Shellye Archambeau | Unapologetically Ambitious | Talks at Google

Name: Shellye Archambeau | Unapologetically Ambitious | Talks at Google
Uploaded: 2023-08-15T16:00:10.000Z
Duration: 1 h 30 min 18 s

Introduction

Stephanie LeBlanc, the global head of inclusion for women of color at Google, introduces Shelley Archambault, former CEO of MetricStream and author of "Unapologetically Ambitious." They discuss Shelley's journey and the importance of taking risks and breaking barriers.

Getting to Know Shelley Archambault

Shelley Archambault is the former CEO of MetricStream, a Silicon Valley-based governance risk and compliance software company.

During her tenure, she grew MetricStream from a startup into a global market leader.

Currently serves on the boards of Verizon, Roper Technologies, and OCTA.

Strategic advisor to Forbes Ignite and president of Arizona State University.

Also serves on the board of two national non-profits: Catalyst and Braven.

The Inspiration Behind "Unapologetically Ambitious"

Stephanie asks Shelley about her motivation for writing "Unapologetically Ambitious" and how it can help others in their careers.

The Decision to Write the Book

About 15 years ago, Shelley realized that many people wanted to learn from her experiences but she couldn't meet with everyone individually.

She decided to write down her stories, lessons learned, and strategies for success.

Wanted to share how to improve your odds, overcome hurdles, and take risks in order to achieve your goals.

Empowering Others

The book aims to inspire readers by showing them that they can own their careers and lives.

Encourages readers to be intentional in their actions and influence their outcomes.

Integrates personal stories with tried-and-true tactics for resonance with readers.

Embracing Unapologetic Ambition

Stephanie and Shelley discuss the meaning behind "unapologetically ambitious" and how readers can make it their own.

Defining Unapologetically Ambitious

The title was chosen to challenge the negative connotations often associated with ambition, especially for women.

Being unapologetically ambitious means working towards achieving, creating, or impacting something in the future without feeling guilty or ashamed.

Making It Your Own

Readers are encouraged to interpret and apply the concept of unapologetic ambition based on their own circumstances and goals.

The book provides tools and insights that can be tailored to individual journeys.

Emphasizes the importance of being intentional, taking risks, and owning one's career and life.

Timestamps have been used to link relevant sections of the transcript.

The Power of Apologizing

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of apologizing and its impact on individuals. They explain that people often apologize to make others feel better, show empathy, and ease tension. However, they emphasize the need to stop apologizing excessively as it can lead others to perceive us as at fault or undeserving.

Apologizing is often used as a way to empathize and show care.

Excessive apologies can create a perception of fault or undeservingness.

Being unapologetically ambitious means not feeling sorry for wanting to achieve things.

Ambition does not mean being rude or disregarding others' input.

Ambitious individuals work towards their goals while maintaining professionalism and taking feedback.

The Importance of Having a Plan

This section highlights the significance of having a plan and strategy in achieving one's goals. The speaker emphasizes that a plan helps in making informed decisions, allocating resources effectively, and improving the chances of success. They also mention that having a goal is essential before creating a plan.

A plan enables decision-making aligned with desired outcomes.

Setting clear goals is crucial before developing a plan.

Researching how others have achieved similar goals provides insights for creating an effective plan.

Consistently aligning decisions with the plan increases preparedness for opportunities.

Knowing When to Leave or Pivot

Here, the speaker discusses recognizing when it is time to leave or pivot from a job that no longer serves one's needs. They suggest evaluating if there are still opportunities for learning and growth in the current role. If not, they encourage individuals to communicate their concerns with managers or mentors before considering other options.

Assess if there are still opportunities for learning in the current role.

Feeling undervalued or unsupported may indicate the need for change.

Communicate concerns with managers or mentors to address issues before making a decision.

Recognize the importance of feeling supported and valued in a work environment.

The transcript provided does not contain enough content for additional sections.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of not quitting a job due to one person and suggests exploring opportunities for growth and support within the organization before considering external options.

Focusing on Growth and Opportunities

Don't quit a job because of one person; organizations offer many opportunities for growth.

If you feel unsupported or stagnant despite your efforts, consider making a change.

In larger companies, explore internal opportunities first if you like the company.

Instead of running from problems, run towards better opportunities.

Be intentional about what you want in your next role and proactively search for it.

New Section

This section emphasizes the importance of being intentional when seeking new job opportunities and not settling for just any option that comes along.

