Who am I…?
Self-visualising and goal setting is linked to increased confidence, development and desirable behaviour, yet only a fraction of people are thought to be self-aware.
We are solving that by asking aspirational women to look in their mental mirrors and ask, ‘Who am I? Who do I want to be?’
Niccii Kugler, 43
Founder of NASH + BANKS, a luxury online marketplace for conscious consumers.
Avalon Beach, New South Wales
Who am I?
“I am a work in progress; something that I now embrace. Since the birth of our boys, my intent has been clear: to invest my time, energy and skillset into creating a better future beyond my lifetime. Through NASH + BANKS I am able to help people discover beautiful, ethical and sustainable solutions created by trusted brands that actually do good. And I am able to support those brands to thrive and innovate.
“As a proud advocate for small businesses created to address social and environmental issues, I am learning every day what it is to be inspired, hopeful and resilient. I am guided by my children, my partner, my community and the innovators, activists and artists that I have the privilege of working with every day. In my downtime, I enjoy the sand, the surf, art, design and precious moments with family and friends.”
Who do I want to be?
“I hope to keep evolving and learning, challenging myself to embrace both the opportunities and the obstacles that come my way. Over time, I would love to see conscious consumption shift from being an occasional, deliberate choice into a natural mainstream behaviour accessible to a wide range of consumers. My goal is to be an advocate for this change. I want to empower purpose-driven entrepreneurs to engage and raise the number of better alternatives available.
“Also, I want to stay cheeky, to continue to seek the joy in the discovery, and to raise our sons as best I can, with hope, wonder and the belief that they can make a difference.”
Rachel Brownstein, 41
Public speaker, actor, writer and vegan cooking YouTube creator
Leeds, England
Who Am I?
“A woman who grows more comfortable in her skin the older she gets. The views of other people matter less and less as time passes. I’ve learned that contorting yourself to fit in other people’s boxes is exhausting and uncomfortable. Embracing my weirdness has been hugely liberating! I’m compassionate, loyal and highly inventive and a natural problem solver who wants to help drive change in society.
“I speak about my experiences of sex work because I’ve had enough of being labelled as exploited, stupid, worthless. Sex workers have driven many technological advancements, such as photography, video production and online payment processing, and yet workers are shamed and stigmatised. We need open and respectful conversations so that we can move towards a more inclusive and fully educated future.
“I also teach people about the delicious foods that can be made without using animals. My brand of activism is feed, not preach.”
Who do I want to be?
“I want to be a published author and sought-after public speaker. Building on my current projects, I want to challenge the status quo that has pervaded society for too long. Many of our current systems and institutions were not built for the many; they only serve a minority. I want to continue learning and experimenting, making discoveries and sharing them with the world. Experiencing the world during Covid-19 has forced me to prioritise self-reliance and kindness for others. Our world has narrowed considerably, and while it brought out the worst in some, I genuinely believe that it has kickstarted a wave of innovation and new ways of thinking. We pivoted and adapted, and I have learned many things about myself, lessons that will stay with me for life.”
Simona Spilak, 46
Executive coach
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Who am I?
“Executive coach to world-class leaders. An entrepreneur who quit her corporate career to become a coach to ultra-successful people. A daughter, a wife, a lover of the colour black and curious mind wanderer inspired by black and white movies.
“A self-confident, self-made corporate business lady, who left her two-decade-long international career and built her executive coaching business.
“I am a confidant to high-powered executives and leaders, helping them successfully navigate their world of responsibilities, opportunities and high-stakes decision making. While everybody is leaning on them, seeking their support or advice, I coach them to be willing to rely on somebody else, to step into receiving, rather than just giving, providing and taking action.
“I understand on all levels what my clients are going through and what it is that they need. I’m able to provide a confidential and safe space for them, to lay all their problems on the table and admit to themselves what is working and what is not, without any strings attached. I don’t judge them in any areas of their lives. While everybody else might have an opinion about their challenge or situation, this is their space and I’m good at providing that.”
Who do I want to be?
“I see myself working with world-class leaders who are bound to leave a legacy. I help them to make sure it’s a positive one.
“Back when I first started out, I felt I was on my own. Now, I want to offer executive leaders the support they felt they never had. I want to give them what I didn’t have. I’d love to be there for them like no-one has ever been there for them. I know exactly how they feel, because I’ve walked in their shoes.
“I want [my clients] to truly and fully receive like they have never allowed themselves to receive. So they can stop being lone wolves hiding under the mask of power and perfection. Behind that mask of success, professionalism and perfectionism is a human being that is screaming for support and attention.
“At the same time, I would love to leave a positive legacy myself by impacting leaders’ lives worldwide and growing my business to seven figures in the next 18 months.
And most of all, I desire to be a world wanderer in the company of my husband, living in a beach house, enjoying the sunset with champagne in my hand.”
