25 Years, 25 Lessons

As I mark 25 years with Televerde, I find myself reflecting a lot on the journey. It’s a funny thing, time—feeling both expansive and fleeting simultaneously. And let’s face it, from the confines of an Arizona women’s prison cell to the boardrooms of Televerde and Televerde Foundation, my path has been anything but conventional. My story, marked by failure, shame, and trauma, has become a testament to the power of redemption and the relentless pursuit of transformation. This milestone isn’t just about commemorating a personal journey. It’s about the collective lessons learned along the way. As I share these 25 lessons with you, remember they’re more than just insights. They are invitations to rewrite your story, challenge the narratives that hold you back, and embrace the fullness of your potential.

1. 1. Embrace Your Story
   Your past does not define your future. The internal narratives of not being good enough are like unwanted guests at a party, crashing your confidence. But here’s the deal: you’re the host, and it’s time to show them the door. You are enough, deserving, and absolutely necessary. So, let’s crank up the music of self-belief, dance off those doubts, and toast to the incredible, unstoppable you.
2. 2. Ordinary Yet Extraordinary
   I’m no superhero. No capes, no flying, and certainly no superhuman strength. I am someone who looked at her lowest point and said, “No, this isn’t where my story finishes.” It’s about recognizing that the power to redefine our lives doesn’t come from mythical powers or magical interventions. It comes from within us. It’s about the grit, the grind, and the grace with which we face our battles. And it’s in that relentless pursuit of self-improvement that we find our true superpower – the unwavering courage to turn “what if” into “what is.”
3. 3. The Power of the F Word
   Sometimes, the most eloquent way to express our stance on failure is by boldly embracing the F-word. No, not that one—though it’s tempting to sprinkle it into a pep talk for emphasis. I’m talking about Failure. It’s that uninvited guest that actually deserves a seat at our table because each stumble, each fall, tells us we’re trying, we’re moving, and heck, we’re alive and kicking. So next time failure shows up, greet it with a smirk, maybe even with our favorite expletive under our breath, and then ask, “What’s next?” Because, honestly, if we’re not failing at something, are we even pushing hard enough? Let’s turn our fears, failures, and, yes, even our felonies into our most fabulous feats!
4. 4. Turn Obstacles into Opportunities
   Life’s adversities are not to be feared but faced head-on. My mantra? Learn, work hard, set goals, and never be afraid to chase what you want. The universe listens. And remember, every obstacle is just a plot twist in your success story, waiting for you to flip the page.
5. 5. Attract a Champion
   Success is seldom a solo journey. Attract mentors and champions by demonstrating your commitment to growth and learning. Remember, respect and opportunity are earned, not entitled. Think of it like matchmaking in the mentorship world – it’s all about finding the right fit and dancing to the same tune.
6. 6. Pay It Forward
   The pinnacle of professional growth involves lifting others as you climb. Share knowledge, time, and encouragement generously. It’s like being the sunshine in someone else’s garden, helping them grow.
7. 7. Self-Care is Paramount
   Never lose sight of yourself amid professional endeavors. Balance is key to sustaining success and happiness. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. Treat it like your favorite spa day, non-negotiable and utterly rejuvenating.
8. 8. Feedback: A Gift to Cherish
   Seek and provide feedback regularly. Clarity fosters kindness and growth. Think of feedback as the secret sauce in your success recipe; without it, you’re just guessing the ingredients.
9. 9. Play to Your Strengths
   Focusing on your strengths yields far greater results than dwelling on weaknesses. Team dynamics thrive on complementary skills. It’s like assembling a superhero squad where everyone brings their superpower to the table.
10. 10. Team Strength Is Your Strength
    Invest in your team’s development. The right people in the right roles are the backbone of success. It’s about creating a symphony where everyone’s talents are in harmony.
11. 11. Empowerment Through Ownership
    Encourage team members to take charge of their contributions, ensuring they have the necessary tools and support. It’s like passing the baton in a relay race, trusting them to run their best leg.
12. 12. Never Cease Learning
    Keep your mind sharp and your curiosity alive—learning doesn’t stop with a diploma. It’s like treating your brain to a daily workout, flexing those mental muscles to keep them from going soft. Life’s too rich and too full of mystery to ever hit the brakes on discovering something new. Stay hungry for knowledge.
13. 13. Lead by Example
