When we were born we were free to say and do what we really wanted.
Our families and our society started telling us what we should and not say and do; what was expected from us, what the respected thing was, what was approved by others.
They wanted us to behave in a certain way so we could be loved and accepted.
So, we did it.
Because we really wanted to belong.
We wanted to be liked, to be accepted, to be loved.
We did all this so our mums and dads and grandparents were happy, our teachers were pleased, because they had told us that any other behaviour could make them sad and unhappy and we could be regarded as naughty and difficult.
And of course we didn’t want this; we wanted to be liked, accepted, loved.
You reach a point in your life though in your 40s, 50s that you are doing everything for others and nothing for you.
What helped me feel at ease and speak my truth and connect to my heart was to know that WE CAN NEVER MAKE SOMEONE ELSE HAPPY OR SAD. We don’t have any control over other people’s feelings.
I can not make you happy, I can not make you sad; all your feelings come from your experience in life and your biography; all your feelings come from you to you, they want to tell you something about yourself.
So, having this in mind, I started opening my heart to say my truth to me first and then to others.
I wasn’t afraid to connect to me any more and suddenly this became the most important thing in my life.
Because if I wasn’t here on this Earth to please others, I could try to please myself.
Knowing that I have nothing to do with other people’s feelings I started concentrating on my feelings and my truth and I started saying what I really wanted to say which was my truth, the one that made sense for me.
I stopped worrying about others because I knew their thoughts, feelings and actions had nothing to do with me.
This lets me be free and allows me to be myself. 1000% myself.
And suddenly I started to sleep at night, I started taking care of myself, I started being at ease and I started to connect to my wants and deep desires without worrying any more.
My role had changed; I was here to please me and not others and the roles I had been carrying for years; these of the incredible and good daughter, the obedient friend and partner, the say YES woman so she could belong.
If you don’t have the burden of the world’s happiness on your shoulders, you can share your truth without worrying what others will say, think and feel.
They can say whatever they want, you are true to you.
So, now what helps me every single day is to do some checks:
So in order to be able to speak your mind, start connecting to you, start sharing your truth and ask for help to satisfy yourself.
Remember, you can never affect other people’s thoughts, feelings and actions.
You can only affect yourself and everything that comes to you is your truth, you need to hear it and pay attention to it. If you don’t, who will?
Lia Zorzou, PhD, is a leadership and emotional intelligence consultant, and is the founder of the ‘Leadership Programme’, the first experiential emotional intelligence online leadership programme in the world. She helps entrepreneurs to find their true selves and set the goals they need to follow their dreams, as well as identifying the steps needed to make them a reality.
June
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.