HTM 491- Blog #1
Updated: Jan 26
Being a human is a unique thing. After all, like Gary Vaynerchuk says, the likelihood of being born is less likely than the chances of being a tree and I find beauty and peace in knowing this. Being 25, living in San Diego and about to enter the 'real world' as a working professional is another unique thing. You see, my perspective on life may come across a little different than most as I have had many moments of grit and adversity to get to where I am today... Many things both good and bad have shaped me to be the identity that I am today. Over the years, I have experienced lots of good people and moments, and of course some bad ones too... When it comes to leadership, this has been one of the most impactful parts. I have learned many good facets of being a leader over the years, and have also learned what not to do when it comes to being someone that people look up to. In this post we are going to explore what makes me, uniquely me and my personal perspective on values, and what has shaped me into who I am today.
To start, I hold some strong personal and professional values that I hope to only keep building and shaping not only myself, but those around me to... At the end of the day, one of my personal mantras to life is that "we all come in with nothing, and eventually leave with nothing"- its the memories, the special moments shared together and the impact made that will live past what we can do in this physical realm. I would have to say that out of all the things I value in this life, what puts my feet on the floor everyday wanting more are as follows.
1. True connections with those around me are 100x more valuable than transactional connections. Sure, we are all going to have moments of transaction in this life, but behind that there should still be a driving force of impact and what we can do to make the world a better place. Success in this field is how someone truly feels after working with me- thats what fills my cup of coffee after my feet hit the ground.
2. I value growth through experience and staying curious. Seeing something happen real time or helping those around me will always feel rewarding and is a way for me to keep growing my persepctive. I was once told all you have to do is go to 50,000 feet up in the sky and imagine the life below you. What truly matters? At that elevation, not much- but it's the way we see things different that is the point here. All the big problems suddenly become small, and we can shift from a closed mind to something that is open and can see all.
3. Having purpose driven vision and again leaving a true impact. This life could be all about the numbers game, but at the end of the day how did I make those around me feel? I am constantly asking myself "why I am doing what I am doing and why does it matter?".
As I look ahead, I don’t have every answer and surely no one does... I don’t think that’s the point. What I do have is a deep sense of intention in how I want to move through the world... And with this curiosity and openness to connection, I believe that many things are possible. I want to build a life and career rooted in meaning, where people feel seen, experiences feel real, and progress is measured by impact rather than applause. If there’s anything I’ve learned so far, it’s that the most fulfilling paths aren’t always the loudest or the most direct, but they are the ones that feel honest. This chapter to me is about continuing to show up, being present, and trusting that if I lead with purpose everything else is just noise in the wind and anything can be possible.
Quotes that define me:
"Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value."- Albert Einstein
I love this quote for many reasons- but it is important to not get lost in the sauce and lust of life... I truly believe that at the end of the day, the more we give the more we get. If we can be a person of value to others and someone that is looked up to, the moment that you need help it may be a little easier to find it.
"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard." - Lain Thomas
Emotional intelligence is a topic that comes to mind when I think about this quote. You can be the person that is always hard on others, but not every moment in life is going to be this way. Be accepting of others strengths, but also being willing to foster the weaknesses and see them as potential areas of strength is a true asset to growth... Lain hit the nail in the coffin with this quote. You see, life is not all about being the toughest person. Sometimes the strength comes when you are most vulnerable!
"Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I believe this is the best way to live... No one should ever but puting the person next to them down. Even in moments of weakness, there is always something that you can do to bring others up around you. I think about sports and competition with this quote. At the end of every game you never see a strong team spitting on the competiton that they just beat... Even if you were beat, it's a better luck next time and try harder type situation that can leave both teams feeling humbled.
Movies:
The Secret life of Walter Mitty-
Chef
Good Will Hunting
Impactful leaders:
Nelson Mandela
Walt Disney
Howard Shultz
Articles that I believe relate to who I am and why I do what I do... and maybe they will help shape you too!
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