Corina Lam, a global leader at Mercer, knows the importance of advocating for oneself and how to lead others in doing the same. Corina shares her passion for problem-solving and building deep relationships in HR tech. She emphasizes the significance of setting expectations and spending time and energy in the right places. Corina also discusses the challenges she has faced as a young leader, navigating different cultures, and being a female in the workplace. Get a reliable perspective on how leaders can help others advocate for themselves and create a positive work environment.
Advocating for Yourself: A Leader’s Perspective
Why should you take self-advocacy as a personal responsibility? Advocating for yourself helps you set clear expectations for yourself and those around you. It also opens doors to opportunities for growth, success, and personal fulfillment. Corina, a global leader at Mercer, sheds light on this critical topic through her personal experiences in the world of HR technology. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into why advocating for yourself is important, how it sets the stage for success, and how to lead others in doing the same.
Why Advocating for Yourself Matters
Advocating for yourself sets the path for your personal and professional journey. It’s not just about fulfilling your ambitions but also about helping others understand what drives you. As Corina puts it, “Setting expectations helps prepare others to understand you better.” When you clearly communicate your goals, milestones, and values, you build a foundation that guides you toward your future. Whether it’s career advancement or personal growth, setting expectations not only helps you but also creates alignment with the people around you.
But why is this important? Where you spend your time and energy plays a huge role in shaping the trajectory of your life. The environments you immerse yourself in, the people you choose to surround yourself with, and the projects you take on all contribute to the bigger picture of your journey. Advocating for yourself allows you to take control of these variables and ensures you’re heading in the right direction.
Building a Career Around Advocacy
Corina’s career journey offers a powerful example of the impact of self-advocacy. With a background in HR technology, she has worked for global consulting firms, advised CEOs, and helped shape the strategy of organizations with tens of thousands of employees. Throughout her career, she noticed a common theme—advocacy isn’t just about speaking up for yourself; it’s also about advocating for others. Recognizing and celebrating the hard work of colleagues, especially in a male-dominated industry, has been a significant part of her leadership journey.
Corina’s experiences reflect a broader lesson: no matter what stage of your career you’re in, advocating for yourself helps you carve out a space where you can thrive. It gives you the confidence to take on challenges and push past obstacles, especially in environments where you may feel like the minority. For Corina, working in predominantly male teams and being one of the youngest people in leadership roles presented unique challenges. But she always made sure to advocate for herself, allowing her to grow and succeed in spaces where others might have underestimated her.
The Role of Empathy in Leadership
Advocating for yourself isn’t just about getting ahead—it’s about building a culture of mutual support and understanding. Corina emphasizes the importance of empathy, noting that it’s often a “lost art” in today’s fast-paced work environments. Empathy enables you to connect with others on a deeper level, helping you navigate difficult situations with grace. As Corina says, “Having empathy not only helps you understand others better, but it also helps you shape how to react to situations.”
Empathy in leadership isn’t just about understanding others; it’s about guiding them toward their own advocacy. When leaders show empathy, they create an environment where team members feel safe and supported, which in turn encourages them to advocate for themselves. By recognizing others’ hard work publicly and fostering an inclusive culture, leaders can inspire their teams to take ownership of their careers and lives.
Leading by Example: The Importance of Setting Expectations
One of Corina’s core leadership practices is setting clear expectations for herself and others. She believes that by setting expectations, you not only help yourself but also create a roadmap for those around you. Whether you’re in a leadership role or just starting out in your career, this practice is essential for creating a sense of direction and purpose.
Corina’s leadership philosophy revolves around transparency, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As she puts it, “I’m always looking for a better way to do things, and we’re going to move fast.” This mindset not only drives her own success but also helps her team align with her vision and work toward shared goals.
Overcoming Obstacles: Age, Culture, and Gender
Throughout her career, Corina has faced numerous challenges related to her age, culture, and gender. Being one of the youngest leaders in the room often led to assumptions about her abilities. But instead of letting these challenges hold her back, Corina used them as opportunities to advocate for herself and demonstrate her value. She points out that age, while often seen as a barrier, can actually be an asset when you advocate for yourself effectively.
