From Believing My Own Hype to Humble: How Hitting Rock Bottom Transformed My Life and Career

The biggest mistake I ever made was believing my own hype. From 25-32, I became disillusioned by my rising star and the people who praised me, and I skated by on unbeatable results only to head towards a certain fall.

I had no mentor to pull me aside and give me a reality check or a kick in the rear end. Unfortunately, I became “friends” with people who worked for me and convinced me we were family. The high made me uncoachable because I ran circles around everyone I worked with.

Nobody taught that kid how to play the game, how to build consensus, how to win the crowd. Thankfully, I was mercilessly humbled by two unforeseen bouts with unemployment and had to scratch and claw alone back to the top.

My “friends” were nowhere to be found. I was told I was a loser. I was alone. But I never, ever quit or relented in my chase for my potential.

I thank God every day for my blessings, for the fruit of my labor and that I didn’t make even more of a mess of my life and career. At 46 years old, I’m finally 100% living my dream – getting to do what I love to do, learning from others, serving, giving, contributing and STILL winning.

#LeadershipLessons #GrowthMindset #CareerDevelopment #OvercomingAdversity #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #MentorshipMatters #Resilience #NeverGiveUp