Blog
10 years ago, I decided to launch my own business. I knew why I needed to do it: to heal from years of workplace stressors and control my daily schedule. I knew who I would work with and on behalf of: people and organizations that wanted to operate in partnership rather than transactionally….
On the evening that I put in my resignation, I went to a nice dinner—a slow, leisurely meal during which I savored every smell, every bite, and every sip. Joined by my friend, Alisha, I let myself be taken care of, and realized just how much I had missed that kind of care. We ate, laughed, and indulged in the moment. We talked about movies, TV, friendships, and our careers.
I've been thinking, now is the time to tell our stories.
So many of us are facing decision fatigue and media overwhelm. During this particularly high-stakes election year in the U.S., we are in the position to decipher between well-crafted and heartfelt messages, arguments, and campaigns, and those that are ill-informed and ill-intended. My awareness of just how much we need true stories is as heightened as ever.
From the start of my academic career. I actively sought out mentorship. I was looking for people who would provide guidance, feedback, and who were willing to share their experiences and lessons learned. One that remains a mentor today, is Charmaine McClarie.
Right after graduating from California State University, I got an incredible opportunity—a family friend referred me for a role on the public relations team in a tech start-up. Based in Mountain View, California at a time when start-ups were popping up around the region, this was a huge opportunity to get a position in my major and in a community where I was born, raised, and educated.
This is a challenging time. As financial distress begins to touch more people more intimately, the collective weight of this shared experience and the disparities we all see is taking its toll, and it is inviting change. This is a moment in time and—albeit a heavy moment—it also presents an opportunity to step into your calling.