I was introduced to Aarti Sharma by my mother who knew I was in a difficult stagnate stage of my life. Seeing the need for external professional assistance, my mother gifted me the Boss Lady Transformation Program. Despite having a successful and progressive career (in Finance and Accounting) while raising a family, I did not have a sense of fulfillment. Also, I was losing the drive and desire that led to much of my success. Alone, I wasn’t able to pinpoint the root of my stagnation, and this is where the Boss Lady Transformation Program helped me the most. Aarti Sharma walked me through the process of looking deeper within, not only to identify the underlying problem, but sharing practical exercises and lessons to find resolutions. I’ve been able to identify the root of my problem areas, shift my perspective and priorities, develop habits that serve me better, and communicate more effectively. One of the most impactful sessions in the program was on communication. As an Audit Project Leader at the Bank of New York Mellon, I am responsible for managing the audit cycle and overseeing the audit execution in accordance with Internal Audit policies, methodologies, and standards in order to identify meaningful risks, controls, issues, and other exposures in the Global Payments and Treasury Service Operation areas. Effective communication throughout organization hierarchal levels is vital in this designation. Previously, I thought the key to communication was to keep my message simply and direct. I was often frustrated with misinterpretations and could sense a level of uneasy. I now have a better understanding of communication elements that affect how others may interpret what I’m trying to convey. Allowing me to identify gaps in my communication style, circumvent communication barriers, and adjust my approach with vocal, verbal, and visual techniques that ensure others can receive and understand what I want them to hear. One example of how I was able to implement what I learned, is my adjustment to communicating requirements and potential issues. Taking the time to connect first and acknowledge the staff’s efforts and what was done right, before and after discussing the issue, has changed the perception of my meetings from judgmental and overly critical to collaborative and solution driven. Using a lower vocal pitch, slower pace, and strategic word stressors, help emphasis the risk and issue I want others to focus on and has minimized misinterpretations and defensive responses during meetings. Additionally, at the start and end of meetings I use more relaxed body language (hand placement, eye gauze, etc.). Whereas I lean in more and focus eye contact when I need to emphasis a specific requirement or course of action. Practicing these techniques, I’ve noticed others are more comfortable and receptive during our discussion. Since this program is customized to the individual and the tools and exercises are practical, I’ve experienced tremendous growth.