10 RULES FOR INFLUENCING THE WORLD What Ive

10 RULES FOR INFLUENCING THE WORLD What I've learnt as a professional Dr Gaya Gamhewage

IF I HAD LISTENED TO THE WORLD, I WOULD… • Be a victim of racial discrimination • Not have gone to university • Have a lesser job than my spouse • Have endured violence and abuse • Be forced to take a career break to bring up children • Maybe in a wheelchair • Not have a voice • Not be influencing others

LIKE YOU, I AM ALL THESE citizen entrepreneur professional muse artist mother

1. HAVE A PASSIONATE, HEARTFELT, MEANINGFUL GOAL 1. That connects you to others, or in the service of others 2. That takes you outside your comfort zone and necessitates you learning new things 3. Be relentless and pursue excellence – mediocrity kills! 4. Inspire others towards the goal

2. BE YOUR BEST SELF 1. 2. 3. 4. Be value-based. Know who you are as a human Be courageous – do not be afraid to be different Deal with your weaknesses. Be strong enough to take and act on criticism Nurture your inner space with • • • 5. Self-belief, not self-doubt or guilt Pride not arrogance Selflessness, not selfishness Relentlessness AND patience Courage in the face of fear You have many faces. May roles. Balance them with no regrets

3. FIND AND HOLD ONTO WHAT GROUNDS YOU

4. POWER AND INFLUENCE COME FROM WITHIN 1. Look inside yourself for your source of energy. It is limitless. 2. Marry your energy with your values to stay ethical and be a power for good 3. Learn to be still periodically, to listen , reflect and course-correct 4. Master transitions, your multiple personalities, and the competing demands in your life 5. Make positive emotions your default – do not be a victim

5. BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR TEAM • There is always some who is supporting you • You stand on the shoulder of other before you and around you • Your tribe will help you succeed

6. HELP OTHER WOMEN (AND MEN) 1. Strong women breed strong women (and men) – genetically, professionally and socially 2. Be ahead of your time 3. Take others with you. Show them the way 4. “There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women”

7. POWER MANIFESTS DIFFERENTLY AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YOUR LIFE

8. MULTI TASK. DON'T NEGLECT ANY AREA OF YOUR LIFE

9. TAKE RISKS 1. Challenge the status quo 2. Ask difficult questions 3. Grab opportunities 4. Be sad, if you must, but have no regrets

10. TRUST OTHERS AND LEARN FROM THEM 1. When you stop learning, you mind and power will die 2. You can learn from anyone, from any situation, if you are open-minded 3. Teaching is a great way to learn

WORDS THAT I (AS A WOMAN) AM DESCRIBED BY AT WORK Nice words 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Unlimited Energy Competent Delivers results Communicator Caring Big picture thinking Strong relationships Passionate Influential Positive Not so nice words or meanings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Aggressive Driven Strong Over-achiever Workaholic Dangerous when angered Protective of my team Fierce Stubborn Principled

CONTACT Dr Gaya M. Gamhewage Manager Support For Response Infectious Hazard Management Department WHO Health Emergencies Programme World Health Organization 20, Avenue Appia CH-1211 Geneva, SWITZERLAND Tel + 41 22 791 4030 Mobile + 41 79 475 5563 email: gamhewageg@who. int Twitter: @Gaya. G