Being Intentional in Job Search

Figure out what you don't like in your current situation and identify what you want in the next opportunity.

Proactively look for something better rather than hopping from job to job out of frustration.

Consider whether the next opportunity aligns with your goals and offers more than just a job.

Seek support, mentorship, and skill development in your new role.

New Section

The speaker highlights the significance of self-assessment, intentionality, mentors, and networking in career development.

Importance of Mentors and Networking

Having multiple mentors is valuable as they provide different advice and perspectives based on their experiences.

Mentors can be informal relationships; ask people to be mentors without giving them an opportunity to say no.

Adopt mentors at different jobs, industries, companies, levels for diverse guidance.

Neglecting mentors who can help with current job responsibilities is common but crucial for success.

New Section

This section emphasizes the value of mentors in helping navigate career paths, gain insights, and maintain perspective.

The Value of Mentors

Mentors can provide guidance on current job responsibilities and help plan for future opportunities.

Seek out people who have already done what you are currently doing to learn from their experiences.

Having mentors helps start new roles with a head start and avoid common pitfalls.

Mentors also serve as sounding boards to validate concerns and provide different perspectives.

New Section

This section discusses the perspective for individuals who feel they have nothing to offer and are just taking from others.

Perspective for Those Feeling Inadequate

It is important to recognize that everyone has something to offer, even if they are newer in their career or lack confidence.

Giving advice and seeing positive outcomes can boost one's confidence and sense of value.

Mentors and sponsors find fulfillment when they see the impact of their guidance, so it is crucial to provide feedback on how their advice worked.

Many people ask for advice but fail to follow up, making it difficult for mentors to know if their input was valuable.

Communication with mentors should be a two-way street, where both parties benefit from each other's insights and support.

New Section

This section emphasizes the importance of communication and feedback in mentorship relationships.

The Value of Feedback

Regularly reporting back to mentors about the impact of their advice is essential.

Even if the advice didn't work out as expected, sharing the experience helps maintain an open line of communication.

By providing feedback, mentees show appreciation for the value received from mentors.

Maya Angelou's quote highlights that people remember how you make them feel rather than what you say or do.

New Section

This section encourages individuals to offer their unique perspectives as young professionals in mentorship relationships.

The Value of Young Perspectives

Young professionals often underestimate the value of their own perspectives due to age or limited corporate experience.

However, personal experiences and fresh thinking can bring unique insights that are valuable in mentoring relationships.

Sharing your thoughts and experiences can be helpful and appreciated by mentors and sponsors.

New Section

This section discusses the importance of achieving harmony between work, personal life, and health.

Achieving Harmony

Balancing various aspects of life can be challenging, especially for individuals with multiple responsibilities.

Choosing a supportive partner is crucial for success in managing work-life balance.

Having a common vision for the future as a couple or family helps align decision-making and optimize outcomes.

The author's personal experience highlights the significance of marrying someone who supports their career goals.

Treating goals as shared objectives strengthens the partnership and fosters mutual growth.

New Section

This section addresses the importance of language, choices, and eliminating shame and guilt in pursuing one's career.

Language and Decision-Making

The language used to describe choices is important. Framing decisions as choices rather than sacrifices empowers individuals.

There should be no shame or guilt associated with decisions made to pursue one's career aspirations.

Embracing one's career path without negative emotions allows for greater focus and dedication.

Due to limitations in available content, this summary may not capture all details from the transcript.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of language and how it relates to sacrifice and losing oneself.

Language and Sacrifice

Language is important because words carry meaning.

Sacrifice is often used to mean doing everything for someone else, giving up power to that person.

By sacrificing for others, one can lose themselves in the process.

The pressure on the person being sacrificed for can be overwhelming and may lead to guilt.

New Section

In this section, the speaker shares a personal example of sacrificing for their daughter's education and highlights the negative impact it can have.

Personal Example of Sacrifice

The speaker commuted from Dallas to Silicon Valley for three years so that their daughter could finish high school in Dallas.

They realized that sacrificing solely for their daughter would put too much pressure on her.

Instead, they made a choice as a family to support their daughter's education without making her feel guilty.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses how societal judgment leads to feelings of guilt and the need for perfection.

Societal Judgment and Guilt

Society is judgmental, especially towards women who are judged on various aspects of their lives.

Feeling constantly judged leads to a desire for perfection.

Trying to be perfect becomes overwhelming and may result in self-harm.

It is important to decide what one is willing to be judged on and let go of the rest.

