Two weeks ago, I received an email that changed my life. A short time later, still very much in shock, I found myself crying over video chat sharing some news with my good friend Brooke. I had just been named one of the top 50 FEARLESS marketers in the WORLD.
In the God Damn World.
Most 8- and 9-year olds believe they want to become doctors, lawyers, nurses, or police officers when they grow up. I aspired to be a Marketing Executive. However, high school dropouts don’t become executives and they certainly don’t make it to the board room with a G.E.D. (Good Enough Diploma); at least that's what the world wanted me to believe. Luckily, I never allowed the world's expectations to define the vision I had for my life.
Throughout my life, I have been called reckless, impulsive, and incautious. People attempted to place me in a box, and I broke out as frequently and quickly as possible. Eventually, I realized the truth: I was neither reckless or impulsive. I was FEARLESS! I've always known what I wanted, and not for one moment did I believe I would not have it.
To be clear, I do not believe that awards validate you. I believe that validation comes from within. From your body of work. Your drive. Your determination. Your ability to persevere and rise when it’s easier to give up. I believe your validation comes from those skills you cultivate and the gifts you share with the world.
I do, however, believe that acknowledgment + representation are powerful and necessary. I believe it’s important for the underrepresented and misrepresented. The dropouts, young moms, members of the LGBTQ community, and all of society's castaways to SEE the consequence of being fearless. To be able to touch it, see it, and aspire to it. Not just on tv, but also in real life.
So here I am. One of the world’s top fearless marketers. With a GED.
Anything is possible.
PS. I did an interview. Check it out!
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