laurakgil

[laurakgil]

IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH WANTING TO BE INVISIBLE? 🤔

This is how I feel, so this is how I write it. Is there anything wrong with wanting to be invisible? To go unnoticed, to finally live and do what you truly want without anyone caring? At this stage of my life, I find that particularly appealing. I can’t say the temptation of exhibitionism is entirely foreign to me, but how authentic is it? That’s the real question.

The truly important things in my life, I don’t showcase, I don’t talk about, I never post. Simply out of fear that they might get ruined. My most cherished moments, I keep just for myself, and I suppose we all do the same. We leave only the less significant things for the public space—the trivial updates, and we often post only when we’re genuinely bored.

How many people actually post when they’re filling out an application to buy a new house? Or when they’re anxiously awaiting the result of a job interview? Or when their children are hoping for news that could change their lives? I’m sure very few.

Keeping the best for ourselves is part of that instinct for self-preservation, to protect what we don’t want to lose, or simply because we don’t want to be judged if things don’t go as planned.

I’m writing this to be honest with myself and to also demystify what we see in the public space, where only a small fragment of our lives is shown. You won’t find our dreams, achievements, hopes, and daily struggles there. If you want to understand the reasons behind someone’s decisions, or the success or failure they experience, you have to engage with their everyday moments, and for that, we need to take the time to truly connect.

Yes, truly connect: seeing each other, sharing a meal, having a drink. It’s in those moments that we might allow ourselves to open up and express what drives us at that time.

Each day, I question more and more the time I spend on social media, searching for something I know I won’t find there, because what I seek isn’t in the public sphere but in the private one, where not everyone has access.

This piece isn’t likely to inspire a call to action or offer a moral lesson; it will remain a shared reflection, a reminder not to be dazzled by the neon lights and to pay more attention to the notes on the back of a receipt, at the bottom of an agenda, or in the notes app on your phone.

Have a great week!

#inspirarte #MondayReflection

[laurakgil]

The Power of Doing What You Don’t Like

We all dream of fulfilling ourselves by doing what we are passionate about, of developing our talents and enjoying that moment when work doesn’t feel like work but rather a pleasurable experience. However, at this point in my life, those moments have been few and far between.

Normally, work, whether it’s in your area of expertise or not, becomes monotonous and routine, leaving little room for enjoyment. When I write a report or a press release, there comes a point when things get complicated, when ideas don’t fit together or simply don’t flow as expected, and that’s when frustration sets in. We start questioning everything: Am I really cut out for this? Did I choose the right path? Am I the only one who feels this way? I should be grateful to have a job and to be doing what I “like,” but you know what? I’m not!

I’m sure many of us have felt this way, and It’s normal. This feeling has nothing to do with the authenticity of your talent, your vocation, or your abilities; it’s related to discipline and routine, two fundamental elements in the human evolution process that are difficult to understand and manage.

I use this point to connect with the true idea that inspired me to write these lines: what happens when we do what we don’t like? Does the frustration increase, does failure come in, and does unhappiness settle in? Not at all! Doing what we don’t like has its charm.

At 48 years old, I can tell you with certainty that I’ve learned and grown much more by doing what I don’t like than the opposite. When I do something I don’t enjoy (like, for example, dealing with a bad-tempered person and solving their problem), I force myself to be present in the moment, I use all my resources, I learn to manage my impulses, and I become more skilled to avoid making mistakes. In short, doing what I don’t like forces me to step out of my comfort zone and use all my resources, even those I didn’t know I had.

During my professional coaching sessions, this, more than anything else, is the most challenging aspect to manage and the main reason why people seek my help. They’re not happy doing what they do and want to move to a place where they can do “what they love.” We work to achieve that, but even when it’s achieved, the story doesn’t end there.

I write this reflection to invite you to do what you DON’T like, whatever it may be, to not remain in the comfort of your talents, to discover the experience of challenging yourself to the fullest, and to experience success from a different perspective. Be kind to yourselves, set frustration aside, and reconcile with the tasks or functions you are performing because they are what will allow you to reach your desired destination.

Embrace your development processes with all their nuances, and trust that nothing happens in vain and that each lesson prepares you for something better.

