HKUST WiB March 2024: International Women's Day

Women’s

Day

international Women in Business

CONTRIBUTOR’S

Editor-in-Chief’s

Chae Eun Son

Lisha Bhavnani

Roshni Printer Media

Shreya Singh

Shreyanshi Agarwal

External Contributor’s

Mabel Sieh

Kat Tse (Terms & Conditions)

editors letterfromthe

“Woman empowerment has come a long way and it’s here to stay. Over the past year we have had countless female leaders step up to revolutionize the industry and serve as an inspiration for all of us.

In celebration of International Women's Day, this special edition pays tribute to the global movement for women's rights and gender equality. This annual event, observed on March 8th, serves as a powerful reminder of the collective strength and unity of women around the world. As we come together to celebrate this important occasion, let us renew our commitment to empowering women and girls everywhere and continue to push for a more inclusive, equitable, and just society for all.”

Chae,Lisha,Roshni

DEFINING MOMENTS FOR WOMEN IN 2023

Narges Mohammadi: In a testament to her unwavering resolve, Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, recognized for her struggle against the oppression of women in Iran and her advocacy for human rights and freedom. Despite remaining imprisoned in Iran, her children collected the award and presented her speech on her behalf.

Greta Gerwig: Breaking records at the box office, the premier of Barbie made Greta Gerwig the first female director to make 1 billion dollars at the box office. It was even the highest-grossing movie of the year.

Michelle Yeoh: Making history as the first Asian woman to win the Best Lead Actress Academy Award, Michelle Yeoh, in her acceptance speech, told the women in the audience to never let anyone tell them they were past their prime. It was a thrill for us HKUST students, some of whom were able to meet her on campus last semester!

TIME's Women of the Year Gala: In celebration of International Women's Day, the event featured TIME's Women of the Year list, from Oscar-nominated actors Angela Bassett and Cate Blanchett to activists Ayisha Siddiqa and Masih Alinejad to athletes Megan Rapinoe.

FIFA Women's World Cup: Packed with breaking records and achievements, the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 was an exhilarating tournament. Spain took home the title for the first time, the Philippines scored their first-ever World Cup Goal, and the Australian team formed a heart-wrenching (literally) huddle after their defeat in the semi-finals.

PART1.

DEVELOPMENT Skill

B

REAKING THE GLASS CEILING

Chances are, you experienced a subliminal phenomenon of the ‘glass ceiling’. This is an invisible barrier, a misogynistic attitude in society that prevents women from rising to higher jobs, or even as simple as not being able to get the same opportunities that men get.

Here are three easy steps for you to tackle this issue:

Recognize that it exists: the first step towards changing any pattern is simply being aware it is happening. If you notice that your company has this organizational culture, ask yourself if this is where you want to keep working.

For instance, look out for these terms:

Fewer women in positions o authority.

‘That's just the way things w without any explanation Excusing inappropriate com ‘banter’.

Fast-track career programs minority groups, but few pa progress

As an employee: Don't internalize it frustration on the wrong people. Us good use, raise concerns, and seek p advice from people in higher positio willing to help.

Be patient, but assertive: change and the glass ceiling will break. but it takes time and continuous effort. Check-in regularly with your manager to see what progress is being made. Don't allow those at the top to "park" or forget the issue.

ABUNDANCE & SCARCITY MINDSET

Have you heard the phrase, "life is 10% of what happens, and 90% of what you make of it"?

To much of our surprise, we tend to forget that we actually have control over how we think and our response to any situation

Abundance is one of the most powerful mindset shifts one can experience, as it involves believing that you are surrounded by more than what you need. There is no need to compare yourself to others, because you trust in the abundance that you are entitled to in life. As a result, instead of bringing others down, you celebrate their success.

You believe that there is no scarcity in life, whether that may manifest in the form of love, friendship, or achievements There is no rule stating that these can only belong to one person; the abundance mindset asserts that everyone is entitled to an endless happiness

This mindset is based on how much an individual feels they deserve. Our perception of whether or not we deserve something is within our control, and we can reprogram our minds to believe that we are enough.

