I now write with that sense of urgency to get what’s inside of me ….I write because I have learned from the mistakes and mishaps of others.
I Write Because….
I Write Because….
Tag: personal growth
6 Thinking Traps Holding You Back
You can’t grow without letting go. ~Unknown
Gaps in your thinking traps your personal, business, or career Growth. Here are 6 reasons.
6 Reasons Your Thinking Traps Your Growth
- The Knowledge Gap: I don’t know how to grow
- The timing Gap: It’s not the Right time
- The Mistake Gap: I’m afraid of making mistakes
- The Perfectionist Gap: I have to find the best way before I start
- The lack of Inspiration Gap: I don’t feel like doing it
- The Comparison Gap: Others are better than me
Which one, two or more do you identify with? Think about it and share. We can’t wait to hear.
Cheers!
Photo by Frank K on Pexels.com
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5 Leadership Lessons from Great Teachers
Dead Poets Society
Clarity builds trust and momentum
Summer is almost over and it’s time to make all those back-to-school plans. As we make those plans, lets pause for a minute. Think of a teacher or two who made a difference in your life. Personally, as I age, I think about those teaching experiences and the effect they had on my leadership journey. As I look back, I think of society’s great teachers like Erin Gruwell, Maria Montessori, and the fictional Mr. Keating (Dead Poets Society).
Here are 5 lessons leaders can learn from great teachers.
1.Clarity is Powerful
Teachers break down complex topics into simple, digestible pieces.
Leaders must do the same—clearly communicate vision, expectations, and feedback so everyone understands what success looks like.
Lesson: Say less, mean more. Clarity builds trust and momentum.
2. Patience Enables Progress
Teachers know learning takes time and that growth isn’t always linear.
Leaders should extend grace and patience during times of transition, failure, or new learning curves—whether with teams or themselves.
Lesson: Progress often looks like repetition before results.
3. Individual Strengths Matter
Great teachers recognize that not every student learns the same way.
Great leaders acknowledge that not every employee works, leads, or grows the same. They tailor support, roles, and recognition accordingly.
Lesson: Personalize your leadership to bring out the best in each person.
4. Structure Creates Freedom
Teachers use routines and structure to create a safe space for creativity and exploration.
Leaders who implement clear systems give their teams the confidence and autonomy to take initiative.
Lesson: Strong frameworks unlock innovative thinking.
5. Passion Inspires Performance
Teachers who genuinely care spark curiosity and motivation.
Leaders who lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart cultivate higher engagement and loyalty.
Lesson: When you model passion, people give their best
As school begins its opening session, the road becomes a task / lesson plan in and of itself. What are your thoughts on the top five lessons? Anything missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.
Don’t forget to connect if you would like to discuss your own leadership growth journey.
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5 Great Teachers—Real and Iconic—Who’ve Made a Lasting Impact
What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is engraved in the lives of others
Pericles
Behind every great leader is a story of someone who taught them how to think, not what to think. Whether in classrooms, communities, or through powerful stories, teachers like Anne Sullivan, Jaime Escalante, Erin Gruwell, Maria Montessori, and even the fictional Mr. Keating from Dead Poets Society have left lasting legacies. They did not just impart knowledge, but they also unlocked human potential. Their bold approaches, deep empathy, and unwavering belief in those they taught offer rich leadership lessons for anyone seeking to inspire, elevate, and transform others.
1. Anne Sullivan – Teacher of Helen Keller
Why she matters: Sullivan’s unshakable belief in Helen’s potential shows the power of persistence, adaptive teaching, and emotional intelligence.
Leadership lesson: Believe in others, even when they can’t yet believe in themselves.
2. Jaime Escalante – Math Teacher, ‘Stand and Deliver‘
Why he matters: Taught AP Calculus in a struggling inner-city school, proving that high expectations and dedication can change lives.
Leadership lesson: Set the bar high and show people they can reach it.
3. Erin Gruwell – English Teacher, “Freedom Writers”
- Why she matters: Helped under-served students find their voices through journaling and literature.
- Leadership lesson: Create a safe culture for expression and transformation.
