Ubuntu

Ubuntu:  I am because we are

For the last five years, I’ve had the privilege of working on a leadership development experience with some of the brightest minds in the business. The African word Ubuntu sums up this community nicely. After 1,825 days, the cross country trips have come to the end and as always, the universe’s timing was spot on.

I could write pages on what I’ve learned, on how this extraordinary group of human beings has inspired me.  But, in an effort to be outside my comfort zone, I’m going to try to keep it tight and sum it up in five lessons from the last five years.

• Be unapologetically you: When I first started the position I’m currently in, I tried changing myself to conform to the way others wanted me to be. I came off disingenuous and as if I was trying too hard. And I was. Once I let go of who I was trying to be and fell into who I was, it was like magic. I was confident, carefree and happy. My coaches tell me this is what owning your power feels like. GOOD STUFF!
• Take nothing personal: When you work with people day in and out, for hours on end, they become your family, which is a gift. I love that I love spending my free time with my colleagues, that I consider many of them friends. BUT, it’s a double-edged sword. You MUST separate the two. Sometimes that means asking for help on how to manage both a personal and professional relationship. Sometimes that means saying you’re sorry. Sometimes it means drinking champagne. It always means being intentional and kind.
• Stay open: SOOOO many things have changed in the last five years. And each one of them has made me a better person. I used to be so afraid to roll off this program. I do not know working life without it. Through lots of reflection and some tears, I’ve gotten to a place where I’m proud of the work I’ve done and feel in my bones that it’s the right time to move on. How do I know this? I got on the plane home from California with a smile on my face and an urge to write. That’s how I know. I would not be going to get my coaching credential in 2018 if I was still on the program. I know this for sure…the best is yet to come. And when you accept change, it is invigorating and spectacular.
• Celebrate every win, big or small: Get through a tough session without having a nervous breakdown? Get yourself a pedicure. Successfully manage a room of tired, hungry coaches while still getting program feedback and do it all on time? Pour the champagne. Life is messy and scary. Every time you overcome sometimes that challenges you, celebrate. On the easier days, help someone else celebrate. Life is
  

  My good vibe tribe with some missing

  too damn short. Also, when you’re not sure what to do, dance it out.

• Be the good vibe tribe: These people I’ve worked with for the last five years, they are the best in their respective areas of expertise. But, even better than that, they are exceptional human beings, good as gold people, who choose kindness and love above all else. They will forever be my good vibe tribe – putting on smiles and staying in the high positive even through life’s hardest moments. They inspire me to be better, love harder and smile a little brighter.

And the biggest lesson of the all: Live in a constant state of gratitude. I DO NOT always get this right. Believe me, Newark Airport tests my high positive, grateful state on every occasion. In those trying moments, find one thing, one person, one experience you’re thankful for. And focus on it with all your might. I promise your mood with change instantly. I will be forever grateful for this experience and for my good vibe tribe.