UPFRONT Bond 7
I wanted to take the time to write about my experience of doing the 6 week Upfront Global Bond 7 course. A course that's on a mission to improve confidence for over a million women.
People who meet me might say I don't seem like I need any help with confidence. That I am an extrovert, outgoing, social person, what did I need help with?
I joined the course, as I had met Lauren Currie when I attended her Upfront masterclass back in 2020, I was completely blown away. She touched on so many subjects that I resonated with, I felt a fire in my belly, where I wanted to learn more, unlearn more, and be more.
I had been an avid follower and desperate to join the bond ever since. But the timing was never right. I was working for a Global FinTech, I had 2 small children, I was trying to keep the Instagram community going in my spare time for Keep Good Company, so the question was always when?!
The stars aligned when I moved to Australia, I had allocated myself some time to settle into my new surroundings and with the children in childcare, this gave me a window of time to invest in myself. I also wanted to have that community aspect that I knew Lauren had created. Little did I know it would have SUCH an impact on me.
Being upfront is a whole vibe that I didn’t know had been missing from my life. Speaking up, being brave, saying no, asking why, challenging the status quo in complete contrast to; people pleasing, asking for permission, not wanting to rock the boat, not living my life to it’s full potential, being quiet, playing and staying small.
We discussed everything from systemic oppression, to motherhood, to intersectionality, to being a woman over 40, to challenges at work, no matter how big or small, and how all these things have impacted our confidence as a person.
Here are some things that I wanted to share with you about my Upfront experience:-
Language is everything. I hadn’t noticed that myself and other folk around me were using language all the time that made us feel sorry for even existing, the over apologizing, emails starting with ‘just wanted to check’, the self-deprecating, deflecting compliments, praise, being humble - ALL.THE.TIME! Once we all noticed, the emails were being amended, the over-explaining was then one-liners. So liberating!
The biggest surprise for me was the love from the community, how quickly we were able to share our stories, the vulnerability really helped the connection so quickly and it was a safe space to do that.
The thing I made the most progress on, was sharing my ideas, even if I had the anxiety/vulnerability hangover after. The more I did it, the easier it became.
The best thing I discovered about myself was my strengths! Through the brilliant coach that is Angie Main, I discovered what I'm really good at, which also now makes sense as to why I have struggled in the past when I haven’t had my needs met. Lightbulb moment!
To use my privilege as a white woman to speak up for others and things I care about, even if my voice shakes, is so vital, important, needed.
Of course this is just the beginning, it’s an action, a muscle that needs to be exercised. It will be wobbly and I may not get it right all the time, but having the self awareness to feel the fear and do it anyway is something to get comfortable with.
If you want to learn more, you can find out about this life changing course at Upfront