blogging101 – Page 2 – Success Strategies

The Power of Paying It Forward in Leadership

Pay it Forward

If you can’t pay it back, pay it forward. ~Catherine Ryan Hyde

Standing in line at the cashier, I decided to pay with the cash I had on hand. The amount came to the exact dollar amount in my wallet, except it needed thirteen cents more. I rummaged through my handbag to cover the difference. The woman behind me said, “Hey, I’ll get it for you.”

Instead of accepting her offer, I searched frantically for the coins, only to remember that I keep my change in the car. She repeated gently, “I’ll get it.” I insisted that I would pay her back when we got outside. She simply replied, “Pay it forward.” Immediately, I understood and promised I would.

I left the store, found the coins in my car, and was about to give her a quarter as she exited. Then I was reminded of her words about paying it forward. I took a deep breath, sighed, and drove away.

How many times has this happened to me? I genuinely like to give but am always hesitant to receive. As I coach my clients, I recognize it’s important to do both—give generously and also be willing to accept graciously in return. One friend once countered my reluctance by saying, “Don’t stop my blessings.”

Leaders Struggle

This simple exchange reveals a profound leadership lesson about the grace of receiving. Many leaders struggle with accepting help, viewing it as weakness or loss of control. However, graceful receiving is actually a powerful leadership skill that creates deeper connections and empowers others.

When we refuse help, we inadvertently rob others of the joy of giving and contributing. We also model unhealthy self-reliance that can isolate us from our teams and communities. The most effective leaders understand that accepting assistance with gratitude creates a culture of mutual support and reciprocity.

Consider this: Every time someone offers to help you—whether it’s covering thirteen cents, sharing an idea, or taking on a task—they’re extending trust and care. Your gracious acceptance validates their value and strengthens the relationship.

Challenge yourself this week to practice receiving with the same intentionality you bring to giving. Say “thank you” instead of “you didn’t have to.” Accept compliments without deflecting. Allow others to contribute to your success. Remember, true leadership isn’t about having all the answers or resources—it’s about creating an environment where everyone can contribute their gifts, including to you.

Pay it forward, yes. But first, allow yourself to receive what’s being offered.

How to Answer ‘Why Did You Leave Your Previous Employer’?

“Change is not a threat, it’s an opportunity. Survival is not the goal, transformative success is.” — Seth Godin

I was asked the question how do I respond when asked “why did I leave my previous employer.” I decided to share the response through this scenario.

John’s longtime supervisor transferred to another region, leaving him under new management. Unfortunately, the transition wasn’t smooth—his new supervisor was inexperienced, and their working styles didn’t align. Before long, John was placed on a performance plan with reasons that weren’t clearly defined.

As the situation unfolded, John was given the option to either continue under the plan or move on. After thoughtful consideration and advice from trusted mentors, he chose to resign.

While the experience was challenging, John views it as a turning point. It clarified the kind of environment in which he does his best work—one with clear expectations, collaborative leadership, and mutual respect.

Why did you leave your previous employer?

In interviews, the inevitable “Why did you leave?” question can be answered truthfully yet professionally. In John’s case, he felt overwhelmed and contacted his coach to identify how to appropriately respond. The focus should be on what he learned and how he’s now positioned to contribute more effectively in a role that aligns with his strengths.

Stay Truthful Without Oversharing

How someone frames their exit can make a huge difference in how a future employer perceives them. If an employee was asked to resign, the goal is to stay truthful without oversharing, keep it professional, and pivot the conversation back to strengths and fit.

Here are some ways they can respond depending on the situation:

1. Frame It as a Mutual Decision

“The role turned out not to be the best fit for my strengths and career goals. After discussions with leadership, we mutually agreed it would be best for me to move on.”
This works well if they don’t want to sound negative or defensive.

2. Emphasize Reorganization / Role Misalignment

“The company was restructuring, and my role was impacted. While I gained valuable experience, it was the right time to look for opportunities better aligned with my skills.”
Neutralizes blame and shows adaptability.

3. Focus on Growth & Future

“I realized that the position wasn’t the right long-term fit. I decided to transition out so I could pursue opportunities where I can contribute at a higher level.”
Reframes the resignation as intentional rather than forced.

