I find myself just staring out the window thanking God for how far I’ve come in life. There is nothing about me that society would have deemed “destined for greatness.” I mean…minus my smile and positive attitude. HA!

I remember when I needed a winter jacket and my mom took me to the salvation army because winter coats were on sale for $2.

My 3rd grade teacher recommended me for special education and told me “you aren’t going to get very far in life.”

I remember getting a work permit when I was 15 years old to work at Ponderosa Steakhouse because I wanted money and I thought the only way to get it was to work for it.

I also remember my General Manager pulling me aside asking if I was planning on going to college because, “you’re not really good at this.”

I begged the Director of Human Resources at Ponderosa Steakhouse for an HR Internship at the age of 16. She said she couldn’t afford to pay me and I told her to pay me in “chicken wings and mashed potatoes.” She reluctantly agreed and I ended up being asked by the same General Manager to hire employees, lead new hire orientation, all while working my way through college, graduating with my Masters degree at the age of 21.

That same sassy 4”11 girl from Kittanning, Pennsylvania has built and sold a company from scratch, created a national brand in the Human Resources industry, trusted by so many CEO badasses, speaks to audiences around the globe, and has written an Amazon Best Seller.

In that brief and triumphant summary, I didn’t mention how I temporarily lost my vision and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Why am I sharing my whole freakin’ life story!?

Because often we let our circumstances, other people, and even ourselves limit us. Statistically speaking, a poor, bi-racial, mostly gay woman from Kittanning, Pennsylvania is an unlikely prospect for mainstream success.

But, I think I made that $2 Mighty Ducks winter jacket proud.

I am a high-achieving underdog, an optimistic hustler with a true passion for life and people. I want to pour into my tribe of high achievers. I have learned that you can only go so far on a tank of courage, grit, and grace.

We need the motivators, door openers, and chance-givers. That’s what I want to be and that’s what I represent.

I should come with a warning label, “working with me will change your life.”

My story will never stall my progress. Everyone has a story, everyone has experienced or is experiencing LIFE. To those that have the courage, grit, resiliency, and purpose…get up! You’re my people and you’re going to be inspired, challenged, and supported.

I’m ready to pay it forward. Let’s go!