When was the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone? For us, it was on November 28th, 2018, & we took our New York girl gang along for the ride. We teamed up with Timberland to ask powerhouses like Cleo Wade, Liz Plank, & more why you need to #StepOutside your comfort zone and how to embark on career journeys that leave the world a better place than we found it.
From sustainably managing their products to protecting the outdoors, Timberland is rooted in responsibility & we were thrilled to spend the evening with them in New York City because we truly believe that responsible businesses have the power to change the world for the better. So, consider this your invitation to step outside and become the adventurer of your own life...because the world is calling YOU! Tis’ the season to be a conscious consumer (and gifter!). You can shop Timberland’s latest collection here.
We tapped women like the formidable Poet + Author Cleo Wade, Sophia Roe, Liz Plank, Jera Foster-Fell, Tory Rust and Marci Zaroff to help lead a conversation around stepping outside of our comfort zones. These are women who are making a major impact in the world through their hard work. And you better believe they did not get there by playing it safe.
What’s your best advice for anyone looking to step outside of their comfort zone?
To feel the fear and do it anyway. Know you’re allowed to have fear and be nervous but you can repurpose it to fuel your passion and follow your dreams. - Jera Foster-Fell
Two words: be disagreeable. If everyone is agreeing with you, you’re doing it wrong. - Liz Plank
Trust your gut. Follow your heart. Listen to the voice inside because if it doesn’t feel right, trust yourself. Go with it. - Marci Zaroff
Just keep doing things that make you nervous. If you feel anxious that’s probably a god sign. Just go with it. - Tory Rust
Bravery is not the absence of fear, it’s being afraid and doing it anyway. It may not feel amazing in the moment but the results will. - Cleo Wade
Keep reading to hear our favorite moments from the powerful women calling the shots and stepping outside of their comfort zones during our The World is Calling You panel.
Sophia Roe
Consumption is more than what you eat or put in your body. It’s what you watch, its who you follow, its the people that you’re around. My number one calling would be: When someone is around me I want them to feel good. I really want to be a feel good person.
On the shift happening in the culinary industry: Women have always been barefoot and pregnant cooking in the kitchen. We’ve always been here, we’re just getting a lot more highlighted. Which is really special.
Jera Foster-Fell
You can have fear in the process of pursuing your dreams but you have to feel the fear and do it anyway.
Liz Plank
Every moment where I was almost willing to give up was the biggest pay off.
Tory Rust
My strengths are my weaknesses and my weaknesses are my strengths.
Marci Zaroff
The 3 P’s of business are profit, passion and purpose.
The fashion industry has tremendous work to do and it’s all hands on deck. It’s not about staying ahead anymore, it’s about not being left behind.
After these ladies gave us their best advice, we passed the mic to poet, author and artist, Cleo Wade. Keep reading for the mic drop moments from our chat with Cleo below.
“We have to make sure the things were standing for align with our actions in big and small ways. When we look at lifestyle today you can’t really support one part of the equation without the other. The dots are all connected.”
“Sexuality, gender, race, background. When you don’t see yourself in the world, you don’t know what your possibilities are.”
“Don’t let the word Activist to stop you from participating. And also, understand that activism or a person that participates can look however you like.”
“We all have the time to smile at our neighbors.”
“Having a distinct style is natural. You know your look and style, you just have to do it. Even if we haven’t seen it before.”
“Good friendships are long term investments and good work. Work that feels good.”
“It’s easy to get goal jacked in our world. I said here’s my goal and here’s my promise to my audience. My goal is impact. My promise is no matter who they are how alone they feel, this work is for them.”
“If you give anyone to make them feel like you’re on top of the world, they also have the power to make you feel like the world is on your shoulders.”
“I need goals that don’t have to do with outside validation.”
“To make the future world we want, we have to do the things that scare us.”
“Until further notice, celebrate everything.”
How are you stepping outside before the year ends? Let us know in the comments!
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