Now let's talk briefly about the scarcity mindset. The scarcity mindset follows the phenomenon that there is a limited resource of everything, and everyone's win is at the expense of another.

People who follow this mindset think everything is a competition and, therefore, can never truly enjoy the joys of life as they constantly fear it being taken away from them.

After hearing all this, who doesn't want an abundance mindset?

Let's talk more about how to cultivate one:

1. Celebrate other people's wins: Remember, someone's win is never at the expense of your own. Be happy for other people; you are already abundant in your own life!

Practice gratitude: Change your thought process and force yourself to be grateful for the small wins in life It is as simple as: "I'm so grateful I get to attend class today" or "I am so grateful I got the job opportunity."

2. Refocus your mindset: Train your mind to recognize the possibilities.

3. Surround yourself with people that believe in you and celebrate your potential.

5.

4. Finally, focus on what you have and what's truly important to you. It is easy to say, "I want what they have," but is it really what you need? Focus on your own choices and observe how simple and happy life can be!

How to handle Interview Questions Unexpected

Going through the interview process can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. You've prepared for the standard questions like "Tell me about yourself" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" But what if your potential employer throws something completely unexpected your way? The most dreaded interview questions are those ones that leave you caught off guard- they aren’t based on anything real or tangible, so you wrack your brain trying to come up with the most impressive answer. In this blog post, we're diving into the world of the most asked unexpected interview questions that have left candidates scratching their heads.

"If you were a brand, how would you market yourself?"

This question tests your selfawareness, communication skills, and ability to articulate your unique value proposition Treat yourself like a product and think about your strengths, skills, and personal brand Show the interviewer that you understand your worth and how you can contribute to their organization.

"What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?"

While this question may seem like it's straight out of a comedy sketch, it's designed to assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle unexpected situations. Take a moment to collect your thoughts and demonstrate your ability to think creatively and logically Maybe it's time to build a makeshift penguin habitat in the office?

"How many golf balls are sold in Japan each year?"

Consulting firms love to test your quantitative and problem-solving skills with questions like these. Remember, they're not looking for an exact answer but rather your ability to break down the problem, make reasonable assumptions, and arrive at a logical estimation Don't be afraid to talk through your thought process aloud – it showcases your analytical abilities

COMINGBACKTO YOURSELF Wellness PART2.

YCLE SYNCING C

In the fast-paced, hectic environment that is our semester at UST, it’s crucial to find balance in our lives, both physically, and mentally.

One way that this can be achieved is to embrace ‘cycle-syncing’, which aligns lifestyle choices with different phases of our menstrual cycle.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of cycle syncing and provide practical tips on foods to eat and avoid, workouts to do, and other aspects to consider.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: The menstrual cycle consists of four distinct phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Each phase is characterized by hormonal fluctuations that impact energy levels, mood, and metabolism. By recognizing these changes, we can tailor our lifestyles accordingly.

Menstruation (days 1-5 approx.):

Think of menstruation as a ‘winter’ phase. This is a time for rest, with low energy levels, and a great time to engage in self-care. Gentle exercises like yoga, stretching, or light walks can ease cramping and improve blood-flow. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and green leafy vegetables to reduce bloating, and iron-rich foods like spinach and lentils to replenish lost nutrients. Also remember to drink plenty of water and herbal teas to support detoxification.

Follicular phase (days 6-13 approx.):

During the next week, estrogen levels rise, leading to increased energy and focus. It's an ideal time to engage in high-intensity workouts like strength training or cardio. To support these activities, focus on nutrient-dense foods such as leafy greens, fresh fruits, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. Additionally, incorporating foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds with healthy fats can help boost mood and provide energy.

Ovulation (approx. day 14-16):

In these couple of days, energy levels peak. This calls for lighter, cooling foods like salads, smoothies, and raw vegetables. Hydration is crucial, so include water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumbers. Nourishing foods like avocados, nuts, and seeds provide essential nutrients for hormone balance. It’s best to opt for light and easy-to-digest meals This is the best time to engage in highintensity workouts, activities like cycling, swimming, and interval training.

