As I look back on my life and my careers, one major characteristic stands out: I never saw anything as an obstacle!
At IBM in the 1970’s, when I looked at the computer sales force, that was 98% male, I thought: what do the men know that I don’t know? Upon being promoted from Senior Secretary to Administrative Operations Manager (AOM), I instead asked to go into computer sales. That year there were three women who passed the full year of sales training courses, and I was one of them. However, after a year I decided sales was not a good fit for me. So, I did what I always turned to: I prayed.
The thought came to me to pursue my major in college which was drawing and design. Accordingly, I joined an artist’s association and quickly was nominated to serve on the board and then act as president. I was good at setting up shows and running business meetings, however, my own artwork did not win ribbons, and the few sales I did make were to our friends. But, I persisted. I went to every outdoor and indoor venue and kept on trying. I persevered through each show where no one bought a picture or even stopped to comment. Over time I created a portfolio of paintings and pastels.
Ten years later, when we moved to Los Angeles with my husband’s career, I found an agent and displayed my work at a West LA location. Unfortunately, my work, along with several of the other artists’ work, was stolen. I was shocked and devastated. Once again, I turned to God and prayed about what I should do next.
My thoughts led me to color analysis. I researched a couple of companies and decided on Color Me Beautiful. Working 16 hour days, within nine months, I had a successful business. Two years later I expanded my business to teaching leadership and communication skills, based on motivation and image, all of which were based on values and ethics. I evolved into a corporate trainer, accepting speaking engagements all over LA and expanding into Las Vegas and Southern California. Life was exciting and I thrived on meeting people and helping them achieve their goals.
Looking back, I believe every challenge led to opportunities to go in a different direction. Some things didn’t work out, but I don’t see them as failures. I learned from them. And, more importantly I stayed true to my core: my values, my love of life, and helping others.
Lessons Learned:
- See obstacles as challenges that lead to new opportunities.
- Prayer, working hard and staying true to solid values will get us through the tough times.
- Use your experience and what you have learned to go forward.
- Ask yourself: What am I good at? What do I like to do? Use that as your map to go forward.
You have to climb the mountain to get to the other side. Becoming an experienced mountain climber makes life easier.
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic Peninsula, WA
