I had the pleasure of being published on Fearless Females Forum. Learn more about me and my personal philosophy.
- What’s the most courageous decision you’ve made?
I have to go with joining the U.S. Navy. I came from a small town and I had dropped-out of High School, and lived in a fairly dysfunctional home. I was not encouraged to push myself or pursue my dreams. Yet, I yearned for something more than working in a factory, or at K-Mart, so I joined the Navy. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it gave me the structure and role models to succeed in as an adult. I started college while I was in the Navy. Once I got out, I finished college and eventually received my Master’s degree.
- What choices are most important to you?
Simply having the ability to choose is important to me. I’m so grateful for where we are as women. Even though we have a long way to go. Every day I have a choice, of who to meet, where to drive, where to spend my money, what clothes to wear, etc.
- What fears have you conquered?
I struggled well into adulthood with a lack of confidence. Afraid of what others think of me, afraid of making mistakes, afraid that when others get to know me they won’t like me. What has saved me from my fears is my optimism and my philosophy that I could (and did) learn anything I needed. Learning is magical because we can change our circumstances if we learn to. I have conquered timidity and self-consciousness and become more self-aware, better at my work, a better friend and wife, a stronger and more impactful leader and a happier, more confident person.
- What conversation made the most impact on you?
It’s difficult to point to one conversation that impacted me the most. The ones that definitely had the largest impact on me were the people who told me to quit, to just get a job and not pursue an education, to get a job and not struggle to be an entrepreneur. When people have told me not to do something or that I could not do something, I generally do it, and most of the time, I am successful.
- What do you want women to get clear about?
Who are you going to listen to? You know what you desire and you know the life you want to lead. Quit waiting for approval and to build up your confidence. Dive in because we need more gritty women leaders out here.