    Stepping up means doing the hard stuff, not just directing from the sidelines. You’ve got to be in the trenches with your team, showing them how it’s done. Leadership is action, not just a title. It’s being the first to brave the storm, not just programming the GPS.
14. 14. Generosity Begets Abundance
    When you give freely, the world has a way of returning that kindness tenfold. Note: This is NOT about keeping score. It’s about cultivating a spirit of generosity. Imagine your acts of kindness as seeds. As you scatter them, you’re nurturing a whole ecosystem of generosity and gratitude.
15. 15. Gratitude Goes a Long Way
    A simple “thank you” can light up the darkest of days. It’s the oil in the machinery of teamwork and relationships, keeping everything running smoothly. Make gratitude a habit, a daily practice. It’s the warmth that turns colleagues into comrades and acquaintances into allies.
16. 16. Believe in Others
    Seeing the potential in someone and encouraging it can change their trajectory. And it has to be more than just believing – you have to act on that belief, giving them the tools to fly. When you invest your faith in someone, you give them the power to soar above their doubts to achieve what they never thought possible. You help turn “I can’t” into “I did.”
17. 17. Vision and Action: A Dynamic Duo
    Dreams don’t come true by wishing; they’re built with a clear vision and decisive action. Think of it as plotting your course to Treasure Island — without the map of your dreams and the compass of your actions, you’ll just be sailing in circles.
18. 18. Integrity Above All
    Your word is your currency in the bank of trust and respect. Treat it as precious. Its value never depreciates. When you say you’ll do something, it’s more than a promise. It’s a pledge, a reflection of your character.
19. 19. Dress for Success
    How you present yourself is the cover of your personal story. Make sure it’s an accurate summary of the amazing chapters inside. It’s not about brands or labels. It’s about expressing your authentic self.
20. 20. Business Is Personal
    Building your network isn’t a task; it’s an art. Forge connections with honesty and heart. These relationships are the bridges on your professional journey, crafted not just to cross once but to travel back and forth, building mutual success.
21. 21. Availability Matters
    Being there for others isn’t just about showing up. It’s about being present, ready to listen and support. Like a lighthouse in the fog, your presence can guide and comfort, making all the difference in someone’s journey.
22. 22. Embrace Risk
    Fear of the unknown is like a locked door on your path. Taking a risk is the key that can open it to new adventures. Remember, the most flavorful dishes often come from mixing the unexpected. Let curiosity, not caution, be your guide.
23. 23. Admitting Ignorance is Strength
    Acknowledging what you don’t know is your ticket to growth and teamwork. Imagine you’re on a journey, unsure where to go next, and suddenly, a map appears in your hands, filled with routes you’ve never seen before. That’s what happens when you embrace your questions and curiosity – new paths unfold, leading to discoveries and connections that enrich your journey forward.
24. 24. Embrace the Mess
    The real lessons come from the chaos, not the calm. Whether it’s diving into a new job, navigating the currents of an existing one, or just dealing with life’s waves, it’s the storms that teach us the most. Smooth seas might make for an easy journey, but it’s the turbulence that shapes us, teaching us lessons we’d never learn in years of calm sailing.
25. 25. Time Is Your Greatest Currency
    Time, I’ve learned, is the ultimate currency, more precious than any paycheck or title. It’s about investing in moments that truly matter with the people who light up our lives. Reflecting on the years I missed while incarcerated, I see time’s true value. Now, as a grandmother, I savor every second with my grandsons, knowing these moments are the real treasures. Let’s vow to spend our time wisely, crafting a legacy not of endless hours at the office but of meaningful memories and genuine connections. Because in the end, it’s the moments of connection, not the minutes on the clock, that define the richness of ourlives.

Reflecting on these 25 years and the lessons they’ve brought, I’m reminded that our greatest challenges often lead to our most profound growth. Each lesson here is a chapter in a larger story of change, resilience, and relentless pursuit of a better self and world. I hope my journey and these lessons inspire you to look at your own story through a lens of compassion and possibility. Remember, it’s never too late to change the narrative, turn obstacles into opportunities, and become the architect of your destiny. Here’s to embracing each day with courage, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of transformation. Let’s write our next chapters together with hope, hard work, and heart.