From the course: Career Advice from Some of the Biggest Names in Business

Tarika Barret on managing your career as an introvert

From the course: Career Advice from Some of the Biggest Names in Business

Start my 1-month free trial

Tarika Barret on managing your career as an introvert

“

- So one thing I'd love to end with is career advice. What kind of career advice do you tend to give? And you've talked about how you are an introvert. I would love to know if you have specific career advice for introverts. - Well, according to my research that I have seen come out pretty recently, like in terms of things that I've read, I was really struck, I don't remember what publication, but they talked about introverted CEOs being more successful than extroverted CEOs. (laughing) And I loved that story because I was like, "Yeah, let's say something to the introverts." I would say, career advice, I continue to be reflective around things that push me out of my comfort zone. It doesn't mean you have to say yes to every opportunity, but you should at least interrogate it and say, "What stands in the way?" Very often in my career journey, I've found that I've been the one standing in my way, because I thought I didn't want to do it, or I didn't think I was ready, or I thought it would be extremely stressful, when in fact it's much easier to put one foot in front of the other and try it, and kind of test the waters. And if you have a supportive organization or company, you find that they're scaffolding to support you in exploring and stretching and growing professionally. And certainly those are the kinds of roles and organizations you want to seek out. And then the second bit of advice I want to offer is, always mentorship. You know, my mom actually founded Jamaica's first ever mentoring organization, and so it's kind of in my DNA, but I cannot tell you how many women and family members and friends, I think about Reshma, my predecessor, who have literally supported me at every step of the way. Never discount the folks who are in your corner, that you can lean on and that you can turn to, who have wonderful examples of how they've navigated a given professional situation or how they think about a transition, which I know is often very difficult as people think about new careers. But mentorship is key, and beyond being on the receiving end, please pay it forward. You know, I never say no to anyone who reaches out to have a conversation, because people have shown me tremendous kindness in my own professional journey when I just wanted to have an informational interview or ask a question about an organization. And so that's the advice I would offer up. - That's great, Ar. So if I can repeat it back, it is find organizations, work in organizations that offer you that scaffolding that allow you to take chances. Push yourself to take those chances, and you don't have to jump; you can take one step at a time. Find a mentor, and be a mentor. Are those, is that right? - Dan, you're good. That summation was really tight, thank you. (chuckling)

Contents