Bold and Brave. That’s You.

I am guilty of it. I have noted toxic people and I try to avoid them at all cost. Well, good for me for being so darn positive right? No, there isn’t any uplift in my mental transaction.

A 30-second encounter can open the door for more conversation, but you have to be somewhat interesting in that initial window. As the clock ticks, what do you say…

Opportunities have no color, just power. If I had said No to the white men or white women offering to help or mentor me, my business would likely be drastically different- maybe even non existent.

Happy 2022! Let’s start it with, no, not resolutions (do we really need more chatter on this?), but with grace. I wholeheartedly believe that goodwill can transform us into stronger human beings.

“This is a wonderful day, I’ve never seen it before.” Maya Angelou said it beautifully and seeing it differently can make all of the difference.

So, there are 47 days left in 2021. There is plenty of time for some intentional reflection. I want to help by sharing a unique vessel that might inspire your contemplation.

From the looks of the photo above (which really scared the bejesus out of me) one might think that today’s newsletter is a horror story. It isn’t. It’s a networking story - which for some people can actually be a horror story.

Last week I was driving to the grocery store, on the run for fresh veggies and I decide to take a back road versus the commercial, busy street. My car crept down a shady middle class neighborhood.

As you read this newsletter it’s likely that I’m in the Arizona mountains hiking, meditating, whistling, staying hydrated and of all things - sharing meaningful time with strangers. I’m hiking alone, hitting different trails each day.

I had a talk with my 11-year old god-daughter. She is exquisite. She is hurting. Images on social media are overtaking parts of her esteem.

How many times have you said it: Janice makes me feel _____ or Greg really knows how to make the team feel ______? These feelings can be positive or negative…

You can let it go now. You can hang your hat on this virtual nail and call it. It’s OV-A! Overthinking your actions can be hazardous to your professional growth.

When you take a stand for yourself, or choose a side- any side- there are consequences. Have you given much thought to how your actions directly impact those consequences?

You are untouchable. Unbeatable. You probably have a remedy for the “What if’s” and “Should’ve’s.” Some days though, these worthless questions linger causing a mushy mind, and loss of time. I call them High Potential Blockers.

Greatness is all around you. When things get really good, we want to make sure we’re moving in the right direction. If this new direction is in sync with your values…you are winning! Congrats!

There I was, standing before 300 people. I had the mic. No, I wasn’t keynoting. This time I was a participant. A willing participant. Linda, a short, brave woman facilitated the leadership forum. She was bizarrely powerful. Tough. A real straight shooter.

I suppose there is a correct way to help others, frankly, I’ve never given it much thought until I helped a stranger, we’ll call “Mr. E.” I thought helping was helping, giving was giving and that’s all there is too it. Right?

After witnessing another week of watching Black men (and their families) fight for humanity, over and over again hurts an already rotting wound. I never numb to it.