What if it all works out?

A month into landing my first senior leadership role, I found myself at the end of a leadership retreat, sitting at a table surrounded by new colleagues I deeply admired. We were celebrating putting a big dent in strategic planning, and somehow, over perfect old fashioneds, we began discussing childhood summer vacations.

As they shared stories of trips overseas and skiing in Aspen, I could feel my discomfort rise. As a proud daughter of civil service employees in NYC, our vacations were far more humble. They included Rye Playland, Mystic, CT, and Wildwood, NJ. Those places were magic as a kid, but suddenly, my precious memories felt like a whole other universe.

When all heads turned to me, I smiled and shared. I spoke fondly of the long car rides and packed food from home. Not only was I aware of the vast distance between us, I was also aware of how improbable it was that my journey took me to that table. I had navigated so many firsts in my family: the first of my siblings to graduate college, the first in my family to practice law, and the first to navigate corporate America. By the time I reached that table, I was sure of who I was and what I offered, but on my journey there, I spent far too much time feeling alone and anxious.

I hadn’t realized what I now know to be fact: Being a first transforms you into a visionary… and visionaries have no place playing small.

Over the past few months, I’ve celebrated women I have known, admired, and worked with—purpose-driven leaders—through my LinkedIn series, “Speaking Her Name.” Showcasing these incredible women has been a career highlight.

I have learned how empowering it is to build community and how profoundly seeing something makes becoming it so much more possible.

So, I’ve decided to build an even bigger community.

Beginning June 17, I am launching a newsletter, “What if it all works out?” It will feature exclusive content for firsts and aspiring firsts—combining inspiration and practical tips to ensure you never forget the visionary you are.

My inaugural newsletter will feature an interview with a trailblazer I admire tremendously. I will announce who she is in the coming weeks! In the meantime – subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/euUWcFHw