My Biggest Life Lessons as a CEO and Leader
My mother, Iris, always loved Mother’s Day. She milked it. She loved the cards, gifts, dinner, and, most of all, being the center of attention.
The believer in me believes that the psychic who tapped me on my shoulder this week while I was having a cocktail with a client was my mom’s spirit looking for attention. The psychic shared that I would soon sign a big contract.
Iris’ quips, life lessons, and quirky sayings still guide me every day. I hope they inspire you as they do me.
Write Your Own Life Script.
You are the C.E.O. of your life. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Enjoy the process. Trust your gut. There are great opportunities for those who believe in possibilities.
Opportunities don’t come out of thin air but through diligence and hard work. Hard work is supposed to be hard. It’s up to you to go out into the world and turn the page to a new chapter in your story. Make it character-rich and filled with discovery. Be the superhero of your story. Wonder Woman was my Mom’s favorite as she is now mine.
Build your personal brand.
Jeff Bezos said your personal brand is what people say when you leave the room. My mother’s personal brand came through in everything she did. She was styled to perfection, made grand entrances, and left a powerful impression wherever she went. She always said show up as you want to be remembered. Everyone appreciates the positive person who shows up in service of another. Serious is important, but funny is what they'll remember.
Average is Officially Over.
Don’t be average. Be excellent. While Iris loved Woody Allen, she didn’t believe in his saying that “90 percent of life is just showing up”. Just showing up doesn’t even come close to cutting it. Show up as your best self. Deliver excellence. Be exceptional—every day. Surround yourself with those that do the same.
It Is What It Is.
I hated hearing: 'It is what it is.' My mom was curt and swift when she delivered it, usually in response to a complaint or when I felt like a victim of someone else’s actions. You are the only one in control of your destiny. I look back on it now and see she was coaching me. You can only control what you can control.
Know that the darkest nights turn into the brightest times. We can’t control what happens in the world, but we have the power over the choices we make. “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.”
Taking action is the best way to move away from fear and anxiety. Don’t let overwhelm give you permission to stay in place. Don’t worry about how ‘they’ are doing it. They are not you.
Always Be Learning.
Iris knew so much about a lot and took great joy in being curious. If she read a new book, she'd share what she read. When she learned a new skill, she'd insist you learn it as well. Learning makes you more confident. It gives you deeper character. Learning is not about building expertise but about becoming an expert in being curious.
Think Big Picture.
Ask What if? What if you made an unexpected choice? What if you said yes without knowing where it would take you? What if the worst thing possible really turns out to be the best possible thing? Ask what if and see where it takes you.
Be Grateful.
Recognize the gifts you’ve been given each day. Paying tribute has an amazing effect on producing a positive mindset. Today, I’m so grateful for the best things in my life that make me better every day. My blessings are my children, Caroline, Jack, Teddy.
For all of those working moms out there, know that your role-modeling behavior has a profound and positive impact on the ones we love. In 2006, my then 8-year-old son Teddy left this note where I was sure to see it when I arrived home late after a work event and well after Teddy's bedtime. Our children see us.
If you are considering working with a High-Performance Success Coach or want to know more about the components of a coaching engagement, let’s get on a coaching call. As a business coach for women entrepreneurs, Executives, and Teams, my proven engagement method is highly results driven.
The question I get most frequently is, ‘What results can I achieve?’ Here’s what one client shared:
“Coaching is by far the most ROI-positive investment you can make in yourself. Do it! Even if you go in with a specific issue or question, you will be amazed by how the process can change your thinking about who you are, your skills, and where you want to go.”
You can wait for life to no longer be hard. If you are a dreamer and a doer, let’s have a conversation.
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