4. Highlight Lessons Learned

“That experience taught me a lot about [communication, leadership, project management, etc.]. I’m now looking forward to applying those lessons in a new environment where I can thrive.”
Shows maturity, resilience, and a forward-looking attitude.

5. Keep It Brief & Positive

If pressed further:

“I’d prefer to focus on the value I can bring to this role. I’m confident the skills I developed will be an asset here.”
Avoids being dragged into negativity or long explanations.

Avoid:

Speaking negatively about the past employer.
Using words like “fired,” “forced,” or “terminated” unless directly asked (then explain calmly and factually).
Sounding evasive—short, honest, positive answers work best.

If you are in this situation, we hope this helps as a brief guide on how to handle the situation as you transition into new role.

On the other hand, have you ever experienced a case like this? How did you handle this rather sensitive career journey? Do share, we would love to hear.

Empowering Quotes for Entrepreneurs: Fuel Your Journey

Start by doing what’s necessary l; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible. ~St. Francis of Assisi

Starting something new takes courage. Whether it’s launching a business, chasing a career dream, or stepping into the unknown, the journey can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Fear, doubt, and challenges often show up uninvited, tempting us to give up before we’ve even begun.

That’s exactly why I created my newest book, 101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs.

This isn’t just another quote collection. It’s a daily dose of encouragement designed to remind you that setbacks are temporary, obstacles are stepping stones, and success is possible when you keep moving forward.

Why This Book Matters

Every entrepreneur and dreamer knows the reality: there will be days when you question yourself. This book is here for those exact moments—when you need that spark to reignite your drive.

Inside, you’ll discover:
✨ Quotes that challenge fear and fuel confidence
✨ Encouragement to push through hard days and keep showing up
✨ Wisdom from timeless voices that inspire resilience and growth

Whether you’re building a business, pursuing a new career path, or simply in need of a reminder to keep going, these words of encouragement will meet you where you are.

Pre-Order Your Copy Now

101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs will be available September 29, but you can pre-order your copy now!

Here’s how you can support and spread empowerment:

Order your copy today and be among the first to receive it.
Leave a review once you’ve read it—your feedback encourages others to join the journey.
Gift a copy (or two!) to the entrepreneurs, creators, and go-getters in your life who could use a reminder that giving up is never an option.

Final Thoughts

Dreams are built one step at a time. Challenges are part of the process. And sometimes, all you need is the right word at the right time to keep moving forward.

This book is that reminder.

Don’t wait—101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs now. Join me in fueling a movement of empowered entrepreneurs who choose courage over fear and persistence over giving up.

One Love: The Challenge..The Meaning

one love pic

One Love is universal. My perspective ….curled up on an island with a good book. Can’t help but to think of the legendary Bob Marley’s song …One Love.

Weekly photo challenge <a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/one-love/”>One Love</a>

Take the Leap

The challenges of life can often be scarey. But you know what’s worse? Not having tried at all. Today, let’s be encouraged to take the leap! Go after your dreams! Goals! Aspirations! Whichever way, you will be a success for having tried.

Go ahead….leap!

Survive! Desert Island Must Haves

Daily prompt: A classic question, revisited: what are the five items you must have on a deserted island?

The results are in! 5 Desert island essentials polled are:

Water &/or filtration bottle for purification
Tent
Knife
lighter or matches
Warm clothes

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/five-items/”>Five Items</a>

If I had 6 hours….

saw

If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first four hours sharpening my axe. Abraham Lincoln

How I Became a Human Resource Manager

iphone pics 005

I never dreamed of a career in Human Resources. From an early age, I would look to the stars and dream of being involved in healthcare, or the airline industry. Of course these are two very different industries but my passion for people was evident from then. After graduating high school, I got the dream call for an interview as a flight attendant. I am always punctual, but for some strange reason I ended up being 10 minutes late for the interview, and was ‘disqualified’ from that opportunity.

I took it as a sign when I was hired by one of the nation’s big commercial banks. That opened the doors to human resource management for me; or as it was called back then—personnel management. I was exposed to benefits administration, performance management, and more. Being the fast learner that I am—I learned, and learned, and learned.

