What Do You Do? Is the Wrong Question | Nada Taha | TEDxNashvilleWomen

The Pyramid Scheme

Nada Taha opens her talk with a humorous anecdote about the construction of the pyramids in Egypt, drawing parallels between Pharaoh's desire for a lasting legacy and the modern-day pursuit of success and fulfillment.

The American Dream

Taha shares her experiences as a first-generation American, driven to succeed by her parents' sacrifices. However, she realized that she had conflated her success with her worth.

A Life of Success

Taha achieved early success as a sports journalist, music director, and co-host on a popular radio show. However, she hit a wall at the age of 30, experiencing burnout and a loss of purpose.

A Wall at 30

Taha's "wall" manifested itself physically and emotionally, leading her to question her identity and direction in life. She realized that she had neglected parts of herself that were not tied to her work.

Diversifying and Nurturing

Taha advocates for the importance of diversifying and nurturing all aspects of oneself, both professionally and personally. She believes that this is the key to a fulfilling and balanced life.

Dion Sanders and the Power of Brand

Taha cites Dion Sanders, a former athlete and now renowned football coach, as an example of someone who has successfully diversified his brand. By embracing his unique talents and passions, Sanders has created a strong personal brand that extends beyond the football field.

Taylor Swift: A Master of Brand

Taha also highlights Taylor Swift as a master of personal branding. Swift has built a brand that is both relatable and aspirational, merging her personal experiences with her music and business ventures.

What is Brand?

Taha redefines the concept of brand as the culmination of the things we see, the feelings we evoke, and the experiences we associate with a product or person. She emphasizes that everyone has a story to tell and, therefore, a brand to share.

The Problem with "What Do You Do?"

Taha challenges the common question "What do you do?" arguing that it focuses on monetary value and relevance rather than exploring the full range of an individual's skills and interests.

Embracing Multiple Passions

Taha encourages individuals to embrace their multiple passions and to merge them with their practical skills. She believes that everyone has the potential to be a specialist and a generalist, pursuing both depth and breadth in their endeavors.

The Benefits of Diversifying

Taha outlines the benefits of diversifying one's skills and interests, including increased creativity, innovation, and resilience. She cites examples of companies that have embraced diversity and achieved greater success as a result.

The Importance of Curiosity

Taha emphasizes the importance of curiosity and exploration in personal growth. She encourages individuals to give themselves the space to explore their interests and passions, regardless of their age or stage of life.

Celebrities and the Freedom to Explore

Taha observes that celebrities are often given more freedom to explore their diverse interests than non-celebrities. She questions why we afford celebrities this freedom while denying it to ourselves.

The Connection is the Gold Mine

Taha highlights the importance of connection in personal branding. She believes that when we tap into our passions and connect with others who share them, we create a powerful force that can lead to success and fulfillment.

A Return to Egypt

Taha shares her experience of returning to Egypt as an adult, hoping to find answers to her identity crisis. While she didn't find the magical solution she had hoped for, the trip made her realize that she still had parts of herself that needed to be explored.

The Era Tour

Taha introduces the concept of the "era tour" as a metaphor for exploring different aspects of oneself. She encourages individuals to identify the "eras" in their own lives where they can focus on specific passions and interests.

Permission to Pursue Passions

Taha emphasizes that everyone has the permission and ability to pursue all of their passions. She encourages individuals to break free from societal expectations and to embrace their unique journeys.

A Vision for the Future

Taha concludes her talk with a vision for the future where individuals are empowered to pursue their passions and create a more vibrant and fulfilling world. She believes that by embracing our multifaceted nature, we can make a greater impact and leave a lasting legacy.