Fear is a feeling we have all been familiar with at some point. Whether it is fear of the next big business meeting or fear of letting a client down, channeling these moments into positive experiences is key to developing a professional mindset and forcing yourself to grow.
According to the CEO and Founder of DIGIDECK by Sportsdigita, Angelina Lawton, knowing how to deal with fear is a skill that has helped her get to where she is today– trusted by 450+ brands to tell their stories with cloud-based presentations. Having previously worked as the SVP of Corporate Communications for the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, Lawton is no stranger to working in male-dominated industries and the intimidation felt by many in similar positions. She attributes a large part of her success to dealing with this pressure and overcoming moments of fear.
“My experience in finance was a great training ground for my entry into the sports industry. The entire financial industry at the time was pretty intense, and the men were always intense,” Lawton says. “In both industries, you’re always one of the few women in the room. You have to be very confident and own your seat at the table. People will respect you if you can show them you respect yourself. ”
Know Your Stuff
Lawton says that the first step to overcoming fear is understanding your space and becoming an expert in your subject. For example, before going into a sales meeting, examine the agenda, who will be in the room, and all available materials to ensure you’re on top of any subject that may arise. And if you’re presenting, be sure to not only know your subject matter but also try to anticipate any questions that may arise at the end of the day.
“When I was in the financial industry, it was really about making sure you knew what you were doing, when you were presenting, when you were in rooms as the only female.,” Lawton says. “This has also been relevant to working in the sports industry. I think that sometimes what holds many women back is themselves not believing in their abilities. You have to go to those meetings you’re scared of going to, go on TV and say the things you’re scared of saying. Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
Embracing Opportunities
Lawton believes that cultivating a sense of urgency is crucial to high performance. And she isn’t just talking about meeting deadlines. Operating with a sense of urgency also means having the confidence to make the most of all professional opportunities that come your way. “Everyone talks about the need for perseverance and grit. And you indeed need those characteristics to fight the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur. However, passionate people also tend to recognize the importance of having a sense of urgency.”
“I want to help other women understand that they have what it takes to be successful – and that working with urgency and harnessing your passions is critical to making it in the big leagues,” she continues.
Cultivating a Brighter Future
It’s no secret that women are still underrepresented in most industries. And this is precisely the reason Lawton wants to help more women pursue passions in male-dominated industries. “I’d like to see more women in sales, tech, and sports. The numbers are increasing, but not at the rate they should be. What’s exciting is that as a female leader, you have the ability to shape the work culture around diversity and equality,” she says.
And rather than standing on the sidelines, Lawton is definitely leading by example by fearlessly pursuing her dreams. “Be bold, don’t apologize. Do what scares you the most and just take that chance,” she advises. “In order to succeed, you have to be confident. You have to know how to execute, always.”
