First Impressions & Stereotypes - First impressions are formed rapidly, potentially in as little as 0.1 seconds, and can lead to assumptions [3] - Stereotypes are harmful assumptions based on a single characteristic, fueled by "isms" like racism, sexism, and classism [6][10] - Stereotypes can negatively impact individuals through stereotype threat, where the fear of confirming a negative stereotype can hinder performance [19] Societal Impact & Change - Stereotypes are prevalent in media, influencing perceptions from a young age [12][14][16] - Combating stereotypes requires empathy, compassion, and recognizing individuals as unique rather than representatives of a group [25] - Younger generations are challenging traditional notions of professionalism and embracing individualism [23][24] The Speaker's Perspective - The speaker's choice of attire (blazer and skirt) is a deliberate statement about professionalism and challenging stereotypes [1][20] - The speaker advocates for speaking out against "isms" and challenging stereotypes [8][9]

Hello everyone. A very good morning to you all. I'm Anu Suraj. I'm a trauma informed therapist and I'm an advocate for child rights and safety and I'm also a child right and safety educator for the past 13 years. Today I would like you all to reflect on something. I would like to put a question forward. What if every child in this world was given a chance to speak their truth? How will the world look like? Imagine yourself as a child trapped in silence, unable to speak out about the abuse that has been sile ...

Personal Growth & Self-Discovery - The speaker initially pursued a law career, driven by aspirations of corporate success, but later shifted to mass communication due to unforeseen circumstances [1] - The speaker overcame stage fright through acting, discovering a passion for performance and directing [1][2] - The speaker's initial commercial debut faced skepticism, but family support led to a positive experience and recognition [2] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-appreciation and encouragement in achieving goals [2] - The speaker highlights the value of empathy gained through acting, enabling understanding of diverse perspectives and emotional struggles [3] Inclusivity & Recognition - The speaker addresses the feeling of invisibility and not belonging, emphasizing the importance of inclusion [1] - The speaker's success in directing and acting in a play that won seven awards marked a turning point, solidifying their career path [2] - The speaker values the recognition and appreciation received, even from a small group of supporters, believing it paves the way for broader acceptance [2] - The speaker advocates for acting on inclusion rather than just talking about it, leading to recognition and acknowledgement [3] - The speaker believes everyone has a story to tell and their voice matters, encouraging self-expression and impact [3]