When I learned to play golf at age 50, the topography was beautiful and challenging. As we approached the 14th fairway one Sunday afternoon, my husband said, “Start thinking about how you will manage that water hazard.” Hazards on a golf course may be lakes and rivers, man-made hazards such as bunkers, or a tall tree or thick rough. If it gets in your way, it is a hazard. I looked ahead and then said, “Water, I don’t see any water.” Of course, there was water ahead, but I knew that I could not let it get in my way. It is that concept that has taken me through a myriad of countries, opportunities, challenges and success stories.

We all face challenges in our personal and professional lives. By looking beyond the hazard, or outside of the box, we see opportunity. We forge ahead and achieve success. See what I mean here!

I grew up in a big box and was told that I should not ask, nor should I try, because I would never amount to a thing. Moving beyond that box opened many doors and a chance to ask for what I needed and get it. Many of us are stuck in that box…unable to get out because of perceived barriers to change. We must encourage others to thrive and survive. I am who I am today because I learned how to ask. A storyteller, I go beyond “once upon a time” to a place we’ve all been – where obstacles stood in our way and held us back.

President/Founder of SMW Group and the Global Education Development Institute, I educate and train others to be the best version of themselves. A native of Philadelphia, I completed my nursing education at Pennsylvania Hospital, followed by undergraduate and graduate degrees in Florida and Texas. I’m a graduate of the Kellogg Executive Management Program and a recipient of the Frist Humanitarian Award. I use my nursing platform to create change and empower others to succeed.

#removethebox #mindset #leadership #serviceexcellence