A Journey of Gratitude: Reflections on Leadership, Learning, and Appreciation
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work in environments where appreciation wasn’t just a fleeting gesture—it was woven into the fabric of the culture. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with talented, creative, and mission-driven individuals who inspired me daily. These experiences have shaped not only who I am as a leader but also the values I hold close. My journey of professional and personal growth has been deeply enriched by the positive environments I’ve been part of and the continuous learning opportunities I’ve received, all of which have taught me the true power of gratitude.
The Power of Positive Environments
As a leader, I’ve come to realize that creating a positive environment is one of the most powerful ways to inspire greatness. I was lucky to work in organizations that understood this—places where leaders didn’t just dictate, but nurtured. In these spaces, collaboration thrived because people felt appreciated for their unique strengths. The culture encouraged trust, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose, and that created the perfect conditions for growth, both for the organization and for individuals like me.
Working in these positive environments taught me that success isn’t just about achieving business goals; it’s about creating a space where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work. I carry this lesson with me in every leadership role I step into. When people feel appreciated, they are not only more engaged, but they also take greater pride in their contributions, and the results speak for themselves.
A Culture of Continuous Learning
One of the greatest gifts I received from the organizations I’ve worked with was their commitment to continuous learning. These were environments that didn’t just talk about professional development—they actively encouraged and invested in it. I was fortunate to pursue multiple degrees while working full-time, supported by leaders and teams who understood the importance of growth. They recognized that when employees learn, the organization benefits too.
In these cultures of learning, I felt empowered to challenge myself and take on new opportunities. Whether it was formal education or on-the-job learning, I was given the freedom to expand my knowledge, hone my skills, and ultimately become a more effective leader. This focus on development not only contributed to my professional success but also deepened my appreciation for the organizations that supported me.
Leaders who invest in their people’s learning show that they value growth beyond the confines of the workplace. They understand that supporting personal development strengthens the entire team, and I’ve experienced firsthand the positive ripple effect this can have. As a leader now, I’m committed to creating the same opportunities for my teams, knowing that when people grow, the organization flourishes too.
The Joy of Working with Passionate, Creative, and Mission-Focused People
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most creative and passionate individuals I’ve ever met. These were people who brought energy, enthusiasm, and innovation to their work every day, driven by a shared mission to make a difference. Whether we were brainstorming new ideas, tackling complex problems, or working toward ambitious goals, the passion we shared was palpable.
What I appreciated most was that this collective passion wasn’t fueled by competition or individual gain. It came from a genuine desire to contribute to something greater than ourselves. Working in these environments was not just about getting the job done—it was about fulfilling a purpose. And it was this sense of shared mission that brought out the best in everyone, myself included.
These experiences taught me the value of purpose-driven leadership. When people understand the “why” behind their work and feel connected to a meaningful mission, their creativity and dedication know no bounds. As a leader, I strive to cultivate this sense of purpose in every team I lead, ensuring that everyone feels part of something bigger and motivated to contribute their best.
A Leader’s Gratitude
Looking back on my journey, I’m filled with immense gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve worked alongside. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about guiding others—it’s about appreciating the environments, cultures, and individuals that make success possible. The organizations that supported my learning, the colleagues who fueled my creativity, and the mentors who led with purpose have all shaped the leader I am today.
As a coach and trainer (and a mom and grandmom, and a sister, an aunt, and a friend), I aim to pass on these lessons of appreciation, support, and purpose to those I have the privilege of working with and living life with. I strive to create environments where people feel valued, where continuous learning is encouraged, and where passion for the mission drives everything we do. Even personally, there are opportunities to bring passion and joy to the mundane. In doing so, I hope to inspire the same sense of gratitude and fulfillment that has marked my own career.
In a world that moves fast and is often focused on results, it’s easy to overlook the importance of appreciation. But the truth is, appreciation is at the heart of every successful team, every meaningful achievement, and every positive work culture. It’s something I’ve experienced firsthand, and it’s something I carry forward in my human journey.
I’m grateful for the environments that lifted me up, the opportunities for continuous learning, and the passionate individuals who shared in the mission with me. As a leader, I hope to create the same experiences for others—because when people feel appreciated, supported, and connected to a purpose, they can achieve greatness.