New Section

In this section, the speaker emphasizes taking control over what one allows others to judge them on.

Taking Control Over Judgments

Don't let society dictate what it judges you on; instead, decide for yourself.

Let go of the need to be perfect in every aspect of life.

People spend less time thinking about you than you think they do.

Prioritize what is important to you and focus on that.

New Section

In this section, the speaker shares another personal example related to societal judgment and prioritizing.

Personal Example of Prioritizing

The speaker's daughter had thick curly hair, and her appearance was judged by others.

Initially, the speaker's husband had to learn how to style their daughter's hair.

The priority was on learning and not immediate perfection.

Over time, their daughter left the house looking presentable, and it had no negative impact on her.

New Section

In this section, the speaker concludes by encouraging individuals not to let societal judgments dictate their behavior and priorities.

Don't Let Society Dictate

Do not allow society's judgments to impact your behavior or thoughts.

It is your life, not theirs.

People spend less time thinking about you than you think they do.

Decide what is important to you and prioritize accordingly.

The Importance of Allowing Your Partner to Learn in Peace

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing your partner to learn without interference or taking over tasks. This allows them to grow and develop their own skills.

Relationship Dynamics and Learning

It is crucial to let your partner learn without interruption or taking over tasks.

By allowing them to learn in peace, they can develop their own skills and gain confidence.

Taking over tasks prevents them from learning and can hinder their growth.

Avoid Getting Stuck with Tasks Forever

This section highlights the consequences of taking over tasks that your partner is learning. It emphasizes the importance of not getting stuck with these tasks forever.

Consequences of Taking Over Tasks

When you take over tasks that your partner is learning, you become locked into those tasks indefinitely.

Avoid getting stuck with these tasks forever by allowing your partner to learn and take responsibility for them.

Embrace Differences in How Tasks Are Done

Here, the speaker encourages embracing differences in how tasks are done between partners. It emphasizes that these differences do not impact who a person becomes as an adult.

Embracing Differences in Task Execution

Accept that your partner may do things differently from you.

Understand that these differences do not affect who a person becomes as an adult.

Allow your child, who is now an adult, to live their best life without judgment based on how they were raised.

Choices vs Sacrifices: Balancing Career Goals and Parenting Responsibilities

This section discusses the choice between using choices versus sacrifices when balancing career goals and parenting responsibilities. It addresses the expectations placed on parents and caregivers.

Balancing Career Goals and Parenting Responsibilities

Many parents and caregivers struggle with balancing their career goals and parenting responsibilities.

The speaker shares a personal story of attending a conference shortly after giving birth, highlighting the internal conflict faced by many.

The topic of balancing work and parenting can be triggering due to societal expectations.

It is important to choose what is best for you and your family, rather than living up to external expectations.

Overcoming Judgment in Balancing Work and Parenting

This section focuses on overcoming judgment when it comes to balancing work and parenting. It encourages individuals to prioritize their own decisions over others' opinions.

Dealing with Judgment

Many individuals struggle with judgment when it comes to balancing work and parenting.

The speaker encourages not living life based on the judgments of others who do not have a meaningful impact on one's life.

Consider the perspective of those judging you, but ultimately prioritize your own decisions.

Making Decisions Based on Your Priorities

This section emphasizes the importance of making decisions based on your priorities rather than external pressures or expectations.

Prioritizing Your Own Decisions

Focus on what is important to you when making decisions about work, parenting, or other aspects of life.

Do not let external pressures dictate your choices.

Remember that half the world has no choice in leaving their child or pursuing their career, yet they still love their children and make it work.

Negotiating Priorities with Your Partner

This section discusses negotiating priorities with your partner when making decisions about work-life balance.

Negotiating Priorities as a Couple

If you have a partner, it is important to negotiate priorities together.

Determine what is important to both of you and make decisions accordingly.

Clarity on your goals and priorities will help guide your decision-making process.

Living Life Authentically

This section emphasizes the importance of living life authentically and not conforming to societal expectations or judgments.

Living Authentically

Do not live your life for the expectations or judgments of others.

Focus on what matters to you, your partner, and your children.

Release the need for validation from external sources.

Letting Go of Judgment from Others

This section encourages individuals to let go of judgment from others and focus on their own well-being.

Releasing Judgment from Others

Do not let the judgment of others affect you.

Consider whether those judging you have a meaningful impact on your life.

Prioritize self-reflection and self-assessment over external opinions.

