At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We sat down with Skye Cleary, philosopher, author, and lecturer to discuss her career journey and to see what advice she has for other professional women. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Meggie: Hey Skye, thanks so much for chatting with us today! To start, how would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Skye: I philosophize! My latest book is titled "How to Be Authentic: Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Fulfillment.”
Meggie: I love that! I look forward to reading your book. On the topic of always learning, what's your job title and how did you get where you are today?
photo by Cai Pigliucci
Skye: I’m a philosopher/author/lecturer. I used to work in financial markets. I did an MBA. Some of my MBA professors introduced me to existential philosophers. I was hooked.
They gave me a language to think through some of the big questions I was facing in my life, like the tension between career and relationships, love and friendship, and anxiety as the price of freedom.
“They gave me a language to think through some of the big questions I was facing in my life, like the tension between career and relationships, love and friendship, and anxiety as the price of freedom.”
Meggie: That is amazing! Onto our next question, did you ever feel like an imposter in your career? If so, how'd you move past this?
Skye: Oh for sure. The philosopher Simone de Beauvoir has been a great role model. She taught me to channel my anxiety into curiosity and learning: “I didn’t let myself be discouraged… I saw opening out before me a clearly-marked field of activity, with all its problems, its hard work, its materials, its instruments, and its inflexibility. I no longer asked myself: what shall I do? There was everything to be done… to combat error, to find the truth, to tell it and expound it to the world, perhaps to help to change the world. I should need time and it would need hard work to keep to my purpose… everything was possible.”
Meggie: That’s so beautiful, Skye. No wonder you were hooked. I’d love to know who’s in your cheer squad. Who’s your ride-or-die crew, your allies who get you through, lift you up, and cheer you on? And how important have they been in your journey?
photo by Caitlin Ochs
Skye: My partner, my son, and my besties. Also, I'm eternally grateful for my guardian angels (mentors and advocates - you know who you are!) who sprinkle fairy dust in my life. I try to sprinkle fairy dust forward for others when I can.
Meggie: Sounds like a solid crew! OK - almost finished! Second last question! How do you prepare for negotiation conversations? We'd love to hear all your hacks and top tips including the awesome advice you've received!
Skye: Research. To muster an intellectual arsenal, to understand different perspectives, to build my own confidence, and to learn that I deserve to be at whatever table I'm trying to sit at.
photo by Caitlin Ochs
“I no longer asked myself: what shall I do? There was everything to be done… ”
Meggie: Yes, research is key! Did you ever agree to something in your career that you now regret doing?
Skye: Absolutely! But had I not taken on those roles and projects, I know I would've had FOMO. Upon realizing my mistakes, I tried to work through them--and out of them--as graciously as possible. Now I look back at them as important learning experiences.
Meggie: Thank you again, Skye, for taking the time to answer our questions. We appreciate it!
Check out Skye’s short video about her book and her website for more amazing content!