This boosted me into the next position with a major international pharmaceutical company, that further exposed me to human resource management at the global level. I learnt not only the facets of HR at the local level, but had to interpret laws and practices for different countries that fell under my portfolio of responsibility. In my job I had to travel across countries throughout the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Education

What about education? As I journeyed, I felt led to receive formal training. Armed with a Bachelors in Business Management, I pursued a Masters in Human Resource Management. I also decided to minor in HR Development, while studying Doctorate in Education, Major Organizational Leadership. This then propelled my current role as Coach, and Human Resource Consultant.

As laws, technology and people change, there is no doubt that it is an advantage to become a member of organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This syncs with organizations such as local Human Resource Associations. Personally, I continue to participate in local, and national conferences. These days I conduct personal development Success workshops, backed by my research and subsequent publishing of book on Leaders and Success Strategies.

Success and Challenges Along the Way

Naturally, there have been challenges along the way. My most challenging feat arose during my first encounter with an international merger, between two giant pharmaceutical companies. Embracing two different cultures, employee relations issues, diversity, compensation, and benefits management in different countries was a challenge, to say the least. But as I look back and reflect on the Employer of Choice award, I am pleased. This experience molded me into my love for change management today. This passion has taken me across different industries including healthcare, hospitality, and others to name a few.

Even though there have been ups and downs since then, I have never regretted my decision to enter this profession. Every time I help a client improve their business, it makes me feel totally satisfied. Hearing the frustrations in their voices when they first contact me, and then seeing the satisfaction on their faces when things improve… is exhilarating!

In addition, The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) shared the result of the annual compilation of the most in-demand jobs done by CareerBuilder, and Economic Modeling Specialist International. Not surprising, Human Resource jobs were included among the top 20 positions-yea! The article stated that Human Resource Managers require a college degree and that this career position has grown by over 14,218 since 2010. This confirms that yes, it is a fine time to get into Human Resources.

So if you have the people skills, the spirit of resilience, and other facets mentioned, then go for it! Despite the stresses of the position, the job is totally satisfying….and oh by the way, it pays too. So what are you waiting for? Get started today, and if you’re like me, you’ll have no regrets!

Interested in how others got into this profession, read SHRM’s https://shar.es/1CXf4p via @SHRM

Seasons of Our Lives

seasons

Marriages. Births. Graduations. Careers. Deaths. To everything there is a season. Today’s prompt encouraged us to examine our lives. What season are we in? We plant in the Springtime, and in the Summer we nurture, support, develop, improve. Then reap the flow of our work in the Fall. In the Winter with its stabbing cold, we prepare the way for yet another springtime.

It’s the same in our lives. Laura speaks of her temporary rain. At times we experience sorrow and grief. At times both pain and happiness. If we are single, we want to get married. Then we want to have kids. Then we want them to grow up and get out of the house. Then we experience sadness because the kids are out, and we are lonely. We may smile but tis true. Seems we are never satisfied, always asking ourselves what if

To everything there is a season. What season of life are you in now? With the sickness of a loved one, the publishing of a book, and more… mine is mixed as depicted in this photo. What’s yours?

Seasons

`<a href="https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/flow/">Flow</a>`

Widetize! World’s Best Widget

Arhhh do I have to get up? Can’t I just call in? Do I need to go to school? Is it morning already? Arhhh!!

It’s not uncommon to hear these complaints in the mornings from our young ones, teens, employees and all. So for the benefit of (blogging 101’s daily post challenge) my college daughter asked that I create a magic widget that will remove all fatigue! Grogginess! Lethargy! Tiredness! You name the feeling and immediately it will be gone in a flash!

So here’s how it works. It’s just like your alarm except it has a built-in widget that’s voice and touch sensitive! Simply press the device we named WIDGETIZE. It provides immediate energy! It will boost your adrenaline causing you to be jump out of bed and get to work, school, wherever on time! You’re sure to surprise those familiar with your morning lethargy!. It’s reasonably priced. Share with a friend and get this WIDGETIZE device. Our only disclaimer is that you will have to get the energy to speak, or reach over and simply press the widget to be energized!! Come on Widgetize! Widgetize!

a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/worlds-best-widget/”>World’s Best Widget</a>

What if?

do it pic

The TIME magazine’s editorial article examined the question “what if” based on various scenarios of life experiences. What if robots went to fight war? What if your brain confesses in court? What if we live to be 100, or even longer? Interesting questions. What if?

