150 students at Christ the King Aquinas School in South London were given a valuable lesson in self-worth and self-respect at an International Women’s Day panel on Friday 14 March, 2025. The panel, made up of inspiring professionals, shared their insights on how self-respect is the foundation of confidence, ambition, and success.
The event, organized by Urban Synergy, aimed to empower young women and help them unlock their full potential. Here are five key lessons from the panel that can help boost self-respect and take oneself seriously.
1. Mastering Your Mindset: Victoria Silverman, Head of Communications at Urban Synergy, shared her valuable advice on managing negative thoughts. “I frisk my thoughts like a bouncer with a toothache,” she said. Instead of letting negativity drain your energy, focus on finding solutions. Control your thoughts as they shape how you see yourself and the world.
2. Pushing Forward Through Rejection: Hawa-Kaytee Jalloh, IT Placement Analyst at TJX Europe, Chair of Urban Synergy Youth Council, and Cyber Security Undergraduate at Aston University, emphasized the reality of facing rejection. She reminded the students that setbacks are inevitable, but self-respect means recognizing that you are more than just a single “no.”
3. Presenting Yourself with Poise and Confidence: Dianne Johnson, Head of Programmes & Engagement at Urban Synergy, stressed the importance of making a good first impression. Whether it’s a job interview or entering a new environment, presenting oneself with confidence and professionalism earns respect from others and oneself.
4. Don’t Let Grades or Expectations Define You: One of the most thought-provoking questions from the audience was, “What do you wish you had done differently?” The panel’s response was clear: don’t let grades or expectations limit you. The technology industry, for example, requires a variety of skills beyond just math. The panelists also shared their own experiences of achieving success despite not having top grades or any A-Levels at all.
5. Identify Your Strengths and Play to Them: Megan Harris, Head of Operations at Dynamic Planner, emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s strengths. “Work out what you’re good at,” she advised. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, focus on developing your natural talents.
The panelists’ final message to the students was simple: self-respect starts with YOU. Whether it’s through perseverance, presentation, or personal growth, owning your worth is the first step towards success. As the event came to a close, the students were reminded to take themselves seriously and believe in their abilities to achieve their goals.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.