[laurakgil]

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[laurakgil]

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[laurakgil]

Synchrony's ELT Visit to Altamonte Springs Hub: Optimism and Connection

Altamonte Springs, Florida - The heartbeat of Synchrony echoed with renewed vigor with the recent visit of our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) members, Brian Doubles, CEO of Synchrony, and Dj Casto, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). The visit was not just a routine corporate affair; it was an embodiment of the company's commitment to fostering a strong, human-centric, and optimistic workplace culture.

Engaging with the Heart of Synchrony

The visit was marked by an array of interactive events that allowed for genuine connections and open dialogue. Brian and DJ extended their warmth and candor, encouraging employees to share their thoughts, questions, and ideas. The town hall meeting, was a remarkable opportunity for employees to engage directly with the leaders and gain insights into the company's future.

A Vision of Change and Adaptation

Brian Doubles’ vision for Synchrony's future was both inspiring and reassuring. He emphasized the importance of diversity within the company's board, acknowledging the value of diverse perspectives in understanding consumer trends and behaviors. In the ever-evolving landscape of finance and consumer habits, Brian stressed the need to anticipate change, stating, "We are making it easy to apply for credit, trying to foresee the new reality."

The Power of Networking

When faced with challenges, both Brian and DJ emphasized the importance of networking. Brian shared how he leverages Synchrony's network to gather advice and insights from peers facing similar challenges. He acknowledged the often solitary nature of his role and the value of an external network for support.

DJ Casto echoed this sentiment, emphasizing trust and informality in his networking approach. He stressed the value of connections that transcend roles and titles, underlining the strength of genuine relationships.

Balancing Work and Life

The ELT members also touched upon the critical topic of work-life balance. Brian Doubles spoke of his ongoing efforts to protect the time he spends with his family. As the pandemic brought about changes in routines, he adapted by scheduling time for family and ensuring cherished moments like reading stories to his kids.

Celebrating Success

Brian Doubles proudly shared the numerous successes Synchrony has achieved, from breaking records in the first half of the year to securing strategic partnerships. These accomplishments were the result of collaboration across various functions within the company, reinforcing the power of teamwork and dedication.

Ensuring Data Security and Addressing Challenges

In the face of evolving challenges like data security, Brian reassured everyone of Synchrony's commitment to protecting customer data and staying ahead of threats. The company's investments in technology and constant improvement reflect its dedication to providing a secure environment for both customers and shareholders.

Synchrony's ELT visit to the Altamonte Springs hub was a celebration of unity, optimism, and human connection. Brian Doubles, DJ Casto, and the entire Synchrony team are poised to embrace change, foster meaningful relationships, and continue their journey towards a brighter, customer-focused future. Synchrony stands as a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to its employees and customers alike.

[laurakgil]

Flip the Script: A Reflection on Challenging Stereotypes

Hispanic Heritage Month has given us a unique opportunity to reflect on important topics that impact our community in the United States. At Synchrony, the Hispanic Network+ has embraced the challenge of organizing a series of events that educate and engage Hispanics and allies and aim to shatter stereotypes surrounding Hispanic culture.

During our Signature Event, we delved deep into the challenges Hispanics face regarding the stereotypes we encounter. The HN+ Leader, Cindy Miranda, hosted the event and featured two influential Hispanic leaders within Synchrony, Beto Casellas and Fernando Aguirre.

In her opening remarks, Cindy underscored the vital role that HN+ plays at Synchrony in supporting all Hispanics and allies in advancing their careers. "We encourage everyone to be an ally and support our community," she stated.

Beto Casellas, EVP & CEO, Health & Wellness / Executive Sponsor of HN+, and Fernando Aguirre, Member of the Executive Board of Directors, generously shared their journeys of ascending the corporate ladder in America while adapting to a new culture.

We are keenly aware of stereotypes' impact on hiring and promotion decisions. In addressing this issue, Fernando recounted his struggle to acquire and master English as his second language. "People often label you, especially when you have an accent. Learning English at 17 was pivotal; it motivated me to become a better learner."

