We were lucky to catch up with Hanna McCarthy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hanna, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
Dealing with haters and nay-sayers can be tough to navigate but ultimately, it’s important to remember that their negativity doesn’t have to affect you. I’ve noticed that I am more prone to listen or lean into nay-sayers when I don’t stay true to myself or if I briefly lose focus on my goals and vision.
There are always going to be haters and nay-sayers unfortunately. Which is why it’s SO important to build your network and surround yourself with people who encourage you, believe in you, and ones that remind you of your “why.” Whether that’s seeking a mentor or sharing your interests and goals with friends, be mindful of who you keep close to your dreams.
Personally, I write. A lot. Journal. Sticky notes. Doodle. Everything and anything and what I’ve found to be the best piece of advice is seeing & meeting the nay-sayers with empathy and not hating them back. Generally, those individuals are timid or fearful or don’t want to see you fail. And with that empathy, continue to build thick skin! Learn. Grow your craft. Be a learner and take feedback. Become an expert. And cultivate a strong mental mindset that has no room for doubt!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. I worked hard to experience so many roles that have shaped the way I think, decide, and lead. From working as a wilderness instructor for Outward Bound Leadership School to starting my own fitness studio at 24, I’m grateful for the steps that have created my path.
After graduating from Darden School of Business (Class of 2019) with my MBA, I found myself seeking creative ways to use my entrepreneurial background and leadership. I now serve as an Experience Design Strategist for a financial firm – working to shape the future of wealth management.
When I’m not leveraging Human Design principles at work, I serve as a volunteer firefighter (51-D, West Chester) and fitness coach (yoga & barre).
Currently, I’m working on self-publishing a few books. I published my first book in 2019, Way to Grow, which is a series of leadership stories around resilience and lessons from my entrepreneur days and have loved being able to write and inspire others.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Resilience. On any journey, you will inevitably run into challenges, you’ll get tired, you’ll get weary. Practicing building your resilience will only help you withstand the storms of life!
2. Learning. Be a learner! We don’t start off with knowing everything. Sometimes I think as adults we assume we should naturally be good at things like resilience, asking for help, or learning a new skill. But the truth is, all of those things take practice. Choose to be a learner and be new at things sometimes, it’ll keep you humble and help you grow!
3. Self-reflection. My goals and vision aren’t the same as 10 years ago nor should they be. To me, it’s important to revisit our personal goals and how we want to show up in the world, personally and professionally. Reflect. What’s working? What is adding to your life and your joy? What’s taking away from it? Are our forward steps in the right direction? As individuals, we are constantly reiterating; so take note of the areas in our lives that shine or dim and lead yourself in the right direction.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I’ve had positions where I’ve been asked to be a generalist as well as ones that require a selective approach to using my gifts and strengths. Ultimately, the answer is the frustrating “it depends” answer! It depends on what you’re being asked and where you are in your career journey. It depends on what you’re focused on and your goals in what ever area you find yourself.
That being said, I tend to seek out ways to push myself and explore my strengths. I am a firm believer in pushing your boundaries and challenging yourself! For instance, I joined my local fire department during COVID and trained to be a firefighter in order to better serve my community. The physical and mental investment was so worth it to me as I learned SO much that I wouldn’t have ever expected.
You never know how opportunities in your life will change and challenge you, it’s worth the step forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hannaladell.com
- Instagram: @hldobbels
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hannalm
