Welcome to the ultimate hub for expert advice to help you get your big break (+ move up the ladder). THE INTERN is officially out now (yahooooo!), so this week I’m celebrating on The Bottom Rung with one of its biggest supporters…
DANNIELLE MILLER – CEO of Enlighten Education, author of Loveability, The Butterfly Effect and The Girl With The Butterfly Tattoo
Climbing the ladder:
Then: Danni was a high school teacher before she realised her real passion was working with her students as ‘whole people’, not just as academic candidates.
Now: She is the author of three books (Loveability, co-written with Nina Funnell, also launched on Feb 1!) and heads up the organisation Enlighten Education, which runs self-esteem, confidence and body image workshops for teen girls.
Danni’s four ways to shine in the workplace (starting now!)
1. Do what makes your heart sing
My first work experience was at a solicitor’s office, but I quickly discovered the legal life wasn’t for me! Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. I was always agreeing to extra tasks and projects – even if they didn’t particularly suit my skill set or passions. I learnt to do them well, but they didn’t make my heart sing. I’ve learnt to say no – without feeling any guilt or regret whatsoever.
2. Value your work (and others will follow suit)
People won’t value your work if you don’t place a value on it. Don’t get sucked into doing things for free out of some elusive promise of exposure (writers in particular often are asked to work for free). I am often asked to accept young women as unpaid interns or on work experience and I won’t on principle. Anyone who works for me gets paid. Period. I don’t agree with unpaid internships – it’s exploitative. If someone is adding value,value them.
3. Stay passionate, never give up
When the “Enlighten” concept was first developed it was quite new. Back then, no one was going into schools and delivering the kind of workshops we do – workshops that are honest, funny, skills-based and positive. It was challenging convincing schools to let us spend an entire day with girls so we could really bring about change and develop a sense of sisterhood. My key learning? A “no” is not a no forever – it is a “no” for that day, when offered in that particular way. Regroup. Try again. Be resilient!
4. Personality will get you everywhere
I love a go-get-’em attitude! The young women who have caught my attention bring it. They offer ideas. They do their research. They exceed expectations. And they are often funny! Humour is valued in the workplace because it lifts staff morale and connects people emotionally to their work. Don’t be afraid to let the silly, zany you shine through.
Thanks again to the beautiful Danni for sharing her advice (and for her kind words about THE INTERN – read what she thinks about my book here)! If you’d love to find out more about Enlighten Education, visit its website, say hello via ‘Enlighten Education’ on Facebook or follow the #enlighteneducation hashtag on Instagram. You can also find out more at loveability.com.au or at danniellemiller.com
<The Bottom Rung series is inspired by the release of my debut novel THE INTERN (HarperCollins, out now) and my desire to ‘pay it forward’ with career advice and tips on climbing the ladder. Click here to read more about THE INTERN. Come say hello at Facebook and Twitter – distractions welcome.>