Beto also shared his experience of moving from his native Puerto Rico. "Early on, I decided to embrace my reality - that I have an accent and that it's an integral part of who I am." He recounted a story about initially avoiding the use of "Beto" as his name, preferring to go by Alberto. However, "Beto" eventually resurfaced and has remained ever since. "This taught me that I don't need to worry about the stereotypes others may assign to me; instead, I should focus on embracing my true self."

At Synchrony, we are committed to engaging in open and transparent conversations about diversity. Our Diversity Networks and the Latin Executive Alliance (LEA) exemplify this commitment.

Fernando reinforced the significance of mentorship in advancing our careers and highlighted the value of selecting diverse mentors who can help us navigate and challenge stereotypes. "Furthermore, you need advocates - people who can speak about your accomplishments and use them as your best calling card." He emphasized that by consistently delivering excellent results, you naturally garner advocates.

Fernando, a dedicated baseball enthusiast and promoter, drew parallels between sports and the corporate world. "Sports can teach valuable lessons about discipline, hard work, playing by the rules, and much more. It imparts essential life skills, like anticipating decisions and being prepared for various scenarios, which can be invaluable when facing corporate challenges."

In closing, Beto reiterated some strategies to support diversity in the corporate world further. "We need everyone's support to attract and nurture top talent. By placing a strong emphasis on the feedback we receive, we can truly make a difference."

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, events like these remind us of the importance of challenging stereotypes, fostering diversity, and embracing our unique identities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable corporate world.

[laurakgil]

CHCI Leadership Conference Illuminates Path to Financial Empowerment for Hispanics

Amidst the 23rd Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Leadership Conference, a transformative forum emerged, providing invaluable insights into securing financial futures for Latino families. Titled "Building a Legacy: Empowering Latino Families Financially," this panel convened experts from the financial, tourism, and real estate sectors. The event was warmly inaugurated by Congressman Vicente González (TX-34) of Texas, who passionately emphasized their dedication to aiding the Hispanic population of the United States to attain homes under equitable conditions, thereby ensuring their future and fostering wealth creation.

Congressman Vicente González articulated, "Our focus is on empowering Hispanic college students to access education as a gateway to unlocking superior retirement prospects, nurturing generational wealth, and fostering stability for entire families, not merely individuals. Hispanics advance collectively as a family."

Sponsored by industry leaders such as JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, Nareit, Airbnb, and the National Association of Realtors, this panel was a testament to the collective commitment to the Hispanic community. John H. Jones the Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Nareit, underscored the profound significance of diverse asset investments within the stock market, including investments in real estate companies, data centers, health facilities, multi-family apartment complexes, cell towers, distribution centers, and entertainment venues. This diversification offers Latinos a robust pathway toward creating a lasting legacy and accruing wealth.

At its core, this initiative seeks to empower Latinos by imparting the knowledge and resources essential for realizing the American dream. Key leaders play a pivotal role in shaping America's economic trajectory, with their influence channeled into educating others on wealth creation, prudent investment, homeownership, and equity.

The panelists highlighted the importance of educating the Hispanic community about a myriad of financial options, with a particular focus on real estate and stock market investments. Noreen Henriquez of JP Morgan delved into the realm of economic inclusion, highlighting the available resources, including the online platform Chase Financial Goals, as a rich source for learning about financial planning and wealth-building strategies.

In conclusion, the "Building a Legacy" panel at the CHCI Leadership Conference serves as a beacon of hope and knowledge for Hispanics in the USA. Its mission is to equip them with the tools required to secure their financial futures, achieve the American dream, and foster enduring wealth for generations to come.

[laurakgil]

In the 23rd edition of the Leadership Conference hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), Synchrony Financial took center stage in a compelling panel discussion moderated by the journalist, Cristina Londoño from Noticias Telemundo. The panel brought together influential figures, including Evelyn Barahona from the US Hispanic Chamber, Tania Menéndez representing Snowball Wealth, Juanita Velez of Delta Airlines, and Delia Garced from Synchrony Financial.

The focal point of this discussion was the financial challenges faced by women, particularly in building long-term financial stability due to a lack of generational wealth. The panelists delved into the critical issues of ensuring affordable and accessible housing, promoting financial wellness for Latinas, and creating financial health through enhanced financial literacy.

