Shy mouse - self-confident department head

This morning, while I was blow-drying and styling my hair, I thought about my first visit to Ivonne. It was my first cautious attempt to make permanent changes to my appearance. Somewhat embarrassed, I showed her a picture of a hairstyle and asked if she could do something along those lines. I still remember how insecure I felt. Of course, I was dressed as neutral as possible back then. Step by step, I ventured further. This affected not only my hairstyle, but also myself. I also still vividly remember my first visit, openly as Nicole, to Ivonne, my now favorite hairdresser.

Why am I writing about it now? In the last two weeks, I've had several experiences at the bank that have shown me so clearly how much the Nicole I have been back then has changed. At our annual general meeting, literally all the internal participants walked past me, Nicole, all the way to the top brass. Last week, I was in our hospitality area several times with my colleagues wearing dress/skirt and heels. On all these occasions, there wasn't a single shy girl left. I greeted and looked after our guests in a relaxed and natural manner, and they treated me with equal professionalism and respect.

Whether in trousers and comfortable shoes or a chic dress and pumps – I now move through my life, both personally and professionally, with a naturalness I could never have imagined before. Ms. Behrend, yes, I still enjoy being called that (also Nicole 😊), has finally arrived. I no longer have to consciously concentrate on introducing myself as the department head using female pronouns. Everything is becoming more and more natural and effortless.

The shy little girl who once had a confident brother has become a confident woman who is firmly grounded in life with both her pumps.

I'm excited to see what happens next – are you?

All the best,

Nicole