Valerie Lothian — Profiles in Spotlight Series
Profiles in Spotlight — This is a series spotlighting women who are part of the LMF network or have participated in the LMF mentoring program.
Looking to build confidence? “Step out and go above and beyond your comfort zone. Be seen, valued and heard.”
Valeria Lothian works in the finance/private equity industry and heads client management. On the day-to-day, she communicates with business owners, decision-makers and investors, facilitating opportunities to buy, sell and invest in companies. Active listening, effective communication and using discernment are a few skills that help her accomplish her everyday tasks.
She was part of the LMF mentoring program as a mentee, and here she shares her experience and learnings. If you want to join the program or want some inspiration, read on to learn more.
What did you want to do when you were younger, and how does that differ from your day-to-day now?
When I was younger, I wanted to be an Air Hostess, which meant I could meet and serve others while travelling the world. My day-to-day work incorporates my Air Hostess dream but without so much international travel.
Over 70% of people feel like imposters. Have you felt like an imposter, and if so, how do you overcome this feeling?
I haven’t felt like an imposter, but where I lacked confidence, I took steps to reduce or eliminate that feeling as soon as possible. For example, I developed my training/attended courses that helped boost my knowledge and confidence.
Do you think confidence is nature or nurture, and why?
It is nurtured and is something that is developed over time.
Valeria shared a blog post she wrote where she further explained this. Read below to learn more about confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome and improving communication.
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-do-you-assess-your-own-others-communication
What does your dream day look like?
A day with networking and having business meetings over a fine lunch.
What is your key piece of advice to your younger self?
Believe that what you dream about and want can happen, then take actionable steps to bring it to life.
Which resources do you recommend for people to level up their careers and confidence?
Networking with quality people (do more offline than online) and reading books in the areas you are interested in or want to strengthen.
Valeria shares a guide she wrote to help people with communication and confidence called:
“Be The Confident You! The Inner Battlefield To Clear Thinking and Straight Talking!”
You can read it at the link below: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008C9CCNY
How has LMF mentoring program helped you with confidence?
My confidence was boosted as I was assigned a compatible Mentor (Trista) who became my Accountability Buddy in assisting me with my goals.
How has LMF supported, impacted or changed your life?
My mentor was compatible because she worked with Babylon Health, the company/area I recognised (as a significant competitor in my business plan) regarding Health, Stress Management and well-being.
The LMF programme supported the main aims in my life in making a breakthrough to develop my online Financial Stress Relief presence, i.e. via a training course and website.
What is the best advice that you received from your mentor?
“Just do it”, and knowing that I would have a follow-up session(s) regarding my breakthrough and progression.
What is your biggest takeaway from the mentoring program?
The quality and viability of being assigned a great Mentor connection. Many thanks to Eleonora, the program manager!
What has surprised you the most in this mentoring program?
The simplicity, Eleonora’s flexibility to help and her excellent matchmaking skills.
We asked her a few questions about women’s day and what it means to her. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It means recognising the gains and progress that women have made over the years whilst plugging any gaps with viable guidance and solutions for those that require help.
Can you share an experience when you felt the most empowered?
Private Equity was a new industry I had never worked in before. So, I felt highly empowered when I persuaded my Investor business partner for us to work together and collaborate in his award-winning company. I now run promotions and campaigns involving professional Investors seeking exceptional investment opportunities. These features ‘A-List Hollywood Companies/Celebrities, e.g. Playboy, Ja Rule, P Diddy and others, including Elon Musk (Head of Tesla, Twitter, SpaceX etc.).
What is your top tip for women working to build confidence?
Step out and go above and beyond your comfort zone. Be seen, valued and heard.
What is the best piece of career advice that you’ve received?
Go after what you want and align yourself with those who can help you make it happen.
What are the most effective ways you’ve been able to counteract gender inequality at your workplace?
By showing my value by speaking up and letting my Team know that I have a ‘value-add’ voice and input that is more than worthy of being heard.
Can you share a message for International Women’s Day 2023?
I welcome the further empowerment of women in their aspirations and hope to have a role in helping them in their progression.
This blog contribution was made by Aleena Ahmad.
Aleena is a graduate in Electrical Engineering and currently working as a Product Manager. She loves to
read books; is obsessed with political non-fiction, finds baking therapeutic, and likes to start her day
with yoga. Aleena believes writing is the best way to articulate one’s thoughts and start a conversation.
She feels passionately about women empowerment initiatives and is always looking for opportunities to
contribute.
How can you keep in touch?
Email — hello@lmfnetwork.com |LinkedIn |Instagram | Slack
What is LMF Network?
The LMF Network is an education careers platform bridging skills and the gender gap. We know that it will take 257 years to achieve gender parity, but that’s too long. Our community trust us to support their development needs, build their confidence and align ourselves with trusted, inclusive partners who can nurture and grow talent to progress in their careers. We’ve upskilled 20,000 people in 3 years — we know what we are fighting for and need your help in creating true equitable change.
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