We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jão Fadário a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jão, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
In my professional journey, I’ve often found myself as the only one in the room who looks like me, and I believe this unique perspective has been a strength in my career. I’ve learned to navigate such situations effectively by embracing key strategies. Firstly, confidence and authenticity have been crucial. I am confident in my abilities and authentic in my approach, which has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to diverse teams.
Building relationships has also played a significant role. Networking and connecting with colleagues based on shared interests and goals have helped me integrate into different environments. Effective communication is another pillar of success in these situations. I make a conscious effort to articulate my ideas clearly, actively listen to others, and appreciate diverse perspectives.
Cultural competence is a skill I continuously develop to navigate different backgrounds and foster inclusivity. I invest in my professional development to stay informed about industry trends and best practices. Seeking mentorship and support has been instrumental, both within and outside the organization.
Advocating for diversity and inclusion is a commitment I hold dearly. I encourage open discussions on these topics and work towards creating an inclusive environment. Resilience is a quality I’ve cultivated, helping me overcome challenges and setbacks while focusing on personal growth.
Leading by example is crucial; I strive to demonstrate leadership qualities such as integrity and empathy, showcasing my skills and contributing positively to the team. Additionally, I believe in educating others about diversity, equity, and inclusion, raising awareness about the significance of diverse perspectives.
In essence, being the only one in the room has provided me with the opportunity to bring unique insights and perspectives to the table. I embrace my individuality and contribute to creating a more inclusive professional environment.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hello everyone! My name is Jão, and at the age of 43, I am a psychotherapist committed to holistic well-being and personal empowerment. My professional journey is a rich tapestry of experiences, ranging from psychotherapy to the realms of writing and holistic commerce.
What excites me the most about my work is the profound impact it has on people’s lives. As a psychotherapist, being able to walk alongside individuals on their journey to healing and self-discovery is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their growth, resilience, and transformation is a privilege that never fails to inspire me. Whether it’s helping someone navigate through trauma, overcome personal challenges, or simply find inner peace and fulfillment, every moment spent in the therapy room is deeply meaningful to me.
Similarly, as a writer, the ability to craft stories that resonate with readers and provoke introspection is immensely fulfilling. Writing allows me to explore the depths of human experience, to delve into the complexities of emotions, relationships, and personal growth. The power of storytelling to evoke empathy, foster connection, and ignite change is truly remarkable, and I feel privileged to be able to share my stories with the world.
In addition, owning and operating the holistic store “Enchanted Veil” allows me to create a physical space where people can nourish their body, mind, and spirit. What sets “Enchanted Veil” apart is not just the products we offer, but the sense of community and support we provide. It’s a place where individuals can find solace, guidance, and empowerment on their journey to holistic well-being.
At “Enchanted Veil,” we offer a variety of products aimed at promoting balance and harmony in all aspects of life. Our new product collection, “Eternal Essence,” includes a wide range of items such as candles, massage oils, room sprays, and more, all carefully formulated to address different aspects of life, including love, finances, health, and work. Each product is crafted with intention and designed to support individuals on their journey to personal growth and transformation.
Additionally, we offer a range of therapeutic services at “Enchanted Veil,” including tarot readings, reiki sessions, and other holistic therapies. These services are designed to help our clients find peace, clarity, and healing in their lives, complementing the holistic approach we take to well-being.
Launching the “Eternal Essence” collection and offering these products and services to our community is particularly special to me because it represents a culmination of my passion for holistic living and my desire to offer practical tools for personal growth and transformation.
Overall, what excites me the most about my work is the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives, whether it’s through therapy, writing, or holistic products and services. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to the well-being and happiness of others, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to do so every day.
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?
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
Empathy: The ability to empathize with others and truly understand their perspectives has been crucial in both my work as a therapist and as a writer. Empathy allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, fostering trust and facilitating healing. My advice for those early in their journey is to actively practice empathy by listening attentively, seeking to understand without judgment, and putting yourself in others’ shoes. This skill can be honed through intentional reflection, role-playing scenarios, and seeking diverse perspectives.
Creativity: Creativity has been instrumental in my writing endeavors and in developing innovative approaches to therapy and holistic healing. Embracing creativity allows me to think outside the box, find unique solutions to challenges, and infuse my work with originality and passion. To cultivate creativity, I encourage individuals to engage in activities that inspire them, such as writing, painting, music, or brainstorming sessions. Additionally, embracing curiosity and being open to experimentation can spark new ideas and fuel creative growth.