What is your question? Is there something you long to do? What if you could do it?

Now think about it even more. What if you had all the resources in the world available to you, would you go ahead and do your “what if”?

I was chatting with an executive head of an entertainment business that has many locations worldwide. She said in the early days if she thought about all the things that could go wrong maybe she would not have achieved the success she has today. She simply had an idea and worked towards it defying business logic.

So Go ahead, think positively. Activate your what if. Activate your dream. It may just surprise you inspite of your questions, inspite of your fears. Be courageous. Act today. Accomplish your “what if”.

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/evasive-action/”>Evasive Action</a>

The Journey. Keep Going, don’t stop.

jouney

I’ll never forget the sight. Standing in line more than a decade ago with hundreds of graduates awaiting the march into the ceremony, I saw my mom and dad walking in together a little late. She, with a basket of fruits too heavy for her to bear, but far too precious not to. Him, adorned in a bright red jacket as if to say “nobody is going to make me miss this special occasion when my daughter receives her Masters degree”! I thought to myself…should I acknowledge them or should I shy away from this somewhat humorous sight? I dismissed the very thought and rushed to their side hugging them both. My action was met with admiration, claps, and with sounds of “aww”, as the waiting graduates stirred. Needless to say that this achievement was for both my parents as neither had college degrees. After the ceremony, my mom hugged and congratulated me with the question “when are you going to get the Doctorate?” The nerve! How could she? But her question stayed with me for years, even after the receipt of yet another Masters degree.

Years later, I finally acceded to fulfilling her dream. She couldn’t do it so I decided to do it for her. A year into the program while enroute to a mandated summer conference in Orlando, I received a call that she (with whom I spoke an hour earlier), had suffered a massive stroke!

That was the start of a yearlong journey to be by her side through thick and thin. Ironically both our journeys were paths of learning. Hers being to learn to talk, to walk, to eat, to do life’s simple things, and to learn the basics of living all over again. Me, to face the reality of the situation that my mother was in, and to learn the skills to adequately provide her care. Along with my two sisters (one who was ailing with the ravages of cancer at the time), we brought her to live closer so we could adequately care for her return to ‘normalcy’.

As I reflect on my dissertation journey, on one occasion I remember receiving an important call from a professor while attending to her needs. I answered the call, got the coaching from the professor then returned to finish her care. This became a routine.

I remember being by her side at the hospital for hours, days, weeks. She was my morning motivation. I couldn’t start the day without her knowing that I cared. It was the same at nights. I couldn’t end the day without visiting her; without her knowing that I was there for her. At work, the leaders knew that if they wanted my best then I needed an hour to be with my mom which was the fuel for the rest of the day. I happily worked that back during lunch or after hours. This went on for a year but sadly she never recovered. We later discovered that her body was wreaked with cancer unknown to our family. It was too much for her to bear.

After she passed this was my driving force. I had to finish my studies for her. I had to accomplish her dream, something she couldn’t do herself. I had to finish to show my two girls that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. I had to finish and leave something tangible behind. This culminated in a research to track the paths of immigrant leaders and their journey to success to achieve the American Dream. I accomplished that feat two years after she passed away. The research is now published and available here. I now spend my time coaching individuals and entrepreneurs to never give up; to keep going, because with that passion they will accomplish their dreams.

Leaders Struggle

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Stay Truthful Without Oversharing

1. Frame It as a Mutual Decision

2. Emphasize Reorganization / Role Misalignment

3. Focus on Growth & Future

4. Highlight Lessons Learned

5. Keep It Brief & Positive

Avoid:

Share this:

Why This Book Matters

Pre-Order Your Copy Now

Final Thoughts

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<a href="https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/flow/">Flow</a>

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`<a href="https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/flow/">Flow</a>`