With the goal of inspiring and empowering Latinas on their path to success, the panel recognized the staggering statistic that 2 million Latinas are entrepreneurs. Delia Garced, SVP Health & Wellness Client Marketing Leader at Synchrony Financial, emphasized the importance of learning how money can work for us. She highlighted the often-overlooked topics of how to make money and the significance of saving in a 401k plan. Synchrony's commitment to encouraging its employees to grasp the importance of investing, even if the employee isn't contributing, was a notable point.

Garced also underscored the vital role of education, promotion, and engagement in identifying talent and closing the equity gap within Synchrony. The panelists collectively emphasized the significance of staying informed about financial programs within various industries and leveraging available resources, such as Chambers of Commerce.

Evelyn Barahona of the US Chamber of Commerce shared a powerful insight: "Being an immigrant gives you an entrepreneurial mindset, which you should consider your superpower." Education was identified as a potent equalizer, with Garced stressing the importance of educating individuals on how to apply for credit and explore diverse funding options beyond traditional loans.

Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the critical role of networking in advancing one's career and visibility. Garced attributed much of her success to building a strong network, particularly through the Hispanic Network.

The ultimate call to action was for corporations to play a pivotal role in igniting change by supporting funding programs and initiatives aimed at driving meaningful transformation. The insights and discussions during this panel served as a compelling testament to the commitment of these influential figures in paving the way for financial empowerment and equality for Latinas in the ever-evolving landscape of finance.

#CHCIHHM23 #CHCIConference2023 #Synchrony #Inspirarte #WashingtonDC

[laurakgil]

Jumping Puddles: A Reflection on Life and Dreams

Tonight, as I showered, I reflected on the day's activities: I closed all my cases at work today, aware that next week I'll be moving on to new challenges. I participated in a couple of meetings, reviewed the planning for an event scheduled for the end of the month, and completed some training sessions. In summary, it was a productive day. However, as it often happens, there's always a void, an unfinished task, an unresolved matter. And today, my reflection centered on a childhood memory: the act of jumping puddles.

It might sound strange, but let me explain. When I was a child, my family lived in a modest area of San Félix-Venezuela, where my parents built our first home. While it wasn't exactly luxurious, we had a beautiful home, and it was there that I began to learn independence and friendships that endure to this day, more than 30 years later. During that time, I learned to take the bus home from school since my mother worked and couldn't pick me up.

My school was in a more privileged part of the city, and the two-hour bus ride allowed me time to observe the world from the window, deal with some annoying people, and learn independence at a young age. When getting off the bus, I had to be careful with the puddles that always formed on the streets, but I learned to jump over them to keep my shoes clean.

As I walked down the yellow dirt road, I used to think, "My life will never be what I imagine. I'll never do anything important. Have you ever seen successful people jumping puddles?" That was my mindset at 12 years old. However, once I was home, I would forget those worries. But the same story repeated every time I faced that scene. I always wondered when my life would change and how many more puddles I'd have to jump.

I don't want to give the impression that my life was unhappy; my parents worked hard to provide us with education and care, they loved us deeply, and I had a happy childhood. But my surroundings didn't always enthuse me; I've always been very visual.

That's how I grew up, we eventually moved, and the streets were no longer dirt, then I had to deal with other environmental challenges (like the unpleasant odors of downtown Caracas), but I'll save those for another occasion. Nowadays, my life is very different. I no longer have to jump puddles or tolerate bad smells. However, occasionally, I feel the same anxiety I experienced in those days; the fear of failure never truly goes away.

I share this story for those who are "jumping puddles" right now and believe that their lives won't change or that their dreams will never come true. I tell you to look in this mirror, your background won't determine your destiny, only your character will.

What's important is to learn from the challenges and never stop dreaming big, even when hopelessness overwhelms us.

Don't give up. Because the best is yet to come.

[laurakgil]

Embracing Your Scars: The Power of Mending What We Break

When I was young, it was a constant in my life to have to repair my toys. Every time I grew fond of one and used it excessively, I would inevitably end up breaking it. It was during these moments that I learned to mend my possessions, at an early age.

