Lens on Leadership: What defines YOUR success?
Feb 28, 2024If you are like me, I had to look up who Anne Sweeney was when I heard this quote. 🙋🏻♀️ She was president of the Disney Channel from 1996 to 2014. So I guess we have her to thank for all my favorite Disney Channel Original movie gems (Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century anyone? 🤣). How do you define success? I used to think there was a pretty clear path but have since realized there are many paths because there are many definitions of success.
For me, success isn't just about money and titles but includes happiness, impact, values, and positive influence. The more positive impact I make defines my level of success. And, tbh, I am still learning and defining what success means to me and my family and that's ok!
What does success mean to you? Do you feel successful right now? If not, what are you working on to change that?
I am fresh back from a few days in Wyoming's State Capitol in Cheyenne. I go each year during our legislative session to meet with our delegates and advocate for Jackson and Wyoming's 99 cities and towns. My favorite part is meeting with 200+ municipal leaders from around the state. Time and again, I am reminded that even though we may not always agree, we do each care about our constituents and communities. Those that have been the most successful in their elections and advocating lead with humility and gratitude.
To me, leading with humility means acknowledging that I don't have all the answers and valuing the input of others. It fosters trust and collaboration, empowering our teams to thrive. Expressing gratitude cultivates positivity and connection reinforcing the value of each of our contributions.
I am super excited for this book! Jamie Kern Lima's claim to fame is going from Denny's waitress to founder of IT Cosmetics, which she eventually sold for $1billion 🤯! She's very open about feeling unworthy and struggling even when she had found success.
I have struggled with feeling worthy in a number of different ways and still do. The weird thing is that I haven't even realized that's what it was. Feeling unworthy limits all of us, especially women, and is something I think is crucial to overcome in order find success (see above) and feel confident to make an impact.
Who's up for an impromptu book club?! Let me know if you get the book. Stay tuned for a zoom meeting at the end of March once we've had some time to dive in!