Welcome to my history! You will not find any fancy degrees or celebrity connections. I grew up poor, but did not know it until I was an adult. My parents divorced when I was 6 years old. My father opted to not be part of my life and was the biggest dead beat dad in the county. The only goal I knew as a child was that I would go to college. My mother had not had the chance and felt it limited her opportunities. I finished my four-year degree two years after graduating high school and then spent 24 years in the banking and finance industry and yes, that is where I found my love for personal growth.
In 2010, I was at the lowest level of management our organization had and was the newest member to that team when we were mandated to participate in Leadership Development. I met with a coach. He reviewed the results of my 360 feedback, asked me to share the two-minute version of my life story, then he looked at me and said based on what you have told me and your results I understand why you are where you are and “if you don’t change, you’re not going any further.”
I was in my early 30s and at the bottom of the corporate management food chain, another 30 years there sounded horrible! That statement as harsh as it felt was a turning point.
I resolved to work on me and that began this journey. I embraced it and every other corporate sponsored leadership development program I was offered. My doing the work to change my style, was noticed and I moved up the ladder.
Of course, I was working my butt off in terms of my job responsibilities as well. Nothing in life has come to me without serious effort.
Within five years I had moved from up to a Senior Vice President reporting directly to the Chief Risk Officer of a $27B bank. I had a six-figure income, no debt, money in the bank and a comfortable home.
I also sought to improve personally, not just professionally. I started reading and learning about personal development and wellness. I turned my hour commute into a self-study program reading books on leadership and personal development.
I studied coaches and authors including Marshall Goldsmith, Patrick Lencioni, Bob Burg and Jen Sincero. Their works and styles vary, but they have all helped shape my style.
One main lesson I have learned is that being humble and serving others is a key to success.
As I continued to achieve, I increased my giving, not just in terms of money, but of time and example. I have volunteered as a coach in our junior field hockey program for over 10 years, served as the director of that program for over 5 years and as a religious education instructor at my church for over 5 years. Additionally, I serve through various other roles with my church and community. I mentored those in my office who were earlier in their career path.
I took every opportunity I could to ‘pay it back.’
My mother told me I would be a success in life or she would live with me forever.
The fact that she passed away when I was 38 makes me think I met her definition of success. Now, I want to help others find their definition of success.
There are days I’m amazed at the life I live. Let me help you know that feeling too.