re·lent·less

My 2016 was eventful. The highs were super exhilarating and the lows belong in a black chick lit screenplay. But overall, 2016 was a good chapter in Sharonda’s book of life. 

For the past 5 years, I’ve taken my cue from Susan Conway and completed my Unraveling the Year document. My 2016 word was “intentional” and throughout the year, I made sure my actions, in every aspect of my life, connected to that word.

But my energy shifted July 2017 when I attended C2. C2 is the ultimate business conference and retreat for women of color in communications. (Go to the website and see me on the picture reel) :)

I attended the event for my professional development, but never expected to meet a new heroine.

Tiffany Smith-Anoa'i (the one in glasses)

 During a panel discussion, Tiffany Smith-Anoa'i spoke about the turning point in her career and for the first time in a long time, I felt that tingly feeling you get when you a new boo sends you that “good morning beautiful” text. She had my full attention!

Tiffany told us about the day she asked herself about her career and her next step. She said the question “What do you really want to do” kept replaying in her head. She wasn’t talking about a job title or figuring out her next place she to work. Tiffany was contemplating what type of work she wanted to do and what legacy she wanted to leave in her industry. She saw a need for a diversity and inclusion executive for entertainment and she worked “relentlessly” to bring that to CBS. Now, she’s the SVP Entertainment Diversity & Communications at CBS Entertainment.

Tiffany closed with this wisdom: “I created my way to the top, not worked my way to the top.” When she said that, I almost rushed the stage to hug her. I refrained though. Getting to the top does not consist of jail.

When I finally was able to get her alone, I told her that her words motivated, inspired and challenged me. I told her I wanted to follow her lead. Tiffany smiled, gave me her business card and said, “Be relentless and do it. Here’s my card if you need help.” (Read more about her work in TIME.)

That conference and conversation replays in my head almost daily. I placed a picture of Tiffany on my vision board at work so I never forget her story and inspiration. 

Vision board at work

So, of course my 2017 word is relentless.
According to Merriam-Webster, relentless means “showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace.” I'm going to be a mini-Granniabelle: STRAIGHT, NO CHASER.

I’m going relentlessly pursue the experiences, places and people I care about and relentlessly dismissive of the/things I don’t. It’s a strong word and full of moxie to encourage meaningful results. I’m ready. God used my 2016 to open up doors and I have a feeling that was just the warm up.

What’s your word for 2017?

10 month mark: Major Victory

Today, I celebrate the completion of my work with Leadership Miami and my 10 month mark of moving to South Florida! I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished in less than a year.

For the past 9 months, I have been involved in the annual program which is sponsored by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. The program is targeted towards men and women interested in making Miami a better place to live.

My group, More4Miami, worked with Chapman Partnership. Chapman’s mission immediately

More4Miami

resonated with me. I started Leadership Miami only after living in Miami for one month after relocating from Chicago. Joining the program was a way to get involved and educated about the issues of the community in which I work, much like my civic engagement in Chicago. Learning about Chapman’s mission and how they have single-handedly help decrease homelessness in Miami impressed and inspired me. Jumping into the work and making sure the team did an excellent job was my primary focus, but not the primary benefit I received. WATCH OUR PROJECT COMPLETION VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ygvmEFdwlg&feature=share.

What I gained from this program was a reevaluation of my own leadership strengths and weaknesses. I learned that I thrive when I have work with people who are self-starters and take initiative, like me. I tend to like them more.

This program also revealed my lack of patience for non-workers/self-starters. I set really high

expectations and when people don’t meet them, I dismiss them. Leadership Miami taught me that my approach as a leader should be to help my teammates identify their own strengths.

In all aspects of my life, I’m intentional. I engage in purposeful behavior. Developing my leadership and cultivating life-learning skills are my objectives in all of my work. Leadership Miami increased those skills. This program also helped me in my personal goals of being versatile and knowledgeable about multiple business sectors. I’ve served in corporate companies, marketing advertising agencies and the nonprofit world. The best brand strategists have a diverse portfolio. They think holistically, far outside operational silos. Being part of the Leadership Miami has sharpened those proficiencies which will benefit FIU and me. I will be better at directing FIU to communicate more effectively with integrity, excellence and tenacity.

In the words of DJ Khaled, Leadership Miami helped me discover “major keys to success.”

March Madness

March Madness apparently isn’t just about basketball. My March was absolutely BANANAS, in a good and quirky way. After having such a high from my awesome 32nd birthday, I went into March 2016 feeling excited, happy and energetic. That energy attracted a very memorable March:

DREAMS: Man….Vivid dreams have been part of my life since I was a child. This month, I woke up at at 3 am or 4 am, every 2 days from a dream...exhausting. These dreams leave me in shock, scared, happy, moved, confused or all five. I’m not sure why THIS month I've had all these dreams, but it helped me realize I totally need to get back to writing my poetry, my first love.

I also think God wants me to have early morning prayer because this waking up 2 and 3 hours before the alarm goes off is rough!

LOYALTY: My definition of “loyalty” was questioned this month. I learned that you can’t expect people to treat you with the same loyalty that you give. I’m a reciprocal person... until things aren’t reciprocal... Ironically, I felt it coming (a dream). Whenever things are peaceful and happy, the enemy usually issues me an emotional attack. The lessons on loyalty let me know I’ve grown, I’m still growing.

GROWTH: Speaking of growth, this month brought me some crazy/memorable moments, both personally and professionally. Every event forced me to remember to keep my peace and stay "intentional" in my actions and words.

Miami Night with Caity

Growth was also a big theme for March 2016 because for 30 days, I spent every day praying for my future husband. I participated in the Praying For The One You'll Love Forever challenge in which I wrote daily prayers for my husband. I'll give it to him on the day we get married.

The experience was such a blessing because I haven't been optimistic and enthusiastic about dating in YEARS! It also reassured me of what I already knew: I'm capable of selfless love and friendship.

FRIENDSHIP: Caity and I haven’t physically seen each other in 14 years. And although we’ve kept in touch and know about each other’s lives (thanks Facebook), we haven’t been around each other since we were teenagers. A lot has changed , but that’s why her visit to South Florida was a highlight of March. The connection we had back in July 2001 is now even stronger because of her visit. We laughed….a lot and we had some heart-to-heart talks that strengthened a bond that I value, love, and cherish. Love you, DBG!