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Word Association is Powerful as Leaders

Darlene Hawley

It just goes to show that… when we use words they matter. Let’s think about our culture and the words that we sometimes use that belong or don’t belong to us and how we use them.

Word association is so powerful.


When we hear something said we get to choose how we respond and react.


There’s an empty shopping building near my house with a sign that just went up saying we were getting a grocery store. I’ve been hoping a store would open up next to my house for a quick run and healthy options … my thought was a Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, or Baron.

My dream didn't come true.


Grocery Outlet is what we’re getting.


I’ve seen this company pop up in surrounding areas but never felt called to step inside, the name makes me think of day-old food, or stuff nobody else wants. It hasn't opened yet so we’ll see if it's better than I’m imagining, I really hope so.


It just goes to show that…

                                 when we use words they matter.


Let’s think about our culture and the words that we sometimes use that belong or don’t belong to us and how we use them.


I recently attended a training on gendered & racist language at my co-working space during our quarterly meeting in the racial and social justice sub-hub group.


We were discussing what words are not appropriate to say that we’ve been saying for a long time and how to shift away from using them.


The list was incredibly long and there were many that I knew and some that I shifted my mind around and saw how they are and can be hurtful.


For example:

It’s not appropriate to say let's meet for a quick pow-wow. Though the word powwow has been used as slang as far back as I remember to have a short quick meeting. Its actual meeting is: the powwow is a public long celebration and demonstration of community pride in Indian culture and a way of honoring Native American heritage.


See how that doesn’t even remotely honor the culture or the heritage.


We’ve been using words like this incorrectly and it can feel hard to pull back as many of these things have been part of generations and generations of training.


The great thing is that when we know better, we can do better.


We must stay humble when someone says that a word you’ve used or how you responded has hurt them.


Take a second and think about it.


Don't get defensive.


How you respond at that moment can make the difference.


Remember it's about Intent and Impact.


Think about what was my intent when I said this and how did it impact someone else?

Even if you didn’t intent to do harm.


Notice and pay attention to the impact on the other party.


And get curious!


What things do you say without even understanding the original meaning or how it might be taken by someone else. And how can you shift your language to be more culturally aware of others?

Read the blog

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Listen to Attract & Stand Out Podcast


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10 Effective Communication Tips
Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

Hey There!

I'm Darlene



As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.


My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.


Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.


Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.


Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.

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When you're talking but no one's listening. Have you ever introduced yourself at a networking event… only to feel like people’s eyes glazed over? One of my clients put it perfectly: “Darlene, I share who I am and what I do, but it feels like I’m invisible. People nod politely and then move on.” She had so much value to offer. In fact, she is amazing at what she did. Yet, her introduction was all over the place. Some days she was talking to potential clients, other days to possible collaborators, and sometimes even she wasn’t sure what her main point was. And that’s why it felt like no one was listening. Why This Happens It’s not because you’re not experienced enough. It’s not because you’re not interesting enough. It’s because without clarity about who your audience is in the room and what you really want to say, your voice gets lost in the shuffle of business cards and conversations. Networking rooms are full of people competing for attention. If your message doesn’t connect directly... if it doesn’t make them pause, lean in and say, “Tell me more” ... it disappears before they even leave the event. The Shift When this client and I worked together, the first thing we did was get crystal clear about: Who she most wanted to reach in the room. What those people actually cared about. How her work specifically helped them. Once she had that clarity, her introductions started sounding different... more direct, more alive, more her. And the result? People leaned in. Instead of walking away, they asked questions. They followed up after the event. They booked time with her. Because when you find your voice and know exactly who you’re talking to, you stop being forgettable. You become someone people can’t ignore. This is exactly what we’ll be diving into in Session 1 of my Attract & Stand Out Framework: Getting clear on who your audience is. Knowing what you want to say. Communicating how you help in a way that truly connects... whether you’re introducing yourself in a room or on stage. It’s not just about having the words, it’s about the confidence to say them out loud too... with presence, authority, and ease. If you’ve been walking out of networking events feeling overlooked, let this be a gentle nudge: ~ You don’t need to try harder. ~ You don’t need to stuff more into your intro. ~ You need clarity... on your audience, your message, and your voice. That’s where visibility begins. That’s how you go from overlooked to unforgettable. Think about the last time you introduced yourself at a networking event. Could the right person in the room... your dream client or collaborator... hear you and say: “That’s me. She gets it”? ________________________________________________________ 🌀 Nervous System Regulator: The 4-7-8 Reset Feeling that anxious butterfly sensation before you introduce yourself? Try this right before you speak: Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 7. Exhale slowly and fully through your mouth for a count of 8. Repeat this 3–4 times. It only takes a minute, but it tells your nervous system: You’re safe. You’ve got this. When your body is calm, your voice comes through with more presence and power... and people remember you. ✨ Ready to stop feeling overlooked at networking events? Download my free guide, 6 Steps to Attract & Stand Out, and discover how to clarify your message, show up with confidence, and connect with the people who matter most. Grab it here »
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