I believe that it is okay to challenge the status quo.
Recently, I had the privilege of talking to the new group of Commonwealth Study Conference Leaders about “Conversations With Purpose”. I am an alumna and spoke at the Global Leaders Programme developed with Google Digital Academy, for senior cross-sector leaders.
At the end of the session, I was asked to share some final words. I said that it’s alright to change the status quo. It may be exhausting but can be the greatest expression of your most authentic self; your happiest and your most glorious.
See, I am an introvert succeeding in an extroverted world. A finance professional without a finance background. An African black woman in a profession dominated by Western white men. And yet, I have never defined my identity by those things.
I am simply passionate about helping the middle class to create wealth, so the roles I play; the job I do serve me. I do what I must so I can afford to do what I really want – my mission. I refuse to be boxed. That’s why I have the courage to ask, “Why not” or think of, “How”, when people flippantly say things cannot be done.
Friend, focus on your mission and not your roles. Don’t hold on tightly to them. Don’t lose yourself by being defined by titles and jobs. Constantly ask, “Is what I’m doing moving me closer to my mission or further away from it.”
Don’t be afraid to course correct.
For more, please read Quiet Excellence has no Value.