Janice Chaka
Executive Coach | Introvert | DEI Consultant
Introducing Janice Chaka, who will speak at the next TEDxAmoskeagMillyard event on October 10, 2024, at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH.
What's your favorite TED or TEDx Talk, and why?
"Where is home?" by Pico Iyer speaks to me on many levels. He delves into a question I’m frequently asked, "Where are you from?"—a question that, depending on the context, can be complex to answer.
Then he also talks about ways of finding home and how stopping for a moment can be the best thing that you do for your future.
What people or events have inspired you professionally?
Honestly, all of my friends. They are my chosen family and I have learned and been inspired by all of them. Surrounding myself with people who inspire me has led me where I am today. From speaking on stage, to starting a podcast, to helping to run DisruptHR Denver, to writing a book to highlight the stories of other introverts, to starting my business. None of that would have happened if I hadn’t been inspired by the people around me.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
For people to slow down and recognize that we are more than just our job titles. I would love it if everyone approached others with empathy, curiosity and a willingness to actually listen instead of assuming what someone is going to say and filling in the blanks.
How did you feel when you learned you had been chosen as a speaker for TEDxAM24?
Confusion. I went back and reread the email several times. Assuming that I had missed something or that there had been some sort of mistake. Then I moved on to excitement coupled with dam I have a lot going on already in my life, how do I fit this in.
Then eventually after a couple of days of processing I had this deep feeling that this has happened for a reason and it is my chance to highlight all the conversations I have had with people over the years about work environments that are made for people who work a certain way.
What do you most want TEDxAM24 attendees to know about you?
I am more than just an introvert. I've traveled across 6 continents, escaped an active volcano, sung before Queen Elizabeth II, hosted an unforgettable party, played in a samba band at someones wedding, danced in my underwear, jumped around in stilettos, and have a deep love for orchids.
