Be BOLD and TRUE to Yourself

I had the pleasure to attend this past Saturday an inspiring event (Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Conference by GHCC), causing me to pause and think as a mentor, business and community leader what got me here today?

It’s not easy to be bold and when you're in a leadership position its sometimes even more complicated than you think. But when your story could impact others, you have to share it.

The first part of my life was a struggle for my family, including life-threatening experience at only 1 year old. Cuba was not the most glamours place to live in the ’60s, so moving to America was part of just surviving.

Many times were growing up in the worst parts of town, or just being Hispanic wasn’t popular and at times I even considered changing my name or also stay as far as I can from my own culture. And if you ask what nationality “Gomez” was, I brushed it off by saying “you know the Adams Family” - a TV Show at the time. People laughed and drooped the question.

I thought to achieve the “American Dream” financial goals, titles or even own a home. I needed to be someone else, I lost track of who I was and the extreme courage and effort it took my family to get here.

It took me several years to come full circle and understand that being “ME” is true enough, and that being Hispanic, Afro-Cuban and part of a bicultural family is not only special but a gift that our creator give me as my “superpower” an advantage not only in business but in connecting with people all over the world. “NEVER” forget from where you came from and who you truly are!

Going back to the conference I noted one question that caught my attention. “What does it take to be a leader, not just business but in life. 

Here are a few takeaways from the event:

First, you start with Authenticity - if your not true to yourself you can’t be of service to the people you lead. (Like the statement I made - You need to find You first.)

Second, To lead people you need to serve them. It’s not about your title or position; it’s about moving together to accomplishing good work as one team.

Third, Always exercise principles of ethics within yourself, your group or service to others.

Fourth, Accountability - it’s yours all of it. Own it 

Fifth, Balance to your schedule, and the people that you lead. Work can take over, and that pressure bleeds into your team. You don’t need to be perfect “NO ONE PERSON IS” it’s a matter of guiding your team to the best outcome.

And lastly, Be the student. Your obligation to learning the industry, trade, and technology never stops, and your team doesn’t expect you to know everything, but they do expect you to understand where to go to find it, bring resources to support it and lead them to accomplish it. It’s not your title, position or even social status that makes you a leader. Anyone can do it. My story is but of one out of millions. The only difference is I took “Bold Steps.” I challenge you to take that first step “Be Bold” except who you truly are. Start by sharing your story - and let others know what is possible when you discover your superpower!

This article has pushed me even further than I thought, as I write my next chapter in life I have decided to write my upcoming book “The Last Fight Out - A Journey Of Hope and Inspiration” it will be released fall of 2019 - anyone how is Bold to share their story with our network on this platform or any other, you will receive a free ebook from me. Looking forward to emailing a lot of copies for free.

And please, feel free to direct message me - always open to connecting and contributing to like-minded innovators and leaders that are bold to create beyond the normal.

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