“When you start out from a place of disadvantage, your progress really means something! It means you have created a pathway for others to follow.”
If you have heard my personal story before you already know these two things; I came from very humble beginnings and I credit my personal traits of “determination” and “resilience” which have helped to shape my success to my mother and grandmother who both labored tirelessly on a plantation when I was a kid.
As we close out International Women’s Month, I can’t help but think of how proud my grandmother would have been to see me show up and make a difference in the spaces where God has planted me. Whether I like it or not, I now accept that God has chosen me to lead. I recognize that leadership is not just a position but a responsibility. It’s about showing up consistently, even when it’s uncomfortable, and leading with purpose, courage, perseverance and humility.
The more I found myself being pulled into the light to lead, the more I was forced to come to grips with the fact that along with the rewards, growth leaves you feeling uneasy, exposed and uncomfortable. Intrigued by the teachings of my favorite leadership expert, John Maxwell who reminds us that “comfort and growth cannot coexist”, I made a conscious decision years ago to show up for my past, present and future generations.
Believe me when I tell you, it takes courage to step into the light and do anything of significance. Today, despite storms that come my way, I show up in the confidence of knowing who God has called me to be. I no longer ask the question “Why Me”? I truly understand that to know much is given, much is expected so I show up as though there is inheritance already attached to my name because this is the only kind of energy we can bring forth if we are to change or impact our environments. Whether it be in my highs or my lows, I now face life with a renewed philosophy of “why not me?”
When you start out from a place of disadvantage, your progress really means something! It means you have created a pathway for others to follow. I totally understand now that my progress is bigger than me. My commitment to showing up with a spirit of excellence remains unwavering.
Overtime, I have come to embrace these fundamental life lessons that will forever shape my journey:
✨ Purpose – We are all born with a purpose far greater than ourselves. Blessed are those who discover it and choose to walk in their calling. My purpose is to inspire and positively impact the people and environments within my influence, creating a lasting effect for those around me and the generations coming behind me.
✨ Courage – Confidence is often praised, but to accelerate action requires courage. The willingness to step forward even when fear grips away at your chest. It’s the people with courage that truly make a difference in this uncertain world.
✨ Perseverance – Or as I sometimes call it, grit! This is the key to unlocking new levels of growth and resilience. Overcoming adversity with grace and humility is a superpower, earned only through experience. Those who endure life’s storms emerge stronger, ready to step into the next phase of their journey.
✨ Character – Your attitude shapes your character, and your character determines your growth and the way you show up in every season life brings. As leaders, we must recognize that we can only live, love, and lead from the core of who we truly are. The higher up you go, the more your true character is revealed; you must therefore ask yourself, what does your character say about you?
As a woman in business, I stand in a unique position. I witness both the progress we’ve made and the challenges that continue to hold us back. My personal commitment to paying it forward is deeply rooted in my passion for inspiring others to aspire for more. I am charting a path not just for myself but for those who will come after me – my hope is that others inspired by my journey will find the courage to step up to the plate to claim their God-given destiny.
Life Lessons 