Luteal phase (days 17-28 approx.):

The last 10 days of the average cycle brings about hormonal shifts, cravings and mood fluctuations. To stabilize blood sugar levels, you can opt for whole grains, legumes, fish, and beans (which boost serotonin!) and foods rich in vitamin B6, like chickpeas and bananas. Reduce caffeine and sugar intake, and focus on stress-relieving exercises such as Pilates

Cycle syncing goes beyond nutrition and exercise. It means prioritizing stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling. Pay attention to your sleep patterns to make sure you have adequate rest during the different phases. Tracking your menstrual cycle using apps or calendars can help you better understand your body's patterns and plan accordingly (some good apps include Clover and Flo)

But most importantly, tailor your lifestyle to whatever works best for you, and makes you feel good! Cycle syncing is just a template to get more in sync with your body: how

storiescommunity

In this section, we feature the diverse opinions of the talented women in our community. We believe that everyone has unique stories and lessons to share from their personal journeys. Join us as we amplify their voices and create the ground for meaningful conversations.

W IB

P ODCAST

FEATURING M BEL SIEH.

A

Determining and Pursuing your life’s goals and purpose: a Podcast Recap

From a young age, we ’ re tasked with figuring out and planning our life’s path. However, this journey is often filled with uncertainties and complexities. In this article, we will delve into our conversation with Mabel Sieh, where we explore the mechanisms and processes of determining life goals

This year, we were fortunate enough to be joined by Mabel Sieh on our #WiB Voice Podcast to discuss the mechanisms and processes of determining your life goals In our conversation, Sieh highlighted her own experiences with school, work, and transitions between jobs and industries to illustrate how, in retrospect, those choices helped her find and work towards pursuing her purpose and goals.

Key Learning Points

Non-Linear Journey

1 Welcome Change and Fear Throughout our discussion, we emphasized the importance of embracing the fluidity of our goals. As individuals, we are constantly evolving and changing, thus, making it essential to welcome change and growth in the goals we set. Sieh highlighted the power of writing and journaling as tools for reflection, helping us recognize our personal growth. Regularly reflecting on your experiences, whether they are mundane or special, allows you to process how you ’ re feeling and better incorporate that into your goals

3.

One of the key insights we gained from our conversation with Mabel Sieh is the non-linear nature of our journey. While it's common to measure success through comparisons in competitive environments, it's crucial to realise that our life, career, and purpose don't have to follow a linear trajectory. Especially as our experiences in life can be so multi-faceted. We discussed how we shouldn’t view our goals as a final destination, especially since we have the opportunities and privilege to be able to change our goals at different phases of our lives. This leads us to the next point: Fluidity.

2. Core Value & Purpose This is an element of pursuing your life goals that Sieh thought to be essential in grounding you. Sieh's career transitions, from teaching to consulting to journalism, and now philanthropy, exemplify the significance of identifying core values and purpose. By understanding what truly drives and fulfils us, we can recognize career opportunities that propel us forward while aligning with our authentic selves.

Writing and Reflection Exercises Journalling1.

a.

Reflecting on your choices and emotions can be the key to recognising your goals and opportunities. We recommend writing or even video journaling, asking and answering key reflection questions.

2.

Ask A Friend

a.

Sieh recommended asking a close friend to describe you in three words. Oftentimes, your close friends may recognise and see different parts of you that maybe you wouldn’t recognise. This can help you to gain a better understanding of who you are.

3.

Self-Reflection Venn Diagram

a.

Sieh found that determining the overlap point between the three circles of passion, skill and what the world needs allows people to find fulfilling opportunities. The key to doing so is trying different experiences, talking to people and working at it slowly.

We hope these tips and insights can guide your journey to determine your life's purpose. Remember to regularly ask questions, seek input from trusted friends, and explore the intersection of passion, skill, and social needs. By doing so, you can unlock fulfilling opportunities and live a purpose-driven life. Thank you for reading, and be sure to check out #WiB Voice on Spotify for more empowering content.

