PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - April 2024

Dear Outstanding Leader,

I recently had my training hat on which has been so much fun. I had the opportunity to lead a workshop for Kupuna in Waianae today, and I co-led a workshop for emerging women leaders for the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership's Wahine Rising Cohort 5 alongside my esteemed OWL Board Member, Erinn Tomlinson. It is times like these that fill my cup.

The workshop we led for women last week was called "Building Your Development Path" and we provided insight on how to strengthen and build your future network. Naturally, we had our very own OWL experience to lean on and highlight. Some of the key takeaways from that workshop also serve as reminders to us busy leaders:

1. Understand your networking style and how to apply it. Are you a Promoter? Are you a Go-Getter? Are you an Examiner? Are you a Nurturer? Consider teaming up with a friend with a complementary style to maximize your impact in networking functions. Consider reaching out to an advocate, mentor, or coach to get the introduction to the person you most want to connect with if challenged.

2. Strengthen and leverage your online presence. One of our participants asked if LinkedIn was necessary. The answer is “yes.” While you don’t have to be a LinkedIn expert, it is important that your profile is current and highlights your career and skill sets. It is a strong channel to connect in an age when our email inboxes are overflowing.

3. Volunteerism is a great way to strengthen and build relationships and connections. You can explore new interests and groups safely. You can build tremendous connections with other like-minded individuals. Just be careful not to overcommit and under-deliver. It is a small island. At the same time, make sure you are listening to your gut if you are saying “no.” Is it because your plate is truly overflowing, or, are you afraid of something? Can you offload some of your plate so you can take this on? Be sure to ask the 5 whys before saying “no.” If the timing is not right, it is ok to “put a pin in it,” and come back to it later.

4. Create your action plan using the 70 / 20 / 10 rule - this applies not only to networking, but to any goals you want to set for yourself in your learning and development:

• Set your SMART Goal

• Describe what it will look like for you

• 70% of your learning and development comes from real-life, challenging on-the-job experiences, tasks and problem solving.  What key experience will help you to achieve this goal?

• 20% is through observing, working with, and learning from role models. How lucky are we to be surrounded by role models in OWL? Who will be your mirror? Who will be your champion? Calendar those coffee dates and times for intentional self-development.

• 10% is formal training.  This does not have to be long workshops (though those can be great too).  It can include self-study such as books, podcasts, and TED Talks.

As Erinn stated so beautifully, “Utilize the space you are in.” If you are already at the soccer field or your kid’s school or at a gathering, use that time wisely. If you are at work, see the opportunities to build and strengthen connections and relationships.

Fortunately, we have one fantastic space we are already in which is our incredible Organization of Women Leaders. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Spring Pau Hana on April 25th and toasting to you and strengthening our network together. Talk soon, my friend.

Sincerely,

Ananda Ferreira, President
Organization of Women Leaders

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - February 2024

Dear OWL Friend,

Fundraisers and sports games. Deadlines and discussions. So many things for us to juggle. So many important priorities.

And while this season in my life may be a bit overwhelming at times, and busier than ever, I embrace these new opportunities. I welcome the challenges. I am thankful for the new friendships and inspirations. As I expand and empower myself and others around me, I remind myself that I cannot do it all at once. I must see and seize the opportunities, and in order to do that, I must create the space to do so and also make sure I stop to give a hug, a shoulder to lean on or a nudge when possible. I must empower and invite others to lift some of what I have been carrying so I can take on new responsibilities. Thank you for helping me to do that. Thank you for being such an incredible support.

As you navigate through life’s challenges and opportunities, please remember that you are not alone. You have such an incredible, compassionate, powerful network of women leaders, friends, sisters, to support you and cheer you along the way. To help you stretch. To also catch you when you stumble as my friend did for me today when I misplaced my keys and needed a ride. That ride turned into such a tremendous opportunity to connect and support.

In the last two months I have heard incredible, honest stories of resilience, of acts of bravery and heart. Of leadership and empowerment. I have had lunch, coffee and incredible conversations with such inspiring women. Amazing women of OWL.

Thank you for being a part of our Organization of Women Leaders. We are expanding and empowering together. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Warmly,

Ananda Ferreira, President

Organization of Women Leaders (OWL) 2024 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - January 2024