No one can be you better than you. It took me a long time to realize that. I remember growing up as the fly in the buttermilk in Salt Lake City, Utah among a sea of peers who hardly ever looked like me. I hid my intimidation. I often felt like they had access that I would never have. They would be given greater, better, and more. I saw their skin color as privilege. My mind second-guessed my gifts often.
As I matured and went out into the world my psyche began to change. Albeit slowly. I traveled the world to every continent in fact, except Antarctica. What I noticed, it is I who was getting the access and it had nothing to do with skin color. It had everything to do with opportunities afforded through hard works. I earned my way into new horizons. My ability to fit in was more about my attitude, interests, curiosity and tolerance. It was also about my gifts.
Don't get me wrong, there are times I am still excluded and yes overlooked by the majority. I realize though it is not about my skin color, more so about my gender. I used to think a Harvard MBA would be the great equalizer and sometimes it is. Sometimes it gets me into rooms with a lot of ties. Sometimes they just want to see for themselves who she is? It bothers me less and less. I can hold my own. My Momma with her 10th grade education taught me how to hold my head up and look people in the eyes. She taught me the value of holding your tongue until you can't hold it.
Now I know better the importance of being prepared to compete in the world. I know that color will always matter for now. But what really matters is leading with our gifts and staring down challenges chin up and eyes looking straight ahead.
As I matured and went out into the world my psyche began to change. Albeit slowly. I traveled the world to every continent in fact, except Antarctica. What I noticed, it is I who was getting the access and it had nothing to do with skin color. It had everything to do with opportunities afforded through hard works. I earned my way into new horizons. My ability to fit in was more about my attitude, interests, curiosity and tolerance. It was also about my gifts.
Don't get me wrong, there are times I am still excluded and yes overlooked by the majority. I realize though it is not about my skin color, more so about my gender. I used to think a Harvard MBA would be the great equalizer and sometimes it is. Sometimes it gets me into rooms with a lot of ties. Sometimes they just want to see for themselves who she is? It bothers me less and less. I can hold my own. My Momma with her 10th grade education taught me how to hold my head up and look people in the eyes. She taught me the value of holding your tongue until you can't hold it.
Now I know better the importance of being prepared to compete in the world. I know that color will always matter for now. But what really matters is leading with our gifts and staring down challenges chin up and eyes looking straight ahead.
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