The question lingered in my mind long after the IFEMA conference: “Are you the CEO?” Perhaps it struck me so deeply because I had already been on a journey of self-awareness and accountability. I had been taking small steps toward personal growth, but I soon realized that true self-awareness begins with a complete and honest self-assessment.
One of the most powerful tools for self-awareness is the Johari Window, which divides our self-knowledge into four quadrants:
- Open Area – Things you know about yourself, and others know too.
- Blind Spot – Things others know about you, but you don’t realize.
- Hidden Area – Things you know about yourself that others do not.
- Unknown Area – Things neither you nor others know about you yet.
With this framework in mind, I went back to the basics and asked myself: Who am I?
At first, I tried to make a simple list, but the deeper I went, the more complicated it became. I found that I meant different things to different people. My identity was not static; it evolved over time, shaped by my experiences and interactions. The more I tried to define myself, the more fluid my sense of self became.
Realizing this complexity, I shifted my focus—not just on who I am but on who I want to be. Of course, knowing ourselves is essential, but we are layered beings, shaped by subconscious influences, familial conditioning, and environmental factors. Instead of being confined by past definitions, I made the decision to take ownership of my growth and become the person I aspire to be.
I resolved to embody the identity I wanted for myself—to act, speak, and carry myself in a way that aligns with my aspirations. Not just in how I engage with others, but in how I treat myself.
Because at the end of the day, I am the CEO after all.