Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Watson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Anne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up under less than encouraging circumstances. I came through years of mental, verbal, and emotional abuse, along with significant bullying as a teen. I know what it is like to doubt yourself. My passions have always included reading, writing, music, and movies but any time I talked about these creative fields, I was told I would starve to death. I was encouraged to go into a business field as it would ensure a financially stable future. I longed to become an advertising executive but didn’t want to disappoint anyone. I tried majoring in something on the ‘approved’ list but ended up secretly applying to the communications college at my university.
I graduated with my dream degree, but that didn’t stop the voices in my life (and in my head) from telling me I needed to pursue a different career. Ultimately, I gave up on my desire and went into banking (which was on the approved list.)
I wasn’t horrible as a banker. I learned a lot about business and discovered I’m something of a natural leader. Still, I knew I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. I felt stuck. Eventually, I left the corporate world to work on being a full-time mom. Momming was another worthy profession I enjoyed, but my soul continued searching for the one thing that would finally calm my inner angst.
When I got into women’s ministry, and I knew I had found a big piece of the puzzle. Maybe it’s because I wasn’t encouraged well, but I poured and gushed accolades and compliments into the women I was privileged to lead. A theme emerged of women who were hard on themselves, convinced they had nothing to offer the world. It’s just not true. From my viewpoint, women face daily oppression, regardless of who they are or their life experiences. I’m passionate about helping women learn to love themselves and pursue their dreams with gusto!
Countless women hear and believe messages that hold them back and keeping them from reaching their potential. I know first-hand the internal battle between what you want to do, what you think you should do and what you are ultimately supposed to do. It’s an endless loop of angst that robs the world of hard-won wisdom, life-changing stories, and hope. The good news is that women can break free from this trap.
For years, I held positions in organizations that allowed me to tap into my love of advertising and my business knowledge to improve systems and bring results. I finally realized that if I want to empower women to go hard after their dreams, I need to lead the way.
I now coach women who are communicators and entrepreneurs in the business, brand, and marketing strategies. I’ve combined my passion for encouraging women with my natural skills and my degree. Swayology exists to help women make a difference in the world, sharing what they love.
Swayology isn’t a simple business plan, though. It’s personal. It’s an invitation to discover what may be holding you back and breakthrough plateaus to affect real change.
I think my story is on some level, every woman’s story. Imagine what the world would be like if women confidently and unapologetically chased their dreams and passions to make the world a better place? What if we got out of our own way and did the thing that scares us?
Women are doing better than they think, and they are far stronger than they believe. Women are more capable and powerful than they know. It’s not about overcoming anything. It’s about loving yourself and moving forward no matter what. I found my way through the haze of other people’s opinions, my desires, and the world’s need. My goal is to help other women do the same thing for themselves and pass it on. That is my heart and the mission of Swayology.
Please tell us about your work.
Swayology exists to help women make a difference by sharing what they love. It’s about using the art of persuasion to provide solutions and strategies in business, branding, and marketing. Swayology is different from other marketing firms in that there is an emphasis on building the confidence of the clients that is personal and extends through their work.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is a fluid concept measured by integrity, effort, grace, and persistence. Success is not your number of followers, your 15 minutes of fame, or your latest promotion. Success is never crowd-sourced. Success is internal, individual, and unique. Most people are already successful, they just don’t know it yet.
Contact Info:
- Website: annemwatson.com
- Email: anne@annemwatson.com
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