Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Embracing your authentic voice
Discovering a Love for Language and Culture
Brunella's journey into the English language and American culture began at a young age when she watched a Michael Jackson concert during Christmas. Intrigued by the music, dance moves, and the overall experience, she asked her mother why she couldn't understand him. Her mother explained that Michael Jackson spoke another language, and this sparked Brunella's passion for English.
Driven by this passion, she pursued her studies diligently, earning a bachelor's degree in Anglo-American literature, English language, and Japanese language and culture. She later went on to complete two master's degrees, one in American history and the other in American literature. Her love for language and culture eventually led her to England, where she was preparing for her wedding and decided to become an English teacher.
Embracing Your Identity and Accent
During her English teaching journey, Brunella received invaluable advice from her teacher, a French native. She encouraged Brunella to embrace her accent, recognizing that it was a unique part of her identity. This lesson resonated deeply with Brunella and has guided her throughout her life.
However, embracing her accent became a challenge when she moved to the United States, where she often felt like a foreigner. People frequently questioned her origin and struggled to pronounce her last name. This experience highlighted the importance of holding onto her identity and the lesson her English teacher had imparted.
Brunella's naturalization ceremony as an American citizen brought the significance of her accent and identity full circle. The judge emphasized the importance of preserving one's heritage and identity, reinforcing the leadership lesson she had learned years ago.
Applying Leadership Lessons to Life and Work
As a mother raising bilingual and bicultural children, Brunella instills the importance of heritage and identity in her family. She ensures her children embrace their Italian heritage alongside their American identity.
In her profession as a ghostwriter and editor, Brunella prioritizes preserving her authors' voices and visions. She believes that every author's voice matters and must be respected. This commitment to authenticity and identity has allowed her to make a meaningful impact in the publishing industry.
A Stroke of Magic: Championing Diversity and Historical Figures
Brunella's dedication to embracing her identity and her passion for literature led her to write children's books. Her latest work, "A Stroke of Magic: The Dinosaur Woman," shines a spotlight on historical figures like Mary Anning, a female paleontologist in the 1800s whose contributions to the theory of evolution were often credited to male scientists.
These books aim to raise awareness about marginalized historical figures, emphasizing the importance of diversity and representation in literature.
Conclusion and Connecting
To connect with Brunella or learn more about her work, visit her website or email her at Brunella@DitalionWriter.com for signed copies of her children's book.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of "Illustrating Leadership." Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of leadership…
Your host, Jessica Wright, is the Founder and Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders at Wright Life Coaching, LLC.