4. Maria Montessori – Founder of the Montessori Method
Why she matters: Revolutionized education by emphasizing self-directed learning, observation, and individual strengths.
Leadership lesson: Foster autonomy and trust people to grow when given the right environment.
5. Mr. Keating – Fictional Teacher, “Dead Poets Society”
Why he matters: Though fictional, Mr. Keating represents the kind of leader who challenges others to think differently, embrace risk, and “seize the day.”
Leadership lesson: Inspire people to think for themselves and lead with courage.
Which iconic teacher has made a lasting impression on you as a leader? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
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The Pain of Not Embracing Coaching
Innovation Distinguishes. A group of cross-cultural leaders gathered together to discuss the Cultural Undervaluing of Professional Coaching. Education is a crucial pillar of development, but it is not the full structure. Professional coaching, especially in career planning, mindset growth, and personal branding, is often seen as optional, extravagant, or even unnecessary.
Chris, Maxine, and I, focused on The Pain of Not Embracing Coaching. It has many effects. Here are a few:
Underdeveloped Potential
Talented individuals stay stuck in survival mode. They fail to unlock their genius because no one helps them think strategically about their growth.
Career Plateau
Professionals with great resumes stall out due to poor networking, weak positioning, or self-limiting beliefs.
Global Irrelevance
In our rapidly changing world where soft skills, emotional intelligence, and AI adaptability are premium assets, people fall behind.
Silent Suffering
Many carry silent frustrations; “I’m better than this, but I don’t know how to rise.” Coaching could be the very bridge out of that quiet despair.
Join the conversation. Let’s hear your thoughts.
Rather a private chat? Chat me now.
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The Story Behind Success Strategies (And What’s Coming Next …
I love to write! It’s a passion that began during my primary education years. I reflect on those early years. Back then, my uncle (an educator and school principal), would gift me with a book on birthdays and Christmas holidays. This was his custom instead of the usual and more preferential ‘toys’. Though disappointed then, I would dive into the books reading for hours.
As life progressed and blogging became a thing, I created my first blog A Moment With Shells in 2010. Later, on completion on my postgraduate education, I formalized this blog titled Successful Leaders to share my passion. It focused on empowering developing leaders through personal growth, leadership development, and success strategies.
That was a over a decade ago. Funny how time flies when you’re having fun!
Here’s an overview of my efforts to create articles, writings, or gleanings. The idea was to uplift, encourage subscribers and visitors under the headings listed.
Goal Setting & Achievement
The blog emphasizes the importance of setting clear, actionable goals. It encourages readers to commit to their objectives, keep them visible, and seek accountability to stay on track. Inspirational quotes from figures like Jim Rohn and Tony Robbins are used to motivate readers to design their own life plans and persist in their pursuits.
Discovering Purpose & Passion
Articles guide readers in uncovering their life purpose by reflecting on personal experiences, childhood interests, and unique talents. Techniques such as visualization, journaling, and seeking feedback from friends are recommended to help individuals find fulfillment and direction.
Stress Management & Work Life Balance
The website offers strategies for managing stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance. It highlights the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, seeking professional support, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being.
Embracing Change & Personal Growth
Recognizing when it’s time for change is a recurring theme. Writings discuss signs that indicate the need for a new direction and encourages readers to take proactive steps toward personal development. It also emphasizes the courage required to make significant life changes.
Writing, Publishing & Legacy Building
For aspiring authors, the site provides insights into the publishing process, including self-publishing and audiobook production. It also encourages writers to reflect on their life experiences and consider the legacy they wish to leave through their work.
Overall, Successful Leaders serves as a resource for individuals seeking inspiration and practical advice on personal development, leadership, career change and achieving success in various aspects of life.
Subscribe Now! Get on Board
Subscribe to keep updated on upcoming new and exciting developments. Have you been a follower? If so, how long and how have you benefited? Do share, we would love to hear!
Cheers!
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Top 12 Places to Donate Your Books
With so many books to choose from, you’ll have the hard part of deciding which one to donate.
