An HR Executive’s Advice: You are Unique!
It was a wonderful privilege to photograph Lourdes J. Powell, MS, SHRM-SCP, CPC with Citco Group Limited. She shared a bit of her journey and some advice.
“When I was a young girl, my mother made the difficult decision to leave everything behind and immigrate from Haiti to the US, profoundly shaping my path. She has been and continues to be a tremendous influence in my life, instilling values of kindness and determination. She emphasized the importance of pursuing a career that brought out my natural talents of connecting with people. This led me to Human Resources, where I enjoy building meaningful relationships with C-suite executives and exceptional talent at all levels. I thrive on establishing rapport with stakeholders to problem solve and drive success.
If I could offer advice to my younger self at the beginning of my journey in corporate America, I would say: Remember that you are unique, and you have the power to define who you want to be and how you want to experience life. There’s no need to excessively worry about the future; it will unfold as it should, and you hold the key to shaping it. While judgment is inevitable, avoid complicating matters by judging yourself. Others will have their opinions, but the only one that truly matters is yours. Think highly of yourself and practice self-compassion.
Perfectionism is a waste of time and will only slow you down. We are not defined by our mistakes, so let go of past errors that no longer serve you in becoming your best self. Embrace complexity and obstacles as integral parts of your journey; lean into them and use them as opportunities for growth. Step outside your comfort zone—it's one of the most effective ways to grow!
My headshot session with Alissa became an enjoyable experience. Initially, I was too focused on being perfect to relax fully. However, once I let go of that need, I truly began to enjoy the process. Alissa created a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it easy to feel comfortable. Thanks to her, my headshot reflects the confident person I aspire to be.”