Navigating the Workplace as Your Authentic Self: 3 Takeaways From Lydia Clayton

At CCWomen, storytelling is one of our top priorities. We want our speakers and audience to share their journeys, build memorable connections, and continuously expand our community of powerful, visionary women on a mission to transform the working world. 

Today, we had the pleasure of giving the stage to Lydia Clayton, AVP of Contact Center Operation & Center of Excellence at Cox Automotive Inc. and CCW Advisory Board Member. From working in logistics for the Air Force to diving into systems engineering to becoming a business solutions leader, Clayton boasts a career bursting with achievement. 

Often finding herself as the only woman in male-dominated spaces, she learned how to stay in touch with her authentic self and navigate the workplace with confidence. Here are three of her takeaways. 

1. “Be comfortable in your own skin.” 

“Ensuring my voice was heard was a way to solidify my authenticity and cater my message to the audience I was facing,” said Clayton. “At the end of the day, no one is going to be a better me.”

In a world that expects too much (or too little) from women, how does authenticity help us rise above the noise? When we stay true to ourselves and our values, we have an anchor that helps us stay grounded even when our circumstances change. Practicing self-confidence takes time, but it’s necessary if we want to embody resilience and carve a path to success that feels most organic to us. 

2. “You have to make sure you always deliver.”

Pursuing excellence in everything we do sets us apart. It also builds our credibility and rapport, so when our peers seek support, they’ll know we’re guaranteed to provide.  As people trust us, it opens doors to more opportunities, allowing our careers to grow in unexpected ways. 

“Everyone wants winning people on their teams. If they can count on you, they’ll follow you,” explained Clayton. “There’s always someone who comes around and gives me an opportunity [to talk,]” she added. “All roads lead back here anyway. Now, I say what I have to say, or sit quietly and watch how things happen.”

3. “Rely on a diverse circle.” 

“It’s important to have people who tell you the truth, even when you don’t like what they say. I have a diverse group I can call freely,” noted Clayton. “I always have the perspective of checking in and verifying what I think I’m giving off is what I’m getting back.”

We all have our blind spots. Inviting diverse perspectives ensures that we have the greater whole of a picture and better informs our decision-making. And, when we have established relationships, it’s important we return the favor to maintain and strengthen the relationships that uplift us. 

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Authenticity is what grounds us in our work. It brings us back to our purpose and reminds us of the why behind our how. Whether a seasoned leader or an associate learning the ropes, it’s never too late or early for us to go back to our origin story and breathe life into our career. 

At CCWomen, a community by women, for women and allies, we want to champion your career journey. With relevant content, networking opportunities, and virtual and in-person events, we strive to be the resource you need to go beyond the glass ceiling. 

Today was yet another remarkable session, but we’re far from finished. Don’t miss out on our future webinars—become a paid member to access them live!