Andreanne Dibo Amany: Seizing opportunity for growth and empowerment

Intro/Outro: 00:00:04

Welcome to WIT Love, a podcast founded by women, produced by women about women in technology.

There is a huge place for women in tech and this podcast is going to get well into the work as a leading contributor to help change the trajectory and see the rise of women in technology. Sit back and enjoy as our young female hosts share energy with experienced professional women in technology.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:00:32

Welcome to the WIT Love Podcast, a podcast that is connecting young hosts like me to professional women in tech where we'll get to share wisdom and learn about each other in the process. For those of you who don't already know me, my name is Cassian Jones.

I am a graduate of from the University of Waterloo and I have my Bachelor of Math and I also work as an Information Security analyst.

I am very passionate about giving back to the community and have led several strategy, data and diversity initiatives for both national and local organizations including Aspire, TD Bank, Motivate Canada, the Merit Award Bursary Program and the University of Waterloo fintech Club. In my free time, I love expanding my financial literacy knowledge and enjoy helping youth also learn about financial management and core life skills.

Today I am so thrilled to introduce our next guest who is also a member of the WIT Love Podcast team.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:01:40

So.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:01:40

Andrean Debo Amani is a presenter, financial literacy advocate and a member of York University's Senior Administration.

A double alum of York's Schulich School of Business, Anh Troyan is an advocate for the empowerment of Black youth, Francophone communities and newcomers.

She is currently a board member and an executive of a newly created NGO called Help Africa's Brightest Children and Ivorian NGO focus on increasing access to education by providing financial assistance to kids from low income families in rural areas of the Ivory Coast. Antoine, we are so so thrilled to have you on the show. Welcome.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:02:31

Thank you so much Cassie. I'm so happy to be here as well with you guys. Good afternoon. Good morning everyone. Thank you. Thank you so much for listening in.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:02:41

Fantastic.

And again we are you heard from her bio just how involved she is with the community and her professional experience and we are just so thrilled to have you as a member of the witlove Podcast team. I know you're going to bring great energy and enthusiasm to the show.

So in order for our our audience to get to know us a little better, I'd love to know what's one fun fact.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:03:10

One fun fact about me? I can consider myself a HODO file. So somebody who loves to travel.

Actually this past month I went to do the tour of Europe so I visited London, England, Bordeaux, France, as well as Madrid, Spain. And I have a couple more trips planned for the remainder of the the, the year. So I just love to travel. And like I was talking about Madrid in Spain.

My third language is Spanish, so my goal is to visit all 20 countries where they speak Spanish. So that's my goal for the next few years. So yeah, this is a little fun fact about me.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:03:46

Fantastic. And what did you say that term was?

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:03:49

The file.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:03:51

Hold the file. Amazing. I've never heard of that term before. It's definitely one I'm going to be using in the future. What? That is incredible.

And honestly, at this point in Toronto here it is summer, finally. So the weather is nice, the weather's warm. But it really makes me think about travel and how much I would love to travel.

So honestly, girl, you gotta take me with you. I want to be immersed in your travel experiences as well.

And I definitely, I, I could see that you're gonna have a lot of fun traveling the world and gotta come back on and tell us about it.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:04:29

No worries. I shall share with you guys.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:04:31

Thank you. So out of all the places that you've been to, what has been your favorite?

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:04:36

Okay, I'm a little biased. I would say Madrid was my favorite.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:04:40

Amazing.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:04:41

Madrid was my first solo trip by myself and it was an amazing experience. So yes, Madrid for now.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:04:49

Incredible. It's definitely on my bucket list as well. Incredible. So we'd love to know. Tell us a little bit more about your journey.

You are both a producer and also a host of the Wet Love Podcast. What inspired you to first get involved?

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:05:08

So thank you so much, Cassie. As you recall, I am an alum of the Schulich School of Business where I got both my bachelor and my mba.

So I actually returned this year to attend a conference. And lo and behold, here was Kechi, the host of the conference and she did such a fantastic job and her aura and personality were just radiating.

So at the end I went to see her and she shared about the podcast and I was like, you know what, I would love to join it. Join. Wonderful. You know, women, like minded women were making a difference in the life of other folks, right? Other young women.

So it was first in Kechi, she, she didn't have to say anything. I just had to join. Okay.

