I spent 27 years in Corporate America. At a very young age, I always dreamed of reaching the C-suite and having a nice corner office. I decided to begin my career in the trading world and obtained a Business Degree. I was fortunate to have an amazing network of professionals in the industry who were willing to show me the ropes, all while I went to school. It was awesome to have hands-on training.
Throughout my tenure in the corporate world, I made several decisions involving changing companies, lateral moves, promotions, and sometimes even taking a step backwards. I don't have any regrets, as I can confidently say that I successfully achieved everything I set out to do in my career. Many times, things did not work out as planned, and I was disappointed and didn't understand why. In almost every disappointment, I can see that it was because God had different plans for me.
During my last venture in the corporate world, I found myself in an odd space. From the outside, everything looked perfect – an amazing salary, benefits, perks, etc. But something inside told me that things would go awry, and just as I felt, they did! I began to second-guess my actions based on what superiors felt or said. I stopped feeling excited about my job and started dreading it. The sad part is that before this, I always envisioned myself growing within the company and helping others do the same. It was the aspect of my job I loved the most – the fact that I could see how my management and leadership skills were positively impacting others. I would spend my days motivating others to be their best, all the while bragging to our clients about how amazing my team was.
However, I noticed that in a big company, I could only do so much. Despite my attempts to bring about change, it wasn't enough to make a significant impact on the company. Once again, I have absolutely no regrets because Vision & Heels exists today due to the experiences I had in the corporate world. I wanted to create a safe space for women to be their authentic selves without feeling unworthy or insignificant. I want women to know that their voices matter and that they are perfect and unique just the way they are. There is only one of them, and a company should feel privileged to have them!
Recently, I was asked if I would ever return to the corporate world. My answer was this: “Corporate America shaped me into who I am today, and for that, I am immensely thankful. If I were to re-enter a decision-making role in a large corporation, I would ensure it's with a company that values my opinions, uniqueness, and passion”.
Here are a few key takeaways from my journey:
Career Progression and Adaptability: Your career trajectory showcases the importance of adaptability and being open to change. I took lateral moves, promotions, and even steps backwards when necessary. This flexibility allowed me to gain a diverse range of experiences that ultimately shaped my skills and perspectives.
Listening to Intuition: Your ability to sense when things were not aligning with your values and aspirations is a valuable skill. Trusting your intuition and recognizing when a situation no longer serves your personal and professional growth is essential for making informed decisions.
Leadership and Impact: My passion for mentoring and empowering others was evident throughout my journey. The satisfaction I derived from developing my team and witnessing their growth is a testament to my leadership abilities. This passion has also inspired me to create a platform to support women in the business world. Don’t be afraid to make an impact!
Entrepreneurial Spirit: The creation of "Vision & Heels" showcased my entrepreneurial spirit. I took my experiences, insights, and passions and channeled them into something meaningful and impactful – a safe space for women to thrive.
Aligning Values with Opportunities: My perspective on potentially re-entering the corporate world is thoughtful. I have come to recognize the importance of aligning with a company that appreciates and values my unique strengths and contributions. Find a company that aligns with your values. This reflects a maturity in your approach to career decisions. Your so much more than just a paycheck!
Gratitude for the Journey: My sense of gratitude for my corporate journey, despite its challenges, speaks to my positive outlook and the personal growth I’ve undergone. Your perspective can inspire others to find value in their experiences, even when they don't go as planned – so be thankful for the journey even during the hard times!
I have had quite a journey in my corporate career - filled with successes, challenges, and important realizations. My story reflects the evolution of my aspirations, growth as a leader, and the alignment I have found with my true passions and values. My story is a great example of how a career path can lead to unexpected but incredibly valuable insights and growth. My experiences in the corporate world have shaped me into someone who is not only successful but also deeply compassionate and dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others. My determination to create a supportive environment for women is inspiring and reflects my commitment to a more inclusive and empowering future. It’s my way of doing my part to make this world a better place!
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