FINDING YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE... TAKE’S TIME

community stories

FEATURING K T TSE A

Kat Tse ( Cheuk Yan) is a Hong Kong based speaker, lifestyle blogger, student at Northeastern University and the founder of Terms and Conditions Magazine. Born in Toronto and raised in Hong Kong, Kat believes in the power of positive influence and community. Established in July 2023, Terms and Conditions is a fashion wellness magazine and a safe place for meaningful conversations such as self-care and mental health topics to take place while supporting other entrepreneurs. In the past, Kat has also worked at international companies including G-III Apparel Group, TVB in HK, JW Marriott hotel and was the red carpet host for Film Awards TV in the British Film Institute awards. Kat hopes to continue empowering other individuals while passing on the message that you are never alone in the midst of discovering life and that it is completely fine to not always be okay.

How did I get started with Terms and Conditions Magazine?

Since I was young, I have always been passionate about the world of fashion. From experimenting with different aesthetics for my personal style to interning for brands Karl Lagerfeld and Donna Karan in New York City and working at fashion shows, I have always wanted to learn more about the industry. In fact, what intrigued me the most is how the simplicity of fabric has the power to bring out a different emotion and mood to one’s confidence. Since then, fashion has always been a tool for me to ground and express myself while it also reminds me that I am enough and whole on my own.

However, during my second year of university, I caught COVID and temporarily lost my ability to walk. At the time, Long COVID wasn’t that well known to the public and even doctors and experts from all around the world were puzzled with what solutions could help with these lingering effects from COVID. As a regular athlete, sports had played a huge role in my life and therefore, losing such a fundamental part of my body had spiralled me down to a path of loneliness, self doubt and depression. Though, in the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty, I knew I wanted to do something about this. With my aspirations and ongoing dreams of one day becoming a role model to inspire young girls out there, I wanted to find a way to slowly channel all these painful and challenging experiences I was facing into something meaningful to the community

And so I grabbed a pencil and began to write.

I journaled about everything. From heartbreak, to my mental health struggles to how fashion made me feel, within and without, I wanted to document all the insights and lessons I have learned from my past experiences. These were my raw emotions and these reflections also helped me get through some of my most challenging times.

Alongside, I also went to networking events and met incredible individuals from the industries and before I knew it, the magazine, a huge passion project of mine, had come to life.

Today, we have two published issues at Terms and Conditions and I am so grateful and proud of our growing number of writers, photographers, designers and stylists. We are a fashion wellness magazine based in London and Hong Kong that starts deeper conversations within the creative communities while supporting other entrepreneurs. I didn’t initially start the magazine with the hope that a business could be made out of this but instead I wanted it to be a safe place and a reminder that you are not alone.

However, as we continued to expand and the more we interacted with the public, it gradually turned into something much bigger than I had ever imagined. Apart from the physical printed issues we distributed, we also have an online platform for articles and an abundance of events that we host for the community. These include launch parties, wellness workshops, retreats and panel discussions. In the past we have even been blessed to have collaborated with Soho House in Hong Kong and London, Park Lane Hotel, Hyatt Regency along with other wellness entrepreneurs such as Kosmicland and Blu Journal.

The first issue of the magazine is called Redefining Love and it focuses on the vulnerabilities of love, heartbreak and love lorn while capturing and showcasing raw moments through the power of storytelling, fashion and makeup. The second issue is called Embracing Cultures and delves into how fashion is much more than a clothing piece, style or trend. It has the power to bring out, encapsulate and relay one’s story through the power of storytelling. A section of this issue was also dedicated to the reflections of Hong Kong’s past.

As the magazine continues to expand, I hope Terms and Conditions can keep serving as a safe space while making a positive impact on society. Just like I mentioned in the recent panel talk event, everyone is welcome to join and partake in starting a conversation at Terms and Conditions. I strongly believe that fashion and wellness are industries that should be welcomed to all and that this can all start from a place of kindness and inclusion.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL

WOMEN’S DAY