But then once I joined and I get to, I got to meet with you guys and start working with you guys and I got to learn about the values that are pruned and shared and promoted within the podcast. I was really sold on it, because these are values that align with my own, right? Empowering others, other women.

So I, I think it's just that it's alignment with my own values. What I try to do before even joining your team and seeing that you guys are doing your own part here, but with women.

So I'm like, let me join my force with you guys as well.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:06:20

That's incredible. And one thing that came to mind as you were sharing that is the kind of the concept of like, disruptive presence.

And one thing that if, you know, catchy, you know that as soon as she walks in a room, like, you know that she is there and she is in that room. And especially as females, it's, it's often we tend to almost diminish ourselves and think, okay, maybe we can't take up a lot of space.

But I just want to highlight in just hearing that account is that when you do take up space, when you allow yourself to be your full, true, authentic self, you also allow others to see that that's okay to do.

And that representation, the ability to share your light, spread your light, can inspire others, elevate to activate, you know, their, their calling or take advantage of opportunities. Just like you did with that show or this show.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:07:22

Yeah, exactly. No, it's very true.

And I think that that very little moment, beside inspiring me to join the podcast, also inspired me in my day to day at work as well, right? In my day to day life. I'm like, if Nkechi can be her true self, I can be my true self too, you know, if it's smiling, making jokes at work.

You know, my team always says that I'm so authentic in the way I present myself, right. I don't think twice, right? I'm happy. I'm happy and everybody's happy and we share the joy in the room. So I think this is exactly.

It's Nkechi's aura before anything, 100%.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:07:57

And it's also funny because when I was talking with her, and I'll never forget this, we were preparing for a conference that we were both going to be at, and she asked me, she's like, okay, what would it take to, for you to decide to just show up as your full, true, authentic self? And my gut reaction was, oh, no, I would have to, you know, I'd have to, you know, like, be like, well prepared.

I'd have to make sure that, like, I'm super practiced. I'd like to have to, you know, think through how I was going to, like, polish myself to make sure, I'm coming off as credible, confident.

She's like, but. But what if you just. You don't need. You just need to decide.

You just need to decide, and you just need to show up, and you just need to own who you are. And to all of our viewers on this podcast, that a decision that you don't.

That you can make right now, you don't have to wait for tomorrow to show up and be the person that you've always wanted to. You can do that today. And in so doing, you just might inspire others to do the same and to take on opportunities that they otherwise might not have.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:09:02

That is exactly it. And if I can add a small addendum. And of course. So I met with Nkechi.

We spoke briefly, and obviously she was hosting, so she had to go back to her task. But after the show, she. She was, you know, approached by several ladies, right? And one of them was invited to the podcast.

But then I heard it in passing, and I was like, is there only one spot or two spots? Because I'm also interested in. Katie was like, okay, bring it up. You know, so the first opportunity was not even mine, but it's because I heard.

And as you said, I. I seized the opportunity to. I asked the question, and she accepted. Right? So it's all about shooting your shots in life, right? And being.

Showing up, being there, and going all in. So that's what I did, Effy, 100%.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:09:48

So I think we have a lot of great discussion at this point about the idea of activating others and amplifying their voice in. In spaces that we sometimes find ourselves in. It might be the case that there are voices of others who may not actually feel heard.

So to you, what does it mean to activate others and amplify their voice?

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:10:14

So this is a very great question. I think to me, activating others simply means empowering them.

Empowering them and enabling them to recognize something I call the dormant lion within them. Because to me, I think everybody has that little fire, but it's hidden, right?

And you need somebody to come and spark it and to enable you to start being yourself and going for all the dreams that you have.

So I think it's about giving folks confidence, the tools, the resources, depending on who you're talking to, if it's you, if you need to give them the resources, the tools, whatever they need to step into and fulfill their greatest potential.

And I think when you come about, when you talk about amplifying the voice, it's all about making sure that they are not just included in the rooms where they need to be, but that they are also heard, giving them the mic so that they can speak, turning on that mic for them so that they can speak.

So I think it's about creating space, like we have here on this podcast, to talk, to share, to learn from each other, be it perspective, ideas, you know, whatever it might be.

And it's also about challenging the norms out there, because I think there are a lot of barriers, but I think they are there to be broken and doors are there to be opened. So I think this is how I see it. And that's the work that I do, for example, with the francophone communities here. Right.