On Instagram I shared the hard task of purging my books. I have a million with little or no storage space. But what happened was…. During my purge, I ended up reading and re-claiming books.
I decided to share my work (purge in process), and an interested person asked, “where can you donate books?” I responded briefly but decided to post more here on the blog.
Popular and Unique Places to Donate Books
Local Donation Options
- Public Libraries
- Many libraries accept gently used books for their collections or book sales.
- Call ahead—they often have specific donation days or guidelines.
- Schools & Colleges
- Especially helpful for children’s books, young adult novels, and textbooks.
- Contact local principals, librarians, or teachers to ask if they need donations.
- Community Centers / YMCA / Local Clubs
- Often accept books for literacy programs, tutoring, or community libraries.
- Hospitals & Nursing Homes
- They may accept clean, gently used books for waiting rooms or patient use.
- Churches / Faith-Based Organizations
- Great place to donate devotionals, spiritual books, or children’s materials.
Charitable Organizations
- Goodwill or Salvation Army
- Accepts a wide range of books. Proceeds support their employment programs.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores
- Some locations take books to sell in support of housing projects.
- Books for Africa / Books Through Bars / Better World Books
- Organizations that distribute books to under-served communities locally or globally.
- Little Free Library
- Find a nearby box via littlefreelibrary.org and drop books off for community sharing.
Online / Specialized Options
- Freecycle.org / Buy Nothing Groups (Facebook)
- Offer books locally for free and connect with those who want them.
- Local Prison Programs
- Many prisons accept paperback books only. Check with local chaplains or nonprofits.
- Book Drives / Literacy Nonprofits
- Check with local literacy organizations or Rotary Clubs—they may be running book drives.
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The Power of the In-Between: Leading Through Life’s Transitions
Sometimes God brings times of transition to create transformation. ~Lynn Cowell
Transition is not a sign that something’s gone wrong.
It’s often a sign that something deeply right is trying to emerge.
Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, stepping into leadership, returning to yourself after raising children, grieving a loss, starting over, or simply outgrowing who you used to be — you are not lost.
You are in motion.
And motion is sacred.
Transitions Aren’t Detours
So many of us have been taught to treat transitions like detours. Inconveniences. Delays.
But in my experience — and maybe in yours too — transitions are not detours. They are invitations.
Invitations to pause.
To listen.
To lead our lives more deliberately.
There’s a quote I love:
Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried but actually you’ve been planted
So if you’re feeling buried right now — by uncertainty, or fear, or change — know this:
You’re not stuck.
You’re becoming.
Whether it’s career change, motherhood, empty nesting, loss, or reinvention — transitions are not delays. They’re sacred invitations to pause, realign, and step into something deeper.
Who You Are Becoming is Just as Important as What You’re Doing
Our default in transition is to rush into action.
Update the resume. Apply for roles. Rebrand the business. Hustle harder.
But what if the first step wasn’t “What should I do?”
What if it was: “Who am I becoming?”
Because clarity doesn’t come from more motion.
It comes from alignment. From asking:
- What do I no longer want to carry?
- What am I being called to step into?
- What version of me is ready to emerge?
This is your opportunity to shape your next self, not just your next job title, or business pivot, or life chapter.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
One of the hardest things about transitions? They can feel so lonely.
Especially for women who are used to being the strong ones, the fixers, the go-to for everyone else.
But here’s what I want to say to you today:
You are not alone. And you’re not the only one feeling “in between.”
Let this season be one where you ask for help.
Where you find community.
Where you give yourself permission to rebuild — slowly, honestly, bravely.
Because you don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.
You just have to decide you’re worth the becoming.
Wrapping it Up
So if you’re in transition today — good.
It means you’re alive.
It means something inside you is shifting. Growing. Healing.
Honor that.
You don’t need to go back to who you were.
You are being invited to rise into who you’re becoming.
And I promise — she is worth the wait.
Going through a transition and feeling confused? Let’s connect
Cheers!
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Give Her the Gift of Growth This Mother’s Day
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How Can Leaders Take Charge of Limited Resources to Achieve Better Outcomes?
66 Percent of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96 percent of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.