Many of my dolls ended up missing limbs, but I would fashion new ones. If their hair became damaged, I'd create an accessory to conceal it. And as for clothing, I became quite the expert in patching and mending outfits to hide tears and holes. In essence, I honed the skill of repairing what had been broken.

Nevertheless, there was an issue. Despite my efforts to keep broken things alive, there were times when I'd lose interest in them because I felt guilty for causing the damage. I couldn't grasp why I always seemed to ruin what I liked and cherished, and this was a cycle I found myself repeating time and time again.

Today, I understand what was happening. Essentially, I was clumsy and careless, leading to things breaking due to my lack of caution. However, I was also stubborn and resistant to letting something die simply because it had a flaw. Perhaps that trait was a reflection of my determined character.

When something breaks, or when we break something, it often retains a scar – a testament to undergoing changes, enduring difficult moments, and healing. This is evidence that it has lived!

Upon internalizing this lesson, you know what happenedd? I stopped breaking things. I concentrated on maintaining my belongings in impeccable condition for extended periods.

Later in life, I comprehended why I needed to learn to mend what I broke. It was because that skill would be necessary, and also because, when the time arrived, I would realize that we can be beauty even with scars.

In some way, all of us have been broken at some point and have healed, and our scars stand as reminders of that journey. Hopefully, through my words, you can start to perceive them in a different light

[laurakgil]

In a stereotyped world, embrace your uniqueness.

It hasn't been an easy week; the lesson has been not to hold onto anything that doesn't belong to me. I won't sacrifice what's important to me for the mental struggles and misery of others. Battling against the #stereotypes they assign us is something truly distasteful, emotionally draining. If you're 'passionate' and love expressing it, you're labeled as intense. If you decide to voice your achievements and talk about what you know, you're deemed arrogant. But if you don't, you lack ambition. If you want to help others, you're considered overly accommodating. And my favorite, if you're kind, then you're weak and lacking leadership skills. The truth is, it's very complicated to be yourself in an environment full of preconceptions where everyone thinks they know you, but in reality, they have no clue who you are. Much to the dismay of many, there are genuinely honest, kind, hardworking, intelligent individuals who love to serve. I encounter them every day, which is why I'm not impressed when they're around; I simply enjoy their uniqueness. Happy Saturday! My genuine affection, as always 💜💜💜💜.

[laurakgil]

Emocionante noticia! 🌟

¡Por fin puedo presentarles mi "Planificador del Éxito"! 🎉 Este proyecto ha sido un anhelo que he atesorado por mucho tiempo, y hoy se convierte en realidad gracias a mi compromiso con el trabajo y al apoyo incondicional de personas talentosas como Yesmín Sánchez, quien ha sido mi apoyo en toda esta aventura editorial. 💪

También quiero agradecer a mi sobrino Alejandro Gil, cuyas increíbles habilidades fotográficas han dado vida a las páginas más hermosas del planificador. 📸 Y no puedo olvidar mencionar a Ernesto Cova, quien ha trabajado incansablemente en un diseño impecable y creativo que realmente captura la esencia de este proyecto. 🎨

¡Lo mejor de todo es que ya pueden encontrar el "Planificador del Éxito" disponible en su versión de tapa blanda en Amazon! 📚 Así que no esperen más y pidan el suyo ahora mismo. Estoy segura de que les encantará y les ayudará a alcanzar sus metas y sueños de manera organizada y efectiva.

Espero que el "Planificador del Éxito" sea de gran ayuda en su camino hacia el logro de sus objetivos! 💫

Planificador del Éxito: De Sueño a Realidad (Spanish Edition) https://a.co/d/25Gx4Rf

#PlanificadorDelÉxito #MetasYLogros #Amazon #Agradecimiento #Compromiso

[laurakgil]

The Day of the Journalist in Venezuela is and will always be a day for me to celebrate. I am a journalist by profession and passion, everything, absolutely everything I do to make a living is related to my journalistic career. The vocation to serve, tell stories, and discover what is not in plain sight. Congratulations to all my colleagues on our day. Congratulations! #journalists #venezuela🇻🇪