In a world that often tries to put us neatly into boxes, daring to stand out and be true to ourselves can feel daunting. Many of us, at some point, have struggled with the fear of being too much or too little for this world. But what if we stopped shrinking ourselves to fit into spaces that were never designed for our brilliance? What if we dared to redefine inclusivity and self-worth on our own terms?
I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Emmagness Ruzvidzo, a powerhouse in brand strategy and a beacon of inspiration. Emmagness, the CEO of VAKA Consulting, has spent over fifteen years perfecting the art of strategic brand management, and she’s made waves in the world of inclusive branding.
When you hear her name, you might also think of accolades like Queensland’s 40 Under 40 or the Wonderful Women of Waterford award. But what stands out most to me is Emmagness’s steadfast dedication to promoting authentic leadership and impactful inclusion. She firmly believes that to achieve personal and professional growth, we must stop shrinking ourselves to make others comfortable. Her journey from Zimbabwe to Australia encapsulates stories of resilience and triumph, making her insights truly invaluable.
The conversation with Emmagness opened up a realm of reflection about how we define inclusivity and self-worth. She emphasised that embracing our identity and maintaining curiosity about real inclusivity are vital, not just for personal success, but also for brands keen on making a lasting impact. So, how do we stand tall and redefine our sense of self-worth? Here’s what I learned during our time together.
An Inclusivity Pioneer: Emmagness’s Brand Strategy Mantra
As a multi-disciplined professional, Emmagness focuses on inclusive brand strategies. She passionately advocates for brands to design their products and messaging to appeal to diverse audiences. In her view, organisations often leave money on the table by neglecting the nuanced needs of their varying customer demographics.
Emmagness stresses the importance of crafting a brand image that resonates with diverse values and experiences. In doing so, everyone feels seen, heard, and valued—a notion that not only cultivates belonging but is also beneficial for sustainable business growth.
Challenging Societal Norms: Stop Shrinking to Fit
A pivotal part of our conversation revolves around the notion of “shrinking yourself”—dimming your light to make others feel comfortable. For many, especially women, societal conditioning pushes them to be the quiet, compliant ones in the room. Emmagness challenges this by urging us to claim the space we deserve and to share our accomplishments unabashedly.
Though many of us have been taught to be seen and not heard, Emmagness’s journey is a testament to owning one’s space and thriving in the authenticity that implies. Her actionable advice? Realise that discomfort stems from external perceptions and not one’s own abilities. By focusing on your comfort and growth, you inevitably inspire others.
Journey to Self-Discovery: Coaching and Unmasking Potential
For anyone feeling trapped or unsure of their path, Emmagness advocates for investing in coaching. Change is intimidating, but coaching provides the necessary tools to navigate through the unknown. It’s about rediscovering the uninhibited joy and interests of your inner child, aligning those with your current strengths and qualifications and living authentically.
Embrace your fears, she suggests, and view them as stepping stones to learning and growth. It’s about unlocking the potential within you and creating a life true to your intrinsic values.
Fostering Curiosity and Challenging Unconscious Bias
Emmagness also shared her passion for tackling unconscious biases, especially in the fields of technology and branding. She highlighted the lack of inclusion due to AI biases and the insufficient representation in marketing, encouraging organisations to address these disparities.
She believes brands wield the power to shape societal perspectives significantly. The more a brand normalises diversity, the more it fosters genuine inclusivity, paving the way for a future where everyone feels they belong without question.
Reflecting on this conversation, it’s clear that champions like Emmagness Ruzvidzo are pivotal in propelling us toward a world that embraces inclusivity and self-worth. Let this serve as a reminder to stand tall, voice your truth, and continue redefining what it means to belong.
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Connect with Emmagness:
Website: https://vaka.com.au/meet-emmagness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmagness
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