Begin with the end in mind. ~Steven Covey
It was a pleasure to speak on the topic Prioritizing Workloads at the HR and Business Leader’s Council of Florida
Education, Social Impact and Networking event.
A fitting topic as 66% of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96% of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.
As we forge through the new year, it’s statistics like these and the impact on organizational and personal stress that led to the Council’s forward thinking to bring it to the forefront of the business leader’s mind.
How can we prepare? How can leaders take charge of their limited resources to achieve better outcomes?
Covey steered strategists to Begin with the End in mind. 🎯 Prioritizing limited time and resources work wonders. Most of all learn to say ‘No’
to time wasters and set boundaries. 🚫
Suffice it to say, there was much to synergize and Dave & Buster’s Inc.
provided the right space.
It’s time to take charge of your priorities. Stay tuned for more on the Urgent vs. Important Matrix.
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Understanding Emotional Exhaustion: 5 Key Signs
Self-care is how you take your power back
Lalah Delia
Long days at work, inability to meet financial needs, household chores, relationship strains. All these can take a toll on us at times. Here are 5 signs associated with burnout. Read and examine each. Then apply it to yourself.
1.Emotional Exhaustion
Feeling drained, overwhelmed, and unable to recover from daily stressors, with persistent mental and physical fatigue.
2.Decreased Performance
Reduced productivity, struggling to concentrate, missing deadlines, and experiencing a significant drop in work quality.
3.Detachment and Cynicism
Developing a negative, indifferent, or callous attitude towards work, colleagues, and responsibilities. Feeling disconnected and unmotivated.
4.Physical Symptom
Experiencing frequent headaches, sleep disruptions, changes in appetite, weakened immune system, and increased vulnerability to illness.
5.Lack of Work-Life Balance
Feeling constantly preoccupied with work, inability to disconnect, neglecting personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care activities.
Are you experiencing one, two, or a few of these signs? Stay tuned for practical solutions. Any missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
Photo by Frank K on Pexels.com
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7+ Ways To Prepare For A Public-Facing Leadership Role
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch
More than two decades ago I started my first leadership role. Always facing an audience through years of athletic performance, the arts, other leadership roles, I was always confident. But this was different. In my HR Leadership role, I faced responsibilities on behalf of the company. No more hiding behind other senior leaders. My boss gave me no choice but to step up to my full responsibilities.
After going through a bout of nervousness that lasted months, I found that it got easier each time. Before long, I prepared for each meeting when I had to address employees performance, achievements and areas of development across the region with confidence.
On observation these days, we see politicians and society’s leaders in public service assuming new roles. Consequently, the question was raised; “can a person from behind the scenes excel in a new public-facing role?” The answer is absolutely!
Public-facing means a role where the (individual) exercises managerial authority or control of an entity’s activities.
Here are 7+ points to prepare for a public-facing leadership role. Focus on:
1.Communication Skills
- Develop clear, compelling public speaking abilities
- Practice articulating complex ideas simply
- Learn media training techniques
2.Personal Brand Development
- Build a professional, authentic public image
- Be consistent across different platforms
- Develop a strong personal narrative
3.Continuous Learning
- Stay updated on industry trends
- Understand diverse stakeholder perspectives
- Cultivate emotional intelligence
4.Professional Appearance
- Dress appropriately for your industry
- Project confidence through body language
- Work on your on-camera and in-person presence
5.Media and Presentation Preparation
- Take media training workshops
- Practice handling tough questions
- Learn crisis communication strategies
6.Networking
- Build relationships with key industry influencers
- Develop a supportive professional network
- Seek mentorship from experienced public leaders
7.Digital Literacy
- Manage social media presence professionally
- Understand digital communication etiquette
- Be mindful of online reputation
Bonus: Resilience and Adaptability
- Develop thick skin for public scrutiny
- Learn to handle criticism constructively
- Maintain composure under pressure
Consistent practice and self-reflection are the keys to becoming an effective public-facing leader.
What has been your experience with getting ready for a leadership role? Did you use any of the above strategies? If so, what worked for you? Any other strategy that comes to mind? Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