Making Decisions Based on Your Needs

This section emphasizes making decisions based on personal needs rather than societal expectations or judgments.

Prioritizing Personal Needs

Make decisions based on what you feel you need to do for yourself, your children, and your partner.

Trust that everything will be fine when you prioritize your own needs.

Remember that many people around the world have no choice in similar situations but still love their children and make it work.

Evaluating Judgment from Others

This section discusses evaluating judgment from others by considering their perspective and relevance in one's life.

Evaluating Judgment

When facing judgment, consider the perspective of those judging you.

Assess whether their opinions and judgments hold significance in your life.

Decide what you are willing to be judged on and prioritize your own well-being.

Focus on Your Own Reflection

This section emphasizes the importance of focusing on self-reflection and prioritizing one's own perspective over external judgment.

Prioritizing Self-Reflection

Look in the mirror and focus on your own reflection.

Consider the perspectives of your spouse, partner, and children.

Release the need for validation from others who do not have a meaningful impact on your life.

Intentionality, Self-Assessment, and Seeking Guidance

This section discusses the importance of intentionality, self-assessment, and seeking guidance when it comes to mastering skills, delegating tasks, or seeking help.

Assessing Skills, Delegation, and Guidance

Evaluate how you spend your time based on priorities.

Master skills that align with your goals.

Delegate tasks that others can handle effectively.

Seek guidance when needed to enhance personal growth.

The Value of Time

This section highlights the value of time compared to money. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time wisely.

The Value of Time

Time is more precious than money because it cannot be created or regained once lost.

Prioritize how you spend your time based on what truly matters to you.

Conclusion: Making Decisions Based on Priorities

In this concluding section, the speaker reiterates the importance of making decisions based on personal priorities rather than external expectations or judgments.

Final Thoughts

Make decisions based on what aligns with your priorities.

Do not let external pressures dictate your choices.

Prioritize self-reflection, self-assessment, and the well-being of yourself, your partner, and your children.

Decision-making: Should I do it myself or delegate?

In this section, the speaker discusses the factors to consider when deciding whether to do a task oneself or delegate it to someone else.

Factors to consider:

Time availability: If you are the best person for the task and have enough time, it is recommended to do it yourself.

Priority: If the task is not high on your priority list, consider delegating it to someone else who can handle it.

Expertise: If you are not the best person for the task and anyone can do it, delegate it to free up your time.

Asking for help: Asking for help is a strength, as there are many people with valuable knowledge and experience that you can learn from.

Benefits of asking for help: Asking for help not only allows you to learn but also helps others get to know you in a different way. It creates opportunities for mutual support and growth.

Pathway to becoming a CEO

The speaker provides guidance on how to progress towards becoming a CEO within Google.

Skills and roles:

Leadership skills: Develop skills in leadership, effective communication, persuasion, negotiation, and community building.

Leading and developing people: Focus on creating an environment where people want to follow you as a leader rather than just having a managerial title.

Building, growing, and turning around: Gain experience in areas that involve building teams, driving growth, and leading successful turnarounds.

Practical application of learning

The speaker emphasizes the importance of practical application and tailoring the learning moments to one's own life.

Utilize the planning guide in the book: The book provides a planning guide that helps bridge the gap between inspiration and practicality, allowing readers to apply the concepts to their own lives.

Ask questions during "ask me anything" sessions: Take advantage of opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on specific concepts or challenges.

Connect with personal goals: Make connections between the learnings from the book and your current life stage and goals.

Parting words

Final thoughts and key takeaways from the conversation.

Own your career: Take control of your career path, be intentional, and don't rely solely on others to guide you.

Be proactive: Treat your career with as much care as you would plan a trip. Don't wait for opportunities; create them yourself.

Timestamps are approximate and may vary slightly.

Owning Your Career

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's career and encourages the audience to consider their next steps.

Identifying Opportunities for Impact

The speaker highlights that taking ownership of one's career provides opportunities to make a greater impact.

By actively seeking out new challenges and responsibilities, individuals can expand their capabilities and contribute more effectively.

Next Steps in Owning Your Career

The audience is encouraged to take a moment to reflect on their own careers and identify their next steps.

This self-reflection will help individuals determine how they can further develop themselves professionally.

Conclusion

The session concludes with gratitude expressed towards the host and participants.

Appreciation for Hosting

The speaker thanks Stephanie for hosting the session.

Farewell

A farewell message is extended to all participants as the session comes to an end.