26 Comments
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AdeOla Fadumiye's avatar

Loved this. Asking is sacred work—and powerful when done out loud and on purpose. It is my focus this year. Praying that every ask you activate makes its way to the right ears and opens the right doors.

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

I receive this, thank you so much & praying/wishing the same for you! 💜

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Sharon's avatar

My Big Ask this week is that my school recognize my PAEMST award at our monthly all staff meeting. The news has been shared on social media and with our board, though my heart most wants this shared in-person with my teacher colleagues. My school begrudgingly acknowledged when I was a finalist, though now that I have won I want admin to recognize this accomplishment in our school community.

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Wait, they haven't recognized it yet? WTF?! Who dropped the ball on this? Kudos to you for making the Big Ask (even though you shouldn't have to)!

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Brittany Drehobl's avatar

Screaming that you mention Eric Smith! I've been following him forever and finally met him last year at a retreat I was lucky enough to attend. Such a cool guy and I'm crossing my fingers that his agency is the secret sauce for your next bookish success!! Here's to asking for what we want (and maybe even getting it)!

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Aww yay! We've been Twitter mutuals forreverrr and I literally shrieked when I read the email about his new agency. Serendipity? I hope so!! 🤞🏾

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Tara Jefferson's avatar

This was an on time read! Thank you for the reminder that we gotta vocalize our need for help! ❤️

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Aww yay, I'm so glad it resonated with you!! 🫶🏾

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Kristen Jeffers, MPA ✊🏽🌈's avatar

Not only have I chased down an invoice, I am also chasing down an agent for my already drafted memoir.

Look out for my own BookTok announcement!

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

YASSS, I can't wait! Please don't hesitate to let me know how I can support you 🥰

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Kristen Jeffers, MPA ✊🏽🌈's avatar

Thanks!

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Jennifer Chen's avatar

Thanks so much for the shout out! I'm so happy for you—and excited for those agents. Your book proposal is so important and needed. Also, the CHANI weekly podcast is one of my favorite listens. I find it so reassuring and helpful.

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Sooo helpful! I've tried my fair share of astrology apps, but CHANI is really that girl. And thank you again for the pep talk & well wishes, I appreciate you!! 🫶🏾

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Liz Ryan's avatar

Thank you for this reminder/kick in the pants! Fellow former shy girl here 🙋🏼‍♀️ and while I’ve become pretty good at asking for what I need, I find that when I’m overwhelmed or when imposter syndrome is swirling, I shrink and adopt an “I’ll do everything myself” attitude. I convince myself I don’t actually need those things. So thanks for pulling me out of that hole 💚

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

I gotchu, boo! And I totally feel you re: the overwhelm and imposter syndrome. I was telling someone else in the comments that I firmly believe people genuinely want to help, but it's up to us to be specific and vocal about what kind of help we need/want.

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Liz Ryan's avatar

YES!!! I sometimes say that by asking for help, you’re actually the one loving other people! A reciprocal care sort of system!

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Ooh, I love that framing!!

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Kyndall's avatar

Whew, you are talking to me today, per usual o_O.

I want to transition into the maternal health/ambition/leadership space. I will ask my network to connect me with anyone they might know in that space. I need to take my job search up a notch, and making a direct ask is the best next step. Thanks for the encouragement!

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

YES! The more direct/specific, the better! I believe people inherently WANT to be helpful, but they need to know HOW to help. And as someone in the maternal health/ambition/leadership space, I will definitely keep an eye out for you. Email me & let's discuss further!

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Stephanie Foster's avatar

Ayyyy for firstborn daughters that made that their little sisters ask for everything because they were too shy. 😂

To paraphrase Paul Rudd, “Hey! Look at [you]. Who would’ve thought?”

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Haha omg, you did this, too?! Love this for us!! 😂

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Cher's avatar

YES to your mama’s wisdom and I’m loving the links here. Super excited to read Erin Gallagher’s book when it comes out.

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Still could use some help promoting myself, but I'll get there (and hire you to help me when the time/money is right!) 😉

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Cher's avatar

When it comes to promotion, that's you and me both, haha.

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The Midst's avatar

Love this edition! I used to be shy, too. — Amy from The Midst

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

And now I get paid to talk, I love it here! 🥰

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