Who am I? That is the question.

I grew up in Newfoundland which is to say my heart will forever be in Newfoundland. I recall a fond memory of being at the local Legion in the community where my sister-in-law was from. It was a special weekend for the community as it was a resident’s 50th wedding anniversary and also the community’s ‘Come Home Year’ celebration. My dad and I decided to join my brother and sister-in-law for the night and we drove the 5 hours to join them in the celebrations. The evening festivities were centred around a dance and of course the beloved Newfoundland Screech-in at the local Legion. I didn’t know anyone other than my sister in law and her family, but friends are often made fast in small towns. I recall (and always with a smile on my face), the moment a woman approached me with bold and curious enthusiasm and asked, “who’s you?”

For anyone not familiar with Newfoundland, we are known for our own Newfoundland English. An introduction phrase such as “Who’s you?” would be embroidered in the fabric of our unique expression.

Oh, how I adore the bold affection of ‘Newfoundland speak’.

In an attempt to demystify this language, I will share that it simply means, “Who are you? Who are your parents? Where did you come from?”

I quickly responded to her question with an enthusiastic explanation of my lineage and heritage roots, to which the woman responded with a courteous and contented, “Right on.”

Oh how I wish introductions were always that simple.

Although you may sometimes be on the receiving end of a “Who’s you?” question, it is far more likely that you will be the recipient of the much more common and typical, “So, what do you do?” conversation starter.

So, when is the last time you were at a gathering (online or in-person) and someone asked you this question, “What do you do?”

Interestingly, Wayne Brady routinely asks contestants “What do you do” on the game show, “Let’s Make a Deal”. I’ve noticed how much easier it is for contestants who can quickly reply with; A Nurse, A Math teacher, An Electrician, etc. It is those that do not easily fall into an Occupation category, who often struggle with their response.

By all accounts though, it’s a straightforward and simple question. Yet, simultaneously a complicated one.

The question – in its simplicity – insinuates that our identity is based solely on what job we occupy. And at that precise moment in time.

One job. One moment in time.

It does not invite a more in-depth and intimate understanding of someone – the essence of a person.

How could it. By its very nature, it’s a question focused on ‘what you do’, and not ‘who you are.’

I have always struggled with the ‘What do you do” question. Even more so now, since I lept into full-time entrepreneurship two years ago, and put my heart and energy into multiple objectives. My goal at that time was to diversify my career and expand my work to include a broader range of endeavours. All of which were (and are) equally grounded and buoyed at the intersection where my passion and purpose collide.

So, how does one describe what they do, when they do a bunch of different things?

Social media invites us to add hashtags to our bios, which help to highlight a few main descriptors such as #Writer #Blogger #SmallBiz #SocialPurpose #Consultant #Trainer, etc. This certainly helps in the online context.

In spoken dialogue, however, hashtags don’t compute.

Instead, we must gather those words and string them together in a coherent sentence or two. These tethered words must express the essence of you.

It’s a struggle. But it is possible.

And it is necessary.

Like many of you, I’ve been on my share of Zoom calls lately, and each call has been a welcomed complement to my day. I’ve been the beneficiary of many authentic moments of vulnerability and quite a few wisdom nuggets as well.

One thing this Zoom call experience has reinforced for me is that there is a small but special window of opportunity to share the essence of you. If I am asked, “what do you do” and I’m not explicit and articulate in my introduction, I’ve missed this wonderful opportunity to share the essence of me.

Like many people, I do a few different things. But it’s not necessary for me to share everything with everyone, every time. I’ve seen people introduce themselves and say, “I do this, and I also do this, and sometimes I do that,’ and to be honest it completely diminishes the essence of who they are. It’s great that they do all those things, but to the listener/recipient they appear scattered, fragmented, and unfocused. Admittedly, I’ve been guilty of this too. Many times in fact. I now consider these as lost opportunities and somewhat equivalent to that of collecting all the pieces of me and scattering them to the wind. Nothing sticks. It’s just out there fumbling about.

It’s not always easy, as you have to consciously choose which aspect of you gets revealed and shared in those moments. But I find it much easier when I listen to understand and consider how I can best show up at this moment, and for this person.

Yes, it’s a struggle. But, I’ve come to consider that as a good thing. The struggle is a declaration that you (and I) are dynamic. It means that you (and I) are constantly evolving.

You (and I) are the collective aggregate of all our pursuits.

So, the next time someone asks you “What do you do?”, take the opportunity to share the essence of you. But remember to share it as articulately and as thoughtfully as you can.

And be proud of it.

It is uniquely you.

Uniquely yours.

Who am I? That is the question.

With gratitude,

Nicole Osmond

Customer Success Coach

As a Customer Success Coach and 3 X business owner, I am living my passion and helping companies succeed by cultivating a customer committed mindset.

A Writer with Heart – I weave words together to stimulate, elevate, and motivate. My blog is my canvas to share my ‘experience nuggets’ with you! Thanks for stopping by! With gratitude, always – Nicole