helps build trust and encourages a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Recognizing and Overcoming Obstacles
Many obstacles hinder authenticity, such as fear of rejection, organizational culture, pressure to conform, and lack of trust. We will explore these barriers and discuss strategies to overcome them, including building self-awareness, sharing personal experiences, communicating genuinely, demonstrating vulnerability, and seeking feedback.
Capitalizing on the Benefits
Authenticity and speaking up have far-reaching benefits for both individuals and organizations. Studies have shown reveal that many employees hide aspects of their identities at work, leading to increased stress, decreased job satisfaction, and strained working relationships.
Real-World Examples and Strategies
Throughout the session, we will examine real-world examples of organizations that have successfully embraced authenticity and open communication. These examples will provide invaluable insights and inspiration for our own journeys. Additionally, we will discuss actionable strategies to cultivate courageous communication within our workplaces.
Unlocking the Potential Within
The ultimate goal of “Embrace You” is to empower each of you to unlock the power of authenticity and courageous communication. By embracing our true selves and expressing our voices with confidence, we can enhance our leadership effectiveness, advance our careers, and achieve personal fulfillment. Authenticity builds a foundation of trust, drives innovation, and creates a culture where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered.
Get Excited!
I invite you to join me on this transformative journey in October. Your decision to participate speaks volumes about your commitment to professional growth and excellence in the workplace. This is not just another session; it is an opportunity to change how you engage with your colleagues, lead your teams, and approach your career. Imagine the possibilities when you bring your whole self to work and inspire others to do the same. Picture a workplace where courageous conversations spark creativity foster collaboration, and drive success. This is your chance to make that vision a reality.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired. Together, we will unlock the power of authenticity and courageous communication, paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and fulfilling professional journey. I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you and witness the incredible transformations that will unfold.
See you at the Women Who Count Conference!