“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” ― Audre Lorde ⁣

⁣One year ago today, I started my full-time leadership coaching practice. This photo captures the joy I felt that evening and I am so grateful to John Walder @ucwhateyec for capturing the moment so beautifully.⁣

⁣I write about the day in my forthcoming book, Thriving While Black and am happy to share an excerpt with you below. Enjoy!⁣

⁣"It was January 22, 2020. Having started my year with rest, rejuvenation and deep reflection, I was ready for my leadership coaching business launch party, an event I had been anticipating for several months.⁣

⁣Before starting my speech, I took a deep breath and scanned the room. Gazing up at me were clients, clients I wanted to court and former students. Some of my Leadership Atlanta classmates were there along with close girlfriends.⁣

⁣Up until that day, I had been a bundle of nerves. Had I spent too much money on everything or not enough? Who was coming, who was not, and would I have enough food? Would people “get” what I am trying to do with my new business? Would they respect it?⁣

⁣As I took the breath that would carry me through my opening words, I was filled with gratitude. None of my doubts and fears mattered anymore. Everyone who needed to be there was present and I was ready to tell them my story. My life and career had been anything but linear, but everything I had experienced up to that point had prepared me for that moment to lean into my purpose and shout it to the rooftops."⁣

⁣(Thriving While Black. New Degree Press, April 2021)⁣

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