So I volunteer for several NGOs, like you mentioned.

And sometimes what I hear from my francophone counterparts coming from Africa, for instance, they will say, it's so hard to succeed in Toronto because, you know, everything is in English. We only speak French.

So usually what I tend to do is I tend to listen to them, hear their challenges, but then I also want to be there in front of them to showcase the fact that it's possible. It's not impossible. Right. Language barriers might be one thing, but I also come from Africa and I was able to make it in Toronto.

So what are the tools that they need to not just complain about the barriers, but to do something about them and succeed? And I think this is what this podcast is about, essentially.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:12:15

That was a brilliant answer. I loved how you talked about the idea of listening. And in order to be able to amplify someone's voice, just amplify anything, you have to.

It first starts with a sound, and you first have to hear that sound. And it might think. Or what often comes to mind when we think of amplifying others?

Yes, it is that we bring representatives or people to spaces that they otherwise might not have been. We turn on the Microsoft. But that first starts with the ability to hear them and making sure that you know that or making them.

Making sure that they are feeling heard by your active listening skills. So I absolutely thought that was a brilliant answer and so true, especially in those spaces where there are people whose voices might not feel heard.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:13:08

You're right. And the only quick thing I wanted to add, I think you're right, because I think before you help somebody, you need to know what they need help with.

And if you don't listen to them, then you won't be able to know. Right. And I think another thing that I tend to do is also doing financial literacy with high school students. Right.

Going to their Classroom speaking with them, because it's one thing to be there and building resources, but it's another thing to go and listen to them, to see what do they truly need and how can I truly support them and help them. So you're right. Listening is a key.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:13:37

Brilliant. I completely agree. So I'd love to know.

You have had a range of experience that expands different industries, environments, and a lot of new experiences. So when you are in those new environments, it's very common to feel imposter syndrome, especially when you're faced with something new.

So what has helped you along the way? Face imposter syndrome and show up authentically.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:14:08

So in the past, when it comes to fighting imposter syndrome or overcoming it, what I used to do was to prepare myself. So I'll be doing so much research, try to do my due diligence. And then I came to realize that this was unnecessary.

Not because it's bad, but just because it was stressing me to an extent that was not necessary. So I was able to change my perspective recently in speaking with different mentors, etc.

And I was able to realize that when imposter syndrome creeps in, I need to remember that it does not mean that I don't belong here. I just simply need to learn to embrace the environment within which I'm. I'm in.

And somebody also reminded me of the fact that if I get to a place where I'm so comfortable, that means I need to move to another place where I'm stretched more, even more, you know? So now I'm embracing challenges because I realize that that's a sign for growth, right? And that sign for progress.

So this is the mindset shift that I had.

And furthermore, somebody also reminded me of the fact that if you are given an opportunity or if you're in a new environment, that's because somebody saw something within you that is worthy of being in that place. So now I no longer question my presence in any room. I now turn my mind into thinking about. Rather than asking myself, do I deserve to be here?

I now ask myself, what can I contribute and learn here? How can I make a difference in the environment within which I'm in right now?

So this is the different questions you have to change your thinking now and be able to embrace that new environment. So that's what I would say. This is what I've been helping me later lately.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:15:53

What fantastic tips. And I love how you framed every new challenge or opportunity as an opportunity to grow, because that's exactly what it is.

Everything that we've done at one point was new. It was a new challenge or something new we had to face. But it was an opportunity that we use.

And now that we can look back on to say that we have grown from this experience and it has helped us evolve into the person that we're meant to be.

And one other thing I want to mention about imposter syndrome, which is interesting, and even the language that you use, you know, he had to change the thought you have to change the mindset, is that imposter syndrome is an emotion that thrives or that is based in shame. And shame thrives in the dark. It thrives in the secrecy and the hiding. Right? So in order to.

To give less weight to that, that needs to come to light in the sense that you need to be the one to think through and to challenge that. Because once you say once, you go from, okay, I, you know, have imposter syndrome, I don't think I could ever learn or navigate this learning curve.

Once you go from that to, well, I've faced learning curves in the past, and I've navigated through that, or I've learned new things in the past, then. Then the. The shame feeling is gone. And you.

