3 Ways to Break Down Barriers and Get to Yes with Natalie Benamou, Founder, HerCsuite™ Women's Growth Network

Women Leaders on the Move - HerCsuite® Radio

We all have barriers that can be blocking us from moving forward. On this week's episode of HerCsuite™ Radio, you will hear from me, Natalie Benamou, your host, as I share personal experiences both with members of HerCsuite™ Accelerate Mastermind and some life lessons along the way.

Last week, an Accelerate Mastermind member, gave a quote that I have been obsessing about. It is a profound idea, about removing the barrier that is in our way.

“Keep knocking on the front door. If there is a bodyguard, go to the back door and get around the bouncer.”- Madeline Onumbu, Member HerCsuite™ Accelerate

Personal Story

Now I want you to close your eyes. Think back to a time you went to a concert. Imagine the bouncers at the door and thinking there was no way to make it to the front of the line and meet the artist. And something magical happened. You were whisked to the front of that crowd, ushered in, and could sit down and ask any question you wanted. Meeting that star transformed your life. It can happen!

I have had the amazing opportunity in my life to be at many stage doors. My oldest daughter is a creative writer and musical theater performer. We went to so many shows and stood in lines at the stage door…waiting for that moment. Usually, the shows were mostly ones she really wanted to see. Until Al Pacino had a show on Broadway. Anyone who knows me, has an inkling that the star of The Godfather…on Broadway? I thought–We have to GO! AND STAGE Door.

As it turned out, his show was not a hit. In fact, many in the audience got up and walked out before intermission. What?? Yes. I had never seen this before. And I saw that moment as an amazing gift. I thought… fewer people at the stage door! There is an art to going to the stage door and getting to meet someone. It comes down to timing. As people were leaving, my brain was laying out a plan.

That night, after the show, my daughter and I used all of our techniques to get to that stage door. We were still 2nd row, but close enough to have a chance to meet him. I had hope. This was going to be incredible! Al Pacino walks out. I am ready…standing on my tip toes. Then it happened. This super tall guy elbows me in the neck! I bend over and he moves in and gets the autograph.

Lessons we can all learn from this story (find out more in the blog post below!):

• Assess Your Barriers
• Getting Stopped in Our Tracks
• What Happens NEXT Matters
• Upside to the Story
• Your Stage Door

3 Ways to Remove Barriers:

1. Remove negative self-beliefs. Ask yourself what ideas about yourself are you holding to be true that are in your way? Push back on any misconceptions you have in your brain. They don’t matter. What does matter is believing anything is possible. Because it really is.
2. Assess all the options and be ready to move forward. Ask questions, be curious. Find someone who has walked through the door before you. What did they do? Was it timing, connections, or ability? Look for the secret way in.
3. Strategically form alliances. In business, this could be an executive sponsor who will advocate for you. Before presenting to the board, or senior leaders, make sure you are on the agenda and socialize your information before the meeting. In your personal life, surround yourself with people who will shout your name in a room of opportunities

“You deserve a VIP pass through the front door. I believe all women should have that red carpet runway to their future. You have exactly what you need to move past the bodyguard and go through whatever door is open to you. I believe in you. You Got This!”- Natalie Benamou

Thank you for spending your time with me today. This program is sponsored by HerCsuite™ Accelerate Program. Opening Doors to Your Future.

Schedule a call to talk about what you need to break through barriers.

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Keep shining your light. The World Needs You!