CXpose.tech’s Expert Contributor Gabrielle Friederike Loh, uses faith-based and psychological principles to build brands that people trust and love. Her personal sharing below becomes a quick guide to how one could kickstart their personal branding journey with her.

Most of my LinkedIn network don’t know this about me.

I served in the military as an artillery officer and military psychologist for >10 years.

I’m part of the ~0.001% of women in Singapore who held an officer commanding (OC) appointment in the armed forces.

I’ve jumped off aeroplanes and spent days in the jungle with no access to showers and hot food. 😓

It sounds exciting and amazing to some people.

In reality, it was TOUGH working in an environment where 99% of the organisation was male.

I felt I always needed to prove myself.
(Sometimes I still feel like that)

I experienced sexual discrimination – “You’re a woman so you shouldn’t go into XXX for the operation” even though I was well trained.

I also experienced other forms of harassment.

But I enjoyed what I did as an Artillery commander – watching my men transform from boys into soldiers was the best experience.🤩

The camaraderie is also unlike any other organisation.

If you’re a female leader in a male-dominated organisation, your journey can feel lonely and sometimes you want to give up.

Consider this:

1. Connect with senior colleagues who are willing to mentor you informally.
(Special mention to Kok Heng Tan and Hock Lin Sng for their mentorship 😊)

2. Never join in the office gossip.
If you have nothing good to say about someone, don’t say anything.
Walk away.

3. Trust in your capabilities.
People will make their assessments and judgements of you without a full understanding.
Ignore their voices.

4. Build your personal brand.
Be known for your capabilities and character.
Learn to communicate them elegantly online and offline.

5. Stand up against bullying/sexual harassment.
Get your colleagues together and speak up.
Someone’s life could be saved because of your courage.

Always remember that you have been uniquely created for a purpose. 🤗

(This article first appeared on Gabi’s Linkedin page here).