Bevin Bru, 30
Actor
Los Angeles, CA
Who am I?
“On the surface the answer to this question seems simple. I am a Cuban American actress raised by two incredible Cuban mothers. I’m a writer, dancer, friend, sister, a lively person who’s drawn to the complexities of human nature, but what does that really say about me? I carry a collection of my past experiences with me, but I believe our choices determine who we are and how we’re perceived. I try to remember as I go through my day with my goals in mind that I am my choices.
“Ever since I was a child I’ve wanted to perform, make people laugh and entertain them. I get so much pleasure out of taking the audience on a journey. In my early twenties I developed an infatuation with biohacking and being physically active. These two passions inform the choices I make every day and ultimately, who I am.”
Who do I want to be?
“I started my own production company, In Utero Productions. The name was inspired by the female womb and how it incubates literal creation and, of course, Nirvana. The Cuban culture is so rich with effortless humour, resilience, pain, reinvention and life. I want to produce these stories, along with my own original works.
“I’m currently identifying organisations to support and help make preventative healthcare the norm for our society. I’m heavily inspired by Dave Asprey’s body of work.
“In the near future I want to create my own non-profit [organisation] that brings the arts to underprivileged adults. I find many programmes focus on children, but I’ve met so many adults who later in life realised they had a curiosity for the arts but were never able to nurture that side of themselves. The foundation would afford them lessons and support. I want to have a positive effect on the lives I touch throughout my career.”
Marina Hoyer, 27
PR & content strategist at New Monday and freelance fashion writer
Between Hannover, Germany and Thassos Island, Greece
Who am I?
“I’m half German and half Greek – not only by nationality but also with my heart. I admire the organised, honest and reliable nature inherent to many Germans and the bubbly, warm-hearted spirit of most Greeks. Maybe growing up with a Greek mum and a German dad is also what caused my deep interest in culture and language. I have always been fascinated by literature, cultural studies, linguistics and writing. Especially writing; it is a passion that has accompanied me from childhood, through to my studies and into my professional life.
“I have always had a strong urge for security and stability. For this reason, I often found myself struggling in my early twenties; I was torn between a career path that would offer a safe and steady job and one that would lead to fulfilment, creativity and passion. In the end, I went for the second – and it’s the best decision I have ever taken. To all girls or young women going through the same struggles, I want to say, follow your heart, it’s worth it. If you have to take a risk to pursue your passion, do it. Sometimes, leaving your comfort zone is exactly what you need in order to thrive and prosper.”
Who do I want to be?
“What’s important to me is to have an impact. In my freelance work, I mostly write about fashion. While simply exploring looks or new styles is wonderful and brings joy to our lives, I always strive to add a deeper layer. Fashion is a topic that some people see as the epitome of superficiality. In reality, it is a form of art and can be very philosophical. Not only does style allow us to express our personality without saying a single word, it even mirrors the society we live in. Most of the time, trends in fashion relate to historical or current movements. At the moment, I feel like we’re finally going back to slow fashion. Many big designers refrain from releasing multiple micro-season collections; brands are becoming more conscious about social and environmental sustainability and consumers seem to understand the value of quality over quantity. If I can somehow contribute to this through my writing, I’ll be very happy.”
René Murata, 52
Leadership coach and entrepreneur
Aosta, Italy
Who Am I?
“I am a woman, daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. I am all of my whole and broken pieces, healed and unhealed traumas and joys and heartaches. I am a lover of life, people and experiences.
“When I began CEO Essence, I wanted to be able to bring all of me into my work. My other business has been very one-dimensional. So, in addition to the above statement, I am also a CEO, business owner, energy healer, leader and constant student. I believe, and have always believed, that women can lead, and can do so compassionately, powerfully and masterfully. I love empowering women to reclaim their truth, their power and their voice. CEO Essence was created for exactly that purpose. In my work, one of the focuses is helping women find balance between work and home. So, I make it a priority in my own life. I read, hike, garden, and explore new areas. And since we live in the Italian Alps, there is ample opportunity to explore.”
Who do I want to be?
“I want to be the best version of myself in all areas of my life: growing, learning and evolving every day. I want to be an example of what leadership can be and thus, help change the face of leadership. That face includes men and women who are compassionate and empathetic as well as strong and assertive, a powerful combination that comes from healing trauma through love and forgiveness. Part of my vision of the future includes becoming a New York Times best-selling author and influential speaker, spreading this message.
“I would love to work with the same corporations with whom I work in my other business and expand my reach with them to include leadership training. I want CEO Essence to gain the reputation of quality that Risk Integrity Safety Knowledge, Inc (RISK, Inc) has acquired. In the end, I would like to leave this world knowing that I have made an impact in the way leaders lead – with compassion, empathy, strength and integrity.”