Four words to take a compliment | Cynthia Barnes | TEDxShawUniversity

Published 2024-04-30
Do you deflect compliments? This powerful TEDx talk reveals why women struggle to own their awesome and offers a simple phrase to change the world. Cynthia BarneS IS A a beacon of resilience, empowerment, and groundbreaking leadership. Rising from the unique challenges of being the only Black family in a Sundown Town, Cynthia has transformed her life's obstacles into powerful lessons of courage and determination. She's not just a trailblazer; she's a ceiling-shatterer, becoming the first Black woman to headline a national sales conference and founding the National Association of Women Sales Professionals. Cynthia's is a 4x Salesforce influencer, a 3x author, and voice behind "Unstoppable" podcast. Her advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in leadership has made her a LinkedIn Top Voice. Cynthia's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person can have in transforming not only their destiny but the industries and communities around them. She embodies the essence of empowerment, inspiring us all to confront challenges with courage, to strive for excellence, and to lead by example. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

All Comments (21)
  • @MarceyRader
    I've been practicing this since watching this live. After my TEDx talk two weeks later, I did exactly what you said. My husband ran up and said I was 'astounding' and my first reaction was to point out a mistake I made. Not only did this deflect the compliment, it took HIS joy as well. I may not say 'it's true' out loud, but I'm practicing saying it in my head and thank you with my words.
  • @robinbarnes5945
    Yes!!! Finally finally someone who “gets it”!! Thank you Cynthia for reminding women that it is okay to graciously receive a compliment and not being ashamed in doing so. Thank you, thank you for doing the work, blazing the trail, and reminding everyone that women in sales are the future! Keep inspiring all of us to aim for that glass ceiling🙌🙌
  • @megandimmer3255
    Cynthia’s revolution of saying “thank you, it’s true” is amazing and her talk is incredibly inspiring! I agree that we absolutely need to own our awesome and start to accept compliments versus deflecting. This behavior change will help women around the world!!!
  • Wow! This is such an important message and Cynthia is amazing! Every woman needs to hear this! Thank you, it’s true!!!
  • As a fellow TEDx speaker, I'm so proud of you Cynthia. My partner gives these lovely compliments to other women as well and gets a similar reaction.
  • @stanphelps224
    Webster's defines flaunt as "to parade without shame." We all need to own our awesome. Cynthia shares the recipe to accomplish this in four words. "Thank you, it's true."
  • @UltraFitDancer
    This is absolutely needed, especially for women. I couldn’t help but note the nervous laughter when you introduced the phrase “Thank you, it’s true!” I use it and teach it to everyone I can!
  • @JustinJones-Fosu
    WOW! The idea of false humility is SOOOO Big. Thank you for sharing this valuable work with the world, and I have even practiced them in my daily life. I have said, "Thank you, it's true" a few times and even if I just said "Thank you" in my head it was true! Laughed at compliment dodge ball!!! Research full and full of amazing impact!!!
  • @DrGlendaClare
    I absolutely LOVED this speech. Thank you - it's true!
  • This is a great reminder to each of us. I very much enjoyed your talk! I will look to embrace my awesome more consistently and not deflect! Thank you...
  • Wow! Wonderfully said Cynthia. This is a great reminder that I needed. Thank you!! 💛
  • @elenikelakos832
    A powerful talk by a powerful speaker with a powerful—and downright revolutionary—message!
  • @BigSkipEnergy
    I remember discussing this exact issue specifically in both psychology and sociology classes. Men are guilty of this occasionally but not nearly to the same degree. Cynthia, you did a great job breaking this down and making women own their awesome!
  • Those were some inspiring words. Keep the great work and inspiring messages up. I truly like that.
  • Fantastic talk, Cynthia!! You've inspired me to write a LinkedIn post about it - I'll be sure to tag you!!
  • @Katie-iz3fu
    This is just not talked about enough. Thank you to Cynthia for bringing it to light in a powerful, articulate, powered up and accessible way. I am definitely going to practice. Great presentation!! ❤🎉