We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chiara Tilesi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chiara below.
Hi Chiara , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I’ve discovered that the word ‘resilience’ holds a profound resonance within me. Its significance seems deeply rooted, possibly stemming from a common trait within my family. Witnessing my mother and father embody resilience, they consistently demonstrated an unwavering ability to persevere. No matter the obstacles, they unfailingly found ways to bounce back, adapt, and conquer challenges. Since my earliest memories, I’ve observed this remarkable resilience in both of my parents. Their unwavering determination and ability to navigate adversity left an indelible impression on me.
Growing up surrounded by this resilient spirit, I naturally imbibed the belief that resilience stands as one of the most fundamental aspects of a person’s character. It became ingrained in my understanding of how individuals tackle life’s trials and tribulations. Witnessing firsthand the power of resilience, I’ve come to recognize its immense value and impact on shaping one’s approach to overcoming obstacles and thriving in the face of adversity. This upbringing instilled in me a deep-seated belief in the importance of resilience as a cornerstone of personal strength and adaptability
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In 2015, I founded ‘We Do It Together,’ a nonprofit film production company that unites men and women in reshaping the portrayal of women in films and movies. The reason behind my decision stemmed from the realization that women were, and continue to be, underrepresented or portrayed inaccurately in media. It is crucial to alter the representation of women and empower them with a new narrative because the current portrayal of women in media has far-reaching implications. The way women are depicted not only shapes societal perceptions but also influences the opportunities and treatment they receive in various spheres. Firstly, changing the representation of women is vital for fostering gender equality. The existing portrayal often reinforces stereotypes, limiting the roles and capabilities attributed to women, which can perpetuate discrimination and inequality. Empowering women with a new narrative challenges these stereotypes, promoting a more inclusive and diverse depiction that reflects the realities and contributions of women in society. Highlighting the UN study from 2023 underscores the urgency of the matter. The study’s findings, indicating that achieving global gender equity would take approximately 300 years at the current rate of progress, reveal the enormity of the challenge. It emphasizes that without significant changes in how women are represented and empowered, progress towards gender equity will remain painfully slow, denying women equal opportunities and rights for generations to come.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three skills that have been indispensable in my journey are thinking outside of the box, perseverance, and the ability to adjust the original plan. For me, thinking outside of the box is more than a skill—it’s almost a mantra. It involves breaking away from conventional approaches, encouraging innovative thinking, and exploring unconventional solutions. Embracing this mindset not only allows for creativity and uniqueness but also sparks growth and development. Perseverance, or never giving up, has been crucial. It’s the unwavering determination to push forward despite obstacles or setbacks. This mindset sustains motivation and resilience, enabling one to weather challenges and continue on the path toward their goals. Moreover, the flexibility to adjust the original plan is key. Plans may encounter unforeseen circumstances or require adaptation along the way. Being open to modifying strategies or pivoting when necessary ensures progress is not hindered by unexpected changes. This adaptability contributes significantly to achieving success in dynamic and evolving situations. What I would recommend is also to start thinking that obstacles are actually great opportunities to grow and learn. Mistakes are essential; they constitute the baggage of experience. Lastly, my advice is this: if you fear doing something, do it! Fear is merely an illusion, and on the other side of it lies courage.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Numerous books have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey, and among them, ‘Manifest Your Soul’s Purpose’ by Wayne Dyer stands out. I distinctly recall the profound sense of motivation it sparked within me—a resounding call to action. This book resonated with the belief that one’s purpose resides deep within, urging us to hone the skill of listening to our inner selves to discover and acknowledge it. Another impactful book on my journey has been ‘The Four Agreements’ by Miguel Ruiz. Through his teachings, Miguel, who later became a friend, imparts four profound guidelines: ‘Be impeccable with your word,’ ‘Do not take anything personally,’ ‘Do not make assumptions,’ and ‘Always do your best.’ I believe these principles are profoundly significant for one’s inner journey. The final book I’d like to mention is ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle. Being present in the moment has been, and continues to be, my greatest challenge. At times, I find myself deeply engrossed in resolving past traumas or meticulously planning the future, inadvertently neglecting the significance of being in the present—the only time that truly exists. I deeply believe that the insights offered in these three books—’Manifest Your Soul’s Purpose’ by Wayne Dyer, ‘The Four Agreements’ by Miguel Ruiz, and ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle—contain invaluable wisdom that could potentially serve as a guiding blueprint for someone else’s journey. Each book, in its unique way, delves into aspects of self-discovery, personal growth, and mindfulness. I hope that sharing these resources might offer others the same inspiration and guidance that they’ve provided me on my own path
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wedoittogether.org
- Instagram: chiaratilesi
- Facebook: chiaratilesi
- Linkedin: chiaratilesi
- Youtube: wedoittogether
Image Credits
Photos by Maria Grazia Dainelli The photo with the camera is by Debora Guetta
