This article highlights a "Superbwoman®", and is based on live interviews shown via the webshow, Superbwoman Sundays at 7. To see the original show, go here
To see Robyn Hatcher speak, there is no doubt that here is a strong woman, confident in herself and her abilities. Robyn, author of Standing Ovation Presentations, holds herself with a dignified air and projects an attitude you can't help but want to emulate. It was shocking to me, therefore, to discover that this dynamic woman was anything but that growing up. Here is what she had to say about her life as a "Superbwoman®":
How did she get from where she began to where she is now?
As a child, Robyn was exceedingly shy. She did not speak until age 2 and even then had created her own words and language. Because of this intense shyness, her family took to calling her "Shai" instead of her given name. Robyn recounts that a neighbor actually thought she was "backwards" and felt sorry for her. It was in high school that this posturing really started to become crippling, and Robyn decided to do something about it. Her mother had previously enrolled her in acting classes in an attempt to break her out of her shyness, and when Robyn heard an announcement for auditions for the school play, that was it. She not only found a place in her high school productions, but went on to receive a BFA in theatre. This led Robyn to leave her hometown of Philadelphia, move to New York, and become not only an actress doing off-Broadway, commercials and voiceovers, but as a writer for daytime soap operas.
Robyn didn't fully realize how her intense shyness set her apart and made her good at what she does until she was taking a workshop, about 5 years into her business. "I was in one of these really big workshops, sitting there thinking, 'I did nothing special, there's nothing unique about me, I had no hardships" and then it was like 'Oh My God! -- this (shyness) is one of the things that sets me apart!'" She went on to create her "actor types", or innate qualities that help to define your role, and outlined this in her book. Robyn believes that when you are not being authentic and true to these qualities, you come off as fake and are therefore ineffective. By getting in touch with what you have to give, you are able to overcome your perceived adversities and be a true "Superbwoman".
Who influenced her?
Robyn has several people who have been strong influences in her life, headed up by her mother who taught her that she was "good enough". Robyn also mentions her husband, who has always been supportive and believed in her, and her women friends, who have challenged her sense of self. In particular, Robyn is grateful for her friend, author Amy Ferris, who continues to champion her and gives her specific feedback to help her learn and grow.
Superbwomen have realized that "shoulds" contain the guilt we often feel. What is one should Robyn has learned to release?
The biggest should Robyn has released is the need to be all things to all people. In the past, if someone didn't like her, it would break her heart and she'd obsess over it. Today she has learned to let it go and move on. She also said that a big "should" she released was involving her self image. "I used to believe I should keep myself small so that others can be big. I didn't want to step in someone else's territory." Getting rid of this belief has enabled Robyn to expand and grow. "I can't take care of someone else," she remarked. By focusing on herself, Robyn has garnered the strength and resources she needs to be the friend, mentor and person that she wants to be.
Robyn Hatcher -- a true Superbwoman!
For more information on Robyn, visit Speaketc.com.