"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou
I often joke that I grew up with a pencil in hand to check off all the boxes on the list of things I thought I was supposed to do. It took me a long time to get to a point where I could flip this way of thinking. I had to learn that if I spent all my time trying to figure out what everyone else wanted, I was doing a huge disservice to myself and those around me . It is when we can "own" who we are, honor who we are and acknowledge all the good we bring to the world, that we can be in a position to honor others and see the good in them.
Below is a video I made in graduate school - the assignment was to share your personal mission in life. Anyone who knows me knows that kind of creative assignment is right up my alley - It was challenging because I don't really think I ever gave this much thought. Over the past few years, several individuals reached out to me telling me they came across my video and wanted permission to use it in some way. WHAT??? ...WOW!!! What an honor - and a surprise.
Below are comments from people who have stumbled across it and found the message worth sharing. Believe me - You never know how your acts and actions may impact another life. My intention for this site is to really keep myself accountable for growing and learning. I love to share things I find and hope maybe you will find a nugget or two to remind you of how awesome you are and the power you have everyday to impact those around you!
Who Do You Lead?
scroll below to hear how this video has been found and used to inspire others
Dear Michelle, I just hope you are the same person, producer of the inspiring YouTube – “Who do you Lead” video. I have used it a number of times in my presentations but felt the need to get permission to continue using it. I just LOVE it! It is INSPIRING! I live in Lesotho, Southern Africa & I work for an NGO which works for Environmental Protection. I also do Development and Leadership Motivations, so your video on Servant Leadership fits so well in my work! I tell you this is such a great motivational kind of a video which fits to youth capacity development and the leaders the same way! I have recently used it in a presentation to Senators emphasizing that Lesotho’s development needs servant leaders! Senators have asked that it be translated to the local language because they feel it has to be played to more people in the language they can understand! Can you imagine! You have done unbelievably great work for the world to understand leadership the servant way which I am! THANK YOU" - Mantopi Martina de Porres Lebofa.
"Thank you so much for making this video available Michelle. I used it in a leadership meeting for our business and it was very impactful." Sharon McDonald Vermont, USA
“This video is a perfect addition to encourage audiences to have an upbeat and enthusiastic understanding of servant leadership. I would encourage everyone with an interest in this form of leadership to watch this. I have used it in keynote presentation and for myself have watched the video to give myself “a shot” of enthusiasm.” Angela Golden, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP Owner, NP from Home, LLC dba NP Obesity Treatment Clinic Assistant Professor (Ret), Northern Arizona University Vice President, Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
"Michelle, thank you for allowing me to share your video. This will be part of our annual training with our Boy Scout leaders. It's an important message for all." Kent Kessler
if you want to share this video with a team or group, please do! I would love to hear of where and how it is used - please connect!
Just as the impact of a pebble tossed into a pool of water will cause ripples that may impact other aspects in the ecosystem, you never know what effects your actions will have on others.
I believe that by being aware and purposeful in our lives, we have a greater chance of making positive and inspiring impacts on others.