Written by: Hayden Orme, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Oscar Wilde couldn't have phrased it better when he said: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” While this sentiment is powerful and factually accurate, it can feel challenging at times to stay true to our authentic selves, operating day after day in the virtual arena. The virtual world has perpetuated a sort of "high school mentality" to emulate and aspire to new levels of "fitting in" with new trends, popularity, and (virtual) attention. Nonetheless, it is always when authentically being oneself that you shine the brightest, virtually, or otherwise.
Collectively, we have grown not just accustomed to being remote but all the benefits it affords so many of us. We now have a face pop up on the screen in front of us, at a proximity that’s much closer than would normally be considered respectful of another’s personal space. It’s also not typical to have a speed introduction to your colleagues' children, spouse, and household pets while conducting a business meeting. This has evolved into our new "normal" and, I think, has increased our mutual compassion for one another, knowing we are all in a similar boat. For example, when my cat recently decided to attack my webcam mid-client call randomly, I swiftly scooped him up, put him outside the office, shut the door, re-adjusted the camera, and laughed, saying, "Thanks for your patience - my furry office assistant is a bit out of sorts today." Hearty laughs were returned on the other end, with a shared story about their respective fur babies, and then the business was resumed. A year and a half ago, I would have been mortified beyond belief, and more than likely, judged on some level for a perceived lack of professionalism by the person on the other end of the Zoom call. But oh my, how times are changing.
Granted, working remotely certainly adds a layer of complexity to developing and maintaining authentic human connections in our lives and our work. However, for so many roles, the necessary skills to thrive in your position are not location-dependent skills. Meaningful and authentic communication, proactively and with purpose, rather than passively or reactively, is essential. We can very easily assume a more passive, disconnected role working remotely. However, that shapes the difference between a virtual home-based assistant and a high-level, Executive Assistant and Strategic Business Partner working remotely. Ensuring quality service provision is never compromised, regardless of location, one must understand exceptional remote support brings a very distinctive skill set.
Although this might be intimidating, I challenge you to view this as empowering. This transformation in the power dynamic underscores the opportunities you have in taking ownership of redefining your roles and setting the standard for your future successes in the virtual arena. Human connection, I believe, is an essential component of this, and it is up to us to foster meaningful and authentic connections, even from afar. We are blessed today with a plethora of technological options to do so. I can also assure you that your authenticity, or lack thereof, shines through on a Zoom call.
Ultimately, staying true to your authentic self necessitates getting comfortable with your own vulnerability. Remind yourself to embrace your imperfections, with or without the Zoom filters! There are so many components that comprise your unique self. Some people struggle with authenticity in the virtual arena because they are striving for perfection or perceived perfection that can be portrayed online, albeit not authentically or sustainably. So, what have you got to lose? Align with your genuine self in the virtual arena because perfection is not real, and there is only one of you; everyone else is taken.
Hayden Orme, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Prior to launching her own business, Hayden supported various C-level executives. Most recently, she partnered with the Chairman, President, and CEO of a Fortune 5 company.
Supplementing over 13 years in the Corporate world, as a licensed 50-Ton Master Merchant Mariner, Hayden has captained yacht charters and delivered private sailboats. During her tenure managing a Boston-based charter company, Hayden was named one of “The Top 10 Meeting Planners" by Women’s Business Boston and featured in Boston Business Journal’s “On the Move.”
Hayden's broad professional experiences inspired her new business enterprise. Handled. By Hayden, LLC is a unique approach to customized operations support, combining elements of small business consulting, project management, and virtual assistant services. Hayden also provides 1:1 strategy consulting and coaching in small businesses and individual career optimization. Hayden bridges the gap for entrepreneurs between their current state of overwhelm and their optimal business goals (whether it be with an established business or one just in the initial conceptual states). She collaboratively maps out the best path forward with realistic timelines and accountability and then works on the execution to support her client's actual goals. Hayden is an international speaker on best practices in virtual support.
Hayden is passionate about animals, dedicating time to volunteer with various animal rescue leagues wherever she has lived. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the non-profit Craniocervical Foundation.