Continuous Learning: The journey of personal and professional development is ongoing, and a commitment to continuous learning has been essential in my growth. Whether through formal education, self-study, or learning from experiences, expanding my knowledge base has enriched my practice and expanded my horizons. My advice for those starting their journey is to embrace a growth mindset and prioritize learning opportunities. This may include pursuing further education, attending workshops or seminars, seeking mentorship, and staying curious about new developments in your field.
Overall, cultivating empathy, creativity, and a commitment to continuous learning can greatly enhance one’s journey, whether in therapy, writing, or any other endeavor. By focusing on these qualities and skills, individuals can better connect with others, find innovative solutions, and continually evolve in their personal and professional lives.
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 believe that a balanced approach is often the most effective strategy when it comes to personal and professional development. While it’s important to leverage our strengths and capitalize on what we excel at, it’s equally valuable to invest effort in improving areas where we may not be as strong. Here’s why:
Maximizing strengths: Embracing and honing our strengths allows us to stand out in our respective fields, perform at our best, and contribute unique value to the world. By focusing on what we’re naturally good at, we can build confidence, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment. For example, in my own journey, I’ve found that leaning into my strengths as a compassionate listener and storyteller has been instrumental in my work as a therapist and writer. These qualities have enabled me to connect deeply with others and convey complex emotions and ideas effectively.
Developing weaknesses: While strengths are important, it’s also essential to address areas where we may have weaknesses or gaps in our skill set. Investing effort in improving these areas can broaden our capabilities, increase our adaptability, and open up new opportunities for growth and success. For instance, early in my career, I recognized that I lacked proficiency in public speaking, which limited my ability to share my ideas and connect with larger audiences. Instead of ignoring this weakness, I made a concerted effort to improve by taking public speaking courses, practicing regularly, and seeking constructive feedback. Over time, I was able to overcome my fear and become a more confident and effective communicator.
Ultimately, striving for balance allows us to harness the power of our strengths while also addressing areas of improvement. By embracing both aspects of ourselves, we become more well-rounded individuals capable of navigating the complexities of life and making meaningful contributions to our communities. So, rather than viewing strengths and weaknesses as mutually exclusive, I believe it’s important to integrate both into our personal and professional development journeys.
Let me share a personal story that illustrates this perspective:
Early in my career as a therapist, I found myself excelling in individual counseling sessions, where I could connect deeply with clients on a one-on-one basis. My empathetic nature and ability to listen attentively allowed me to build strong therapeutic relationships and facilitate meaningful breakthroughs. This aspect of my work brought me a great sense of fulfillment and purpose.
However, I also recognized that I had a weakness when it came to group therapy settings. I struggled to assert myself as a facilitator and maintain control of the group dynamics. This realization was daunting, as group therapy was becoming increasingly common in the treatment programs I was involved in.
Rather than ignoring this weakness or avoiding group therapy altogether, I decided to confront it head-on. I enrolled in additional training workshops focused on group facilitation techniques, seeking mentorship from experienced group therapists, and actively participating in group supervision sessions.
One particularly memorable experience was when I volunteered to lead a therapy group for individuals struggling with anxiety. Initially, I felt nervous and uncertain about my ability to manage the group dynamics effectively. However, I leaned on my strengths as an empathetic listener and facilitator of meaningful conversations.
As the sessions progressed, I gradually gained confidence in my ability to guide the group discussions, encourage participation, and create a supportive environment for all members. Through perseverance and dedication to improvement, I witnessed significant progress not only in my facilitation skills but also in the growth and healing of the group members.
This experience taught me the importance of embracing both my strengths and weaknesses in my professional journey. By acknowledging and addressing my weaknesses, I was able to expand my skill set, overcome obstacles, and ultimately become a more well-rounded therapist capable of providing comprehensive care to my clients.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veuencantado/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OtVM4cdOf1rOhxDMAJJCw
- Other: My novels: https://errodefabrico.blogspot.com/p/pescador-de-sonhos-1_2.html https://errodefabrico.blogspot.com/p/pescador-de-sonhos-4.html My personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaofadario/