Similarly, cultural differences can present obstacles in the workplace, especially when it comes to communication styles. Corina shares her experience of working in environments where people frequently talk over each other, a behavior that can be challenging for those from more reserved cultural backgrounds. Over time, she learned to navigate these differences by advocating for herself and encouraging others to do the same. By being observant and proactive, Corina was able to create space for her voice to be heard and helped others find their own voices as well.
Gender dynamics in the workplace present another significant challenge, especially in male-dominated industries. Corina recalls instances where her gender was used to make assumptions about her abilities, such as being asked to plug in a laptop because she was the only woman in the room. Rather than letting these moments define her, she chose to respond with professionalism and confidence, continuing to advocate for her skills and contributions.
Advocating for Others: The Ripple Effect
One of the most powerful aspects of advocacy is its ripple effect. When you advocate for yourself, you create a positive example for others to follow. Corina emphasizes the importance of advocating for others publicly, especially in environments where recognition is often overlooked. By celebrating the achievements of others, you not only lift them up but also contribute to a culture of mutual support and success.
In leadership, advocating for others is a critical part of building strong, cohesive teams. Leaders who take the time to recognize the hard work and potential of their team members help create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. This, in turn, encourages individuals to advocate for themselves and take ownership of their personal and professional development.
Breaking Through Fear and Embracing Change
One of the biggest barriers to self-advocacy is fear—fear of change, fear of judgment, and fear of failure. Corina acknowledges that fear can hold people back from pursuing their dreams and reaching their full potential. But she also emphasizes the importance of pushing through that fear and trusting your gut. “Fear is a common obstacle, but if you abide by being so worried about what other people think, it’s going to be very difficult to get unstuck.”
For those who find themselves stuck or unsure of their next steps, Corina recommends mapping out different scenarios and possibilities. Whether through journaling, sticky notes, or mental exercises, envisioning what your ideal future looks like can help you break free from the paralysis of fear. Once you have a clear vision of where you want to go, it becomes easier to advocate for yourself and take the necessary steps to get there.
The Power of Self-Advocacy in Leadership
Advocating for yourself is not just about personal success—it’s about creating a ripple effect that inspires and empowers others. By setting clear expectations, practicing empathy, and pushing through fear, you can build a career and life that align with your values and goals. As a leader, your responsibility extends beyond advocating for yourself—you must also lead others in their journey toward self-advocacy.
Corina’s journey offers a powerful example of the transformative power of self-advocacy. From overcoming challenges related to age, culture, and gender to advocating for others and building strong teams, her story serves as an inspiration for leaders at all stages of their careers. So, ask yourself: how are you advocating for yourself today, and how can you help others do the same?
Listen to the episode: Gut + Science | Episode 267: Advocating For Yourself & How to Lead This with Corina Lam
Key Takeaways:
- Setting expectations is crucial for personal and professional growth and helps others understand your ambitions and dreams.
- Where you spend your time and energy is important and should align with your goals and values.
- Leaders can advocate for others by recognizing their hard work and accomplishments publicly.
- Having empathy and staying true to yourself are essential leadership practices.
- Overcoming challenges in the workplace, such as age, culture, and gender biases, requires self-advocacy and focusing on the strengths and skills of individuals.
- Leaders should prioritize care and empathy to create a positive work environment and help others advocate for themselves.
Things to listen for:
[00:05:43] Leadership Practices: Warning Labels and Positive Momentum
[00:09:08] Advocating for Ourselves and Leading Others
[00:12:20] Owning Your 50 and Creating a Meaningful Work Experience
[00:15:16] Overcoming Challenges in the Workplace
[00:22:02] Leading Others to Advocate for Themselves
[00:23:47] Examples of Leading Others to Advocate for Themselves
[00:29:53] The Importance of Care and Empathy in Leadership
