At various points in my life and career, I've been blessed to have been mentored and supported by a handful of individuals who, as leaders, understand the importance of investing in others. The 3 folks I will share about today each deeply embrace the responsibility that comes with their position and have made decisions to leverage their own leadership and influence for the benefit of those who will come after them. Their investments in me molded and shifted the way I approach so many things in life including the way I lead and serve. In fact, I'm not sure of the me I'd be without some of the game changers who have entered and invested in my life. So cheers to all the mentors, cheerleaders and servant leaders out there! I'm so thankful for you in this season of gratitude!
1. Coach Meg Wolfe. She was my high school rowing coach, a young woman, who in hindsight, was probably trying to find her own path in life at the time our relationship formed. Rowing was a new sport to me but after experimenting with it for several months, I was hooked. It was the hardest, most physically painful thing I'd ever done (and still is), but I was good at it. Surprisingly good, actually. I'd never been a part of a sports team and there were a myriad of reasons connected to my childhood that made it very difficult for me to be confident in this arena, so I constantly doubted my ability. But through this sport, Meg taught me to believe in myself. She had an unwavering belief that I could achieve and pushed me to my limits in a way that resonated with me personally. The best way I can sum up her leadership approach is that she met me in my unbelief and brought me to her belief. I'm so glad she did.
2. When I think of Jeff Davis, this image of a spout comes to mind--a spout turned on with water constantly flowing from it. That's how I view my relationship with the mentor who marks my college years. He was like a fountain that was always ready to pour out. I remember the first time I met him. He said, "Come by my office if you ever need anything." At the time, I thought he was merely saying what we all say to be nice. Over time, I realized how sincerely he meant this and throughout my college years, Jeff became like a second dad to me. He pushed me, he challenged my thinking, and he always had a kind (sometimes stern) word of advice when I couldn't quite put the pieces together for myself. He always encouraged me to hold high standards for myself and others, operate from my gifts and never to be afraid to grow and take the next uncomfortable step. What's more is that Jeff had this kind of relationship with so many students (and still does). He gives and gives, but never gives up; instead he embraces the truth of an eternal return on his investments. My life wouldn't be the same without him.
3. To mark the most recent leg of my career journey, I have to call out Scott Dishman. Scott and I met through professional connections and immediately clicked. I admire him because he is giving, self assured, dynamic, creative and rooted in his love for his family and community. He began investing time in me over the last few years in mentoring conversations about my passions, goals, and next steps. His thoughtful questioning helped me begin to find the answers I was looking for. And as started finding answers, he cheered me on, told me how to stand out and shared his relational capital to help me progress in the direction of my aspirations. I've since moved on from the place we met, where he still resides...but I think of him often. When I leave my house, I usually pass a sign that says "Welcome to Charleston...All America City," and I think of the place I now call home, where I'm so happy to be putting down roots and the courageous conversations he inspired me to have that led us here--and I am grateful.
I am so fortunate to know these people and several other game changers I wasn't able to share about in a single post. These folks are not perfect, but they were always perfectly honest with me. Their honesty and fervent support of me living up to my potential have been key contributors to my success. Thank you, mentors. Thank you for living out selfless leadership that truly makes a difference.
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