AFA #61: Assurance in the Wait (Series Pt 2) - "Any Day Now."
Anita Ehui, MBA
Luxury E-Commerce & E-Business Expert Collaborating with Global & Emerging Brands | African Luxury Entrepreneur | Open to New Missions
About this series:
"Assurance in the Wait" is a four-part series dedicated to exploring the power and purpose of these waiting periods. Each week, we will delve into different aspects of waiting, from factoring in failure to building belief. Join me as I speak authentically about assurance that you can rely on in the midst of life's hard realities.
Greetings from Cannes! (Depending on when you are reading this!)
This week I am in beautiful Cannes, France for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity ! At Cannes Lions, the advertising and communications industry meets to celebrate the world's best work. Insight from iconic thought leaders, ideas from the world’s most innovative companies, and inspiration from every corner of the creative marketing community come together at the Festival – for a week of world-class networking, learning, and history-making creativity. Special thank you to @afrochic which curates transcendent experiences for Black women professionals and cultural leaders ages 25-50 across the globe, for making this happen!
Now for Part 2 of this transformational series (even if you haven't realised it yet)!
Imagine for a moment what your life would be like if you received everything you wished and prayed for immediately.
Every career opportunity you pursued was a "yes,"
every goal was achieved without delay,
and every dream came true right away.
While this might seem like the ideal scenario, consider how it would shape you as a person. Would you appreciate your successes as deeply? It’s tempting to believe that immediate gratification would lead to happiness, but the reality is often quite different.
Ask yourself if you would still possess the same determination, resilience, patience, and humility that you've developed through your challenges?
Often, there is a profound reason behind the delays we experience. Not getting what we want right away teaches us invaluable lessons. There are so many things I was rejected from after seeking them prematurely that I am so grateful for today.
I remember applying for a master's in fashion in 2015, with NO MONEY and NO CLEAR DIRECTION. My plan was to take out a student loan and figure out my career path in fashion later. A terrible idea! Fortunately, the university made the decision for me (see below).
In the waiting period, our desires and goals are often refined. What we initially think we want might change as we gain more insight and experience. After I was rejected from Ryerson University I did an internship with ELLE Canada, then worked Luxury retail at Saks Fifth Avenue, after, moved up into corporate at the Hudson's Bay Company. It was not until I worked for better understanding and experience before I reached a point that I knew I was ready for a new academic challenge. Approximately SIX YEARS LATER, not only did I get accepted for my MBA (requiring even more qualification) but I received 3 scholarships that paid half of my tuition (see below).
As a believer, I don't think anything is coincidental.
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My academic journey, like many other situations in my life, was meant to be a testimony. Imagine if I had been accepted into Ryerson's Fashion MA program, stayed in Canada, and lived a very different life—one that didn't include sharing this story with you.
I felt compelled to write this series because our time spent waiting is not wasted. It is a season of deep growth and preparation.
During these times, it might feel like nothing is happening on the surface. But rest assured, significant work is happening beneath. Your skills are being honed, your mindset is being strengthened, and your path is being clarified.
As you continue your journey towards your dream career and life, remember that the waiting periods are not setbacks but setups for your next breakthrough. Each "no" you encounter is not a denial but a redirection towards something better suited for you.
Stay patient. Stay humble. Keep nurturing your roots. Your time is coming, and when it does, you will be ready to seize it with confidence and clarity.
Use this time to deepen your skills, expand your knowledge, and strengthen your mindset. Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek out mentors, and stay connected to your vision. Your patience and perseverance will pay off in ways you might not yet imagine
Until next time, remember that every day brings you closer to your dream. Trust the process, and take heart in knowing that your waiting is never in vain..
If you found this newsletter helpful, please share it with your network.
Stay tuned for more insights and strategies for professional growth and success in my upcoming posts.
Sincerely,
Here are 3 ways we can continue together!