Bold Is the New Normal: The Courage to Lead Authentically | Janeen Uzzell | The Bold New Normal 2024

What if the very thing you've been told to hide is the thing the world needs most?** In this powerful keynote from The Bold New Normal Conference 2024, global business leader Janeen Uzzell shares an unforgettable story of courage, resilience and authentic leadership. From growing up as a curious little girl who was constantly told she was "too much", to leading global businesses across Africa, Asia and the United States, Janeen reveals how embracing boldness transformed not only her career, but her life. She speaks candidly about rejection, imposter syndrome, difficult workplaces, leading through adversity, making courageous career decisions and why trying to fit in often prevents us from fulfilling our greatest potential. This is more than a leadership talk. It's an invitation to stop apologising for who you are and start leading with confidence, conviction and purpose. In this keynote, you'll discover: • Why boldness always comes with a cost • How to stay true to yourself when others want you to conform • The career decisions that changed Janeen's life forever • Lessons from leading across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the United States • Why saying yes to the right opportunities accelerates growth • How failure became one of her greatest leadership teachers • Practical ways to overcome imposter syndrome • Why authenticity is one of the greatest competitive advantages you can develop • The balance between vulnerability and competence in leadership • How to build a legacy that outlives your career Following the keynote, Janeen answers questions from the audience on imposter syndrome, career planning, confidence, vulnerability, leadership and navigating different cultures while remaining authentic. Whether you're an emerging professional, an executive leader or someone who simply needs permission to stop shrinking yourself, this conversation will challenge you to embrace boldness as your new normal. 👍 If this conversation encouraged you: • Like this video • Subscribe for more leadership conversations from The Bold New Normal • Share this with someone who needs the confidence to take their next bold step • Tell us in the comments: What's one bold decision you've been postponing because of fear? — About Janeen Uzzell Janeen Uzzell is an engineer, global executive and transformational leader with an exceptional career spanning healthcare, technology and nonprofit leadership. She has held senior leadership roles at GE Healthcare and the Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia), where she served as Chief Operating Officer. She currently serves as CEO of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and has advised global organisations, governments and leaders on innovation, technology, operational excellence and inclusive leadership. Her career has taken her across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the United States, where she has become widely recognised for her commitment to courageous leadership and creating opportunities for others. — About The Bold New Normal The Bold New Normal is a movement founded by Lucy Quist that inspires individuals, organisations and nations to challenge conventional thinking, embrace courageous leadership and intentionally create prosperity. Through conferences, books, podcasts and leadership conversations, The Bold New Normal equips leaders to think differently, act courageously and create meaningful impact. #TheBoldNewNormal #JaneenUzzell #Leadership #BoldLeadership #WomenInLeadership #Authenticity #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #ImposterSyndrome #LucyQuist #PersonalGrowth — YouTube Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Why Boldness Is the New Normal 02:02 The Cost of Being Bold 03:06 Growing Up Different 07:13 The Globe That Shaped My Future 09:12 When the World Tried to Make Me Smaller 11:17 Becoming an Engineer Against the Odds 13:15 Lessons From Manufacturing Leadership 16:33 Saying Yes to Global Opportunities 18:52 Why Budget Responsibility Changes Leadership 19:25 Learning From Failure in Africa 22:21 Building a Global Career Through Relationships 23:55 Leading Through Crisis at Wikipedia 26:05 Choosing Purpose Over Prestige 28:20 Boldness Leaves a Legacy 30:00 Audience Q&A Begins 30:35 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 34:00 How to Know Which Opportunities to Say Yes To 38:10 Being Bold Without Being Disrespectful 42:18 Advice for Young Girls and Future Leaders 46:08 Leading Across Different Cultures 49:00 Balancing Vulnerability and Competence 50:50 Advice for Young Professionals Starting Their Careers 54:20 Closing Challenge: Make Bold Your New Normal