One of the biggest risks I took was stepping into leadership roles before I truly felt ready. There were moments in my career where I questioned if I had enough experience, if I was prepared enough, or if I truly belonged in the room. But instead of waiting for complete confidence (which I've learned may never fully come) I chose to move forward anyway. Transitioning into high-responsibility roles in fast-paced operational environments pushed me far outside my comfort zone. I was suddenly responsible not just for performance, but for people; their growth, their challenges, and their success. What I realized through that experience is that confidence isn't something you wait for; it's something you build through action. By showing up, taking ownership, and learning through every challenge, I grew into the role I once felt unready for. That decision to move forward despite uncertainty didn't just shape my career. It shaped my belief in myself. Sometimes, the risk isn't failing. It's waiting too long to believe you're capable.

There was a moment when I had to decide whether to apply for an opportunity I didn't feel fully ready for. I remember hesitating because I kept thinking I needed more experience, more confidence, or some kind of sign that I was "ready." But that moment never came. Instead, I realized that waiting for confidence might mean missing the chance altogether. So I applied anyway, even though I felt uncertain. I reminded myself that growth usually happens in uncomfortable spaces, not when everything feels perfect. In the end, taking that step forward taught me that confidence often comes after you take action, not before. That experience pushed me to trust myself more and showed me that being unsure doesn't mean you're not capable; it just means you're doing something new.

I always say, "God gives you pieces before purpose." It's something I've come to understand through my own journey; that what may feel small, disconnected, or uncertain in the moment is often the beginning of something much greater. Long before the full vision is clear, the work starts with simple acts of faith, a willingness to build, and the courage to move forward without having all the answers. I've learned that the challenges that come along the way are not meant to stop me, but to strengthen and prepare me for what's ahead. When I continue to push forward in faith, those early pieces begin to come together, revealing a purpose that is bigger than I could have imagined, one that serves others, builds community, and creates lasting impact.

Stepping out to build my own practice was not easy. It was risky. I had to learn business in real time. There was uncertainty. There was fear. And there was a decision to move forward anyway.

One of the most intimidating things I've done professionally was leaving an organization where I had spent 13 years of my career. I had built genuine relationships there and deeply cared about the colleagues I was supporting through learning and development. I was proud of the work we were doing, surrounded by an incredible team, and I truly loved my job. Because of that, starting over somewhere new didn't initially feel like an option. I wasn't overflowing with confidence about stepping into the unknown. But over time, it became clear that growth was going to require a leap. I was absolutely terrified. I hadn't been the "new person" in more than a decade, and beginning a completely new chapter forced me to confront questions about whether I was truly ready, or even worthy, of the opportunity. Then I had a realization: I regularly encouraged employees to challenge themselves, embrace discomfort, and be brave in order to grow. If I believed that message for others, I needed to believe it for myself too. It was time to practice what I preached. Looking back, it was one of the most critical decisions of my career. Taking that risk strengthened my confidence in a way that only real change can. It reminded me that growth rarely happens when we feel fully ready. It happens when we're willing to step forward anyway. And ultimately, that leap allowed me to continue doing the work I love with even greater purpose and confidence.

I pride myself on taking the step to have a podcast called Self Love Empowerment Podcast, wrote a book that's going to be published soon, and going to school for communication studies. I believe it is important to always make sure things are right. I went through a lot to get where I am today, from working retail and having a night job as a dancer, to now advancing. I'm a mother of four, just trying to pursue my dream in radio personality or news anchor, trying to give my children a better life. I had a great life but I want to give them more.

I had always wanted to write a memoir. One day in 2019, I went to a massage therapist who is also an intuitive. She asked me if I had something important to say that I wasn't saying because my throat chakra was blocked. I said, "Well, I have always wanted to write a memoir, but I can't do it until after my mom dies." She said, "Go home right now and start writing." So I did, and I published my memoir 2 months ago!

Lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and let your work speak before you do.

I left a company that left my confidence shattered, and I thought I would never recover from that, and I had no plans for what to do afterward. Little did I know, the strength it took to take that risk would lead me to the most fulfilling opportunity of my life.

I've learned that clarity doesn't come before the decision. It comes because of it. I moved forward by trusting my inner knowing, even when my confidence hadn't caught up yet.

There was a moment when I realized uncertainty was not a sign to stop. It was the space where I had to decide whether I would keep being called into the fire or build something that helped leaders prevent the next one. I did not start Read Advisory Group because I had certainty. I started it because the pattern of firefighting was too clear to ignore.

There have been many, but the first that comes to mind was stepping into broader operational leadership responsibilities outside of traditional Customer Success during a period of leadership transition within the company. There was definitely uncertainty because the scope expanded quickly beyond my original role, but I also knew my skill set in process building, customer experience, and cross-functional alignment could help create stability during a critical time. Looking back, it ended up being one of the biggest growth periods of my career.

I wasn't sure that my writing was good enough to publish a book. I knew I wasn't going to become rich from Hating Self by Boo Black, but I wanted to help teens dealing with depression and anxiety. So, I threw caution to the wind and self-published it on my own.

I felt lost and very uncertain when my husband transitioned unexpectedly December 11, 2023; however, persevered and was conferred for my doctorate degree July 7, 2024. As long as we have faith; we can conquer all things through Christ who strengthens us.

I worked at General Motors for 26 years and decided to look for another company to work for. It can be a very scary/risky move especially when several years ago it was not looked at in a positive light for employees that moved from company to company. I was very fortunate in finding an excellent position at Dow Chemical, but the uncertainty of changing companies after so long, and changing industries was very uncomfortable. However, it truly was the best decision for me. I felt renewed, and since I LOVE to learn this was an excellent opportunity to expand my skill set and gain knowledge in a completely different industry. I had to start from scratch earning a respected reputation as a hard worker, great team player, integrity, networking, etc. It is not easy to start all over after so many years at one company, but it was truly an amazing decision! People need to take risks and to stretch themselves sometimes to learn and grow. This was definitely well worth the risk.

I've learned that confidence often comes after the decision, not before it. Stepping into leadership roles, building relationships, and advocating for both people and business growth pushed me outside my comfort zone many times, but saying yes before I felt fully "ready" is what helped me grow the most.

In all honesty, there was never a moment where I felt fully certain or completely ready for the next step, but I learned to move forward anyway by leaning on the support and encouragement of the leaders around me. Their belief in my potential, combined with my own determination to succeed and create meaningful impact, gave me the confidence to keep growing into every new opportunity.

As a working mom and leader, I've realized there's rarely a 'perfect time' to take a leap. Growth has come from moving forward even when things felt uncertain and figuring it out along the way.

I walked away from the comfort of a steady paycheck and familiar routines, carrying more questions than answers. The uncertainty was real, but the thought of never trying was even greater. So, I chose the leap of building something of my own over the safety of "what if." And 22 years later, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I ever made.