Dear Fearless Girl...A Letter to my Younger Self
Cindy Kent
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Chief Operating Officer (COO)/President ? Global Healthcare ? Commercialization ? Scaling Operations ? Profitable Growth ? Medical Technology ? Digital Health ? Corporate Governance
“Oh my God! Pinch Me!” were the thoughts that raced through my mind as I stood chatting with Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President and CEO of Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest defense contractor--and who also happens to be my ultimate executive crush. She's brilliant (a fellow industrial engineer), stylish (fellow Chanel fan) and most important, a fearless leader who inspires the team members of her company to be the same!
Needless to say, I was beyond humbled a year ago when Lockheed Martin invited me to keynote at their 2019 Global Women’s Impact Network (WIN) Forum that took place at the company's Center for Leadership Excellence earlier this week. The conference was the highest attended to date, with nearly 400 female executives, high-potential pipeline talent and numerous male allies. What could I possibly say to this audience of no-nonsense, mostly STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) professionals who literally protect the world, that would leave them inspired, confident and feeling…well, fearless?
I framed the talk as a letter to my younger self, filled with critical and hard-learned lessons that I wished I had known back in the day. Lessons, that had I known earlier in my career, could have possibly prevented the unrelenting head chatter—questioning myself and my abilities, negotiating my ambitions and on occasions, even dimming my light to make others more comfortable. All of these compromises, I would learn in time, were exercises in futility. Thus, the inspiration for “Dear Fearless Girl…”
Over the next few LinkedIn posts, I will feature highlights from the talk in hopes that these lessons will also resonate with you and will be helpful on your journey to becoming the best, most fearless version of yourself.
Dear Fearless Girl…You are enough. Period.
Being fearless and feeling fearless are not mutually exclusive. I’ve learned that “fearlessness” is not the absence of fear, instead, it is being a bit nervous, somewhat anxious, maybe even downright scared, yet pushing past fear to ‘do it anyway.’ Being fearless means never letting the trepidation stop you from achieving or downsizing, your dreams.
People may feel threatened…Lead Anyway.
Your comments may be ignored...Speak up Anyway.
Your dreams and ideas may seem like outlandish moonshots…Dream big Anyway.
If your goals aren’t scary or if they don’t make your palms sweaty or give you knots in the pit of your belly—then they are NOT big enough!
Area Director at UNCF- Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota
4 年You inspire in every sense of the word, Cindy! Blessed to call you Friend!
Vice President and Head of Health Equity, Cardiometabolic Health
4 年Truly awesome message!!
Insights Driven Problem Solver | Health Equity | Innovative Healthcare Ecosystem Leader
4 年An amazing and timeless message!
Independent Consultant at Faggart Consulting Solutions, LLC
4 年Awesome! Looking forward to the next page of your letter. Emerging female leaders in a male dominated aerospace industry (and others) need to benefit from those that have gone before them. Established female leaders need to reminisce from time to time on the challenges faced along their journey. While not easy, it is definitely worth it in the long run. Fear is not an option, just another obstacle, if you let it be - don’t let it be!
Online Instructor (Data Analytics) at Western Governors University
4 年We all need reminding and to be cognizant of reminding our team members.? Love your way of telling your story.? I wish I could have witnessed your keynote.? Cheers!