BOLD

It’s August and we are still living through a pandemic. Some say this will last longer than anyone expected, particularly in the United States where we are learning more each day the importance of electing courageous caring leadership, having and exercising our voice, and the necessity for accurate, timely, and accessible trusted information.

I’ve been thinking about what it will take to bring about meaningful, sustainable change. I have come to believe if and when we choose to make change happen, and we acknowledge it’s going to be difficult, the one thing we will need is persistence. We will need to draw from other leadership characteristics too. Perseverance and true commitment come to mind, for example. However, I contend that persistence sits most high on the list

Why persistence?

• When you fall, and you will, you will get back up and keep moving.
• When you fail, you will learn and do something different again and again.
• When they knock you down, you will get up and continue forward.
• When you are criticized, you will pause, think, become curious, and act again.
• When they laugh at you, again, you will pause, think, become curious, and act again.
• When your heart breaks, you will pause, think, become curious, and act again.
• When funds are low or you run out of money, you will pause, think, become curious, and act again. Know you will find a way.
• When the lights dim and it seems only darkness remains, you will pause, think, become curious, and act again. Hope shines a light.
• When it seems you have reached the end of all that is possible and you want to quit, you will pause, think, become curious, and act again. Now you know you are close to success.
• When success greets you, you will celebrate, enjoy all that you have done, and know there is more you can do. And you will be more confident, wiser, and more determined knowing you’ve succeeded before you begin. If it’s to be, it’s up to me. My choice. My power. My truth.

Those who know me, know that I am very passionate about leadership – leading oneself and leading others. I retired from corporate to pursue my passion to help reveal the authentic greatness in those I am fortunate enough to coach, mentor, and sponsor.

I’ve had the pleasure to belong to an organization called Information Technology Senior Leadership Forum (ITSMF). It’s also known and valued as “IT’S My Family” to those who are its members. This organization seeks to grow, inspire, and promote primarily black leaders in technology by way of intentional networking and its three highly acclaimed academies – Executive Academy, Management Academy, and EMERGE (Women’s Academy).

As I am involved in one way or another with the academies and the organization, I have reflected on the leadership quality of persistence given the times we live in with the pandemic, social and racial injustice, and our pivotal election year. To this end, I wanted to stress the need for us to be BOLD.

BOLD in our thinking.

BOLD in our actions.

Better. We must think better to be better. We must challenge ourselves and others to do better. We must be willing to be uncomfortable and allow others to be uncomfortable so we can together be better and do better. Being vulnerable is a sign of strength. Through vulnerability we do better, can see better, feel better, become better for ourselves and others. Listen, speak up, and speak out.

Optimistic. With optimism comes confidence, hope, and positivity. When we are lifted up, we are able to see the possibilities, make a way out of no way, dream the impossible. We can dream the impossible and believe it can and will be achieved. We persist in our pursuit of what makes us feel good, valued, and joyous. Even the dips are seen as lessons or challenges to overcome. Be vigilant. Be an Overcomer!

Learning. Failure, disappointments, challenges, regrets are opportunities to learn. When we learn from our mistakes, we’re able to pick ourselves up and forge a new or different path. Without the bumps in the road we might never discover that there are many new things to uncover, shape, and become. Living life is learning. When we cease to learn, we cease to become. The most interesting people are those who are engaged in life, growing, and ever exploring the possibilities. Without learning we will limit our ability to achieve more and become better.

pinterest.com

Determined. I am committed to make a way. I will make it happen. I am unstoppable. These are the sentiments of someone who is a force. It is their conviction, perseverance, and dedication to the cause, the outcome, and the spirit of success that drives their will to become, to achieve. As is the case of this little young girl who is marching with great determination and conviction for justice and peace in our world. RISE UP! Yes, we can, and we will!

“No Justice. No Peace.” news18.com

May you choose to be BOLD carrying your brilliant, compassionate, and persistent drive to become your best self for you most of all. As you see and live your greatness the world is lifted by your light and your joy.

Much love and gratitude,

Let us celebrate the life of an iconic leader, the Honorable Congressman John Lewis, whose light still shines brightly in the hearts and minds of us who he left behind. May we all draw strength and persistence to carry forth his tireless work with love, grace, humility, and deep gratitude. Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble.

“Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.” ― Lewis on political change in Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change