And it transitioned from kind of a shame, dejectedness, hopelessness, to a degree of, like, competence in the fact, in the sense that I might not know this now, but I can later. So you transition to the, I don't have this now. I can never learn this, to I don't know this yet, but I will.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:17:37

Exactly.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:17:39

And that's what is so important in helping to combat that imposter syndrome.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:17:45

And if I can add to that, I think you're right. It's the not yet mindset and thinking and getting to where you can learn and grow.

But somebody else, like a great mentor of mine, also gave me such a great analogy that I keep in my mind. It's like life is a game. It's like a video game. And every new challenge that you get is essentially a new level in that game, right?

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:18:04

That. Yes, yes, level up through challenges. I think that is the quote of this podcast. So fantastic.

So another question I have is, and I think this is one that especially as you start to take on new challenges, new opportunities, it's very easy to become a yes person and say yes to everything, which isn't necessarily a bad thing in some instances, but it's important to also be strategic with what yeses that you say along the way in order to preserve work, life, balance. So in your experience, Especially given the fact that you do that. You are so involved with the community that you're in.

What helps you decide what opportunities that you say yes or no to?

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:18:55

So this is a very good question. So in the past I have to say, when I was a baby, baby, baby, I used to say yes to everything because I wanted to learn from everything.

But now when it comes to accepting certain opportunities over others, I usually go back to my values, right?

So I usually look at whether or not the cause is dear to me and whether or not it aligns with my current values and also the difference I would like to make in the world, right? So is it something that I wanted to do before and I never had the opportunity to, and now I can, thanks to this opportunity.

Is this something new that I never thought about but that is interesting to me or is it something that does not align in that I can, can do? You know what can I contribute to that thing? Do that? Do I have the skills, the strength to actually make a difference in that new project?

And the last thing I look at is do I have the capacity? You know what I mean? Because sometimes opportunities come last minute and I want you to be there and then.

But I'm like, but I don't have the capacity to do that. Because one thing you have to remember, health is also wealth, right?

So right now, before I also say yes to things, I look at whether or not my own cup is, is full before I can fill up, you know, somebody else's cup or like another, you know, corporations cup. So I do this small SWOT analysis, if you can call it like this, before I make a decision. You know, I'm a business student, so.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:20:19

I love that. Using, you know, business strategy in order to, to help improve your own life and career, I think that is so important.

And one quote that really comes to mind is the idea that every time you say yes to something, you're saying no to something else. And it's very easy to say yes. I feel like especially I tend to be a people pleaser in the sense that I don't like saying no.

I want to help whenever I can, but every time I say yes, that means I have to deprioritize something in order to make it work. And at the end of the day we're only one person.

And it's much better to say yes to things that we know we can manage and control versus trying to border boil the ocean and say yes to something at the cost or risk to ourselves and our health and dwellness. So I completely agree with that. And earlier in the session, we were talking about the idea of alignment and authenticity.

One thing in your response that came to mind is that the more that you do things that align with your values and what you want to achieve and your core principles, the more authentic you can show up to that experience. So, yeah, go ahead.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:21:41

No. And the more value you can also access, right?

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:21:45

Yep.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:21:46

Because oftentimes we say yes to things and then we end up not being able to actually make a difference and being an asset. You know what I mean? So it's like, what can I truly contribute to?

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:21:56

Yeah, 100%. And there's this quote from this book. It was Jordan Peterson's book that says your soul will reject the tyranny of your own will.

And you can only act, you know, out of step with your own values for so long before it starts to permeate into everything else.

I am very sad to say that we are at the end of this episode, but before we end off, I know this was such a great conversation, I want to ask you one final question, so I would love for you to finish this statement. Empowered in my skin means that I.

Andreanne Dibo Amany: 00:22:37

Am thriving and showing up authentically.

Cassi-Ann Jones: 00:22:43

Yes. Awesome. What a way to end out this episode. Andre, we are so grateful for your time today.

Thank you for your wisdom, your insights, and all the knowledge that you shared. And to our audience tuning in today, thank you so much for for listening and for your support.

Stay tuned for more exciting interviews with amazing women who are trailblazers in the technology world. You can listen to more episodes on Apple or Spotify podcast and be sure to subscribe and follow our Instagram page itlove Podcast.

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Intro/Outro: 00:23:42

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