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:
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