Driven by Purpose: Career Lessons from a Freedom Rider's Legacy
Freda L. Thomas, MBA, CPC, ACC, ELI-MP, CPRW
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Two weeks ago, the world lost a true hero—Charles Person, one of the original Freedom Riders.
I flew from NYC to Atlanta to attend the celebration of his extraordinary life and legacy, but snow in Atlanta postponed the event. Still, I found myself reflecting deeply on what he stood for and the courage he embodied.
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My connection to Mr. Person began years ago. His wife, Joetta, was my mom’s best friend and became a dear person in my life as well. I first reached out to Mr. Person when I started a Facebook group called?Repository for Racial Justice. Hoping to inspire the group with his wisdom, I asked Ms. Joetta if he might speak to us. She assured me he would, and true to form, he graciously accepted.
What stood out during that Zoom call with Mr. Person wasn’t just his recounting of history but his quiet dignity. Mr. Person was 17-18 years old, and a college freshman at Morehouse, Dr. King’s alma mater—when he joined the Freedom Riders in 1961. He described how, on that fateful bus ride, he was beaten by Klansmen in Alabama simply for refusing to move to the back of the bus. He said something that stayed with me: “I couldn’t understand why they felt such hatred towards me; I was one of the easiest persons to get along with, never wishing harm to anyone.”
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And yet, despite that brutal encounter, Mr. Person dedicated his life to fighting for dignity and equality for all. That unwavering sense of purpose, rooted in the belief that the world could be better, inspires me to this day.
The Connection to Careers
As a career coach, I often work with women and people of color in leadership roles who feel they must “over perform” to prove their worth. This pressure—compounded by systemic biases—leads to crippling self-doubt, even among high achievers. My clients oftentimes question their success, which can cause them to hesitate to aim higher, fearing they may not belong.
But what if we could all tap into the bravery of a Charles Person? Not to become martyrs, but to connect with what truly matters—to align our careers with purpose and live a life that leaves a legacy.
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When self-doubt arises, consider: What impact do I want to make? How can I use my talents to create a better world for others? Tying your work to a greater purpose can help you rise above self-doubt and face challenges with courage.
What It Takes to Reinvent Yourself
1????????????????? ???? ??????????????:?Reflect on the legacy you want to leave. How does your work align with the impact you hope to make?
2????????????????? ???? ????????-??????????:?Instead of fearing mistakes, see them as steps toward growth. Ask yourself, “What would I do if I truly believed in my abilities?”
3????????????????? ?????????????? ??????????????????:?Stepping into new roles or industries is never easy. The courage to pivot often means embracing discomfort and leaning into challenges.
4????????????????????????? ???? ????????????:?Take a hard look at any internal barriers holding you back. Ask yourself the tough questions: What fears are stopping me? What steps can I take to overcome them? Consider speaking with a trained professional to unpack these barriers to help you live your best life.
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A Call to Action
What’s your next step toward living with purpose? How will you challenge self-doubt and align your career with what truly matters?
To learn more about Mr. Person, the Freedom Riders, navigating career changes, addressing workplace biases, and more, explore these resources:
#CareerCoach #ResumeWriter #TopVoice
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1 个月Thanks Freda. I was not aware of what Person did for our humanity.
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1 个月Thank you for sharing such a poignant reflection on Mr. Charles Person Freda L. Thomas, MBA, CPC, ACC, ELI-MP, CPRW. Your link between Mr. Person’s legacy and the daily challenges faced by women and people of color in leadership is insightful and inspiring. Your message is a compelling call to action for all of us seeking to make a meaningful impact through our work.
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1 个月Thank you for bringing the story of Charles Person to us, Freda. We need endless stories about people like him to groom more of them to squeeze out the amoral ones. He knew who he was despite men who physically tried to make him doubt. A small thing I saw, too, was that he was a man confident enough to listen to his wife. Ms. Joetta told him to go talk to your group and he listened.
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1 个月What a life. Thank you for sharing Freda L. Thomas, MBA, CPC, ACC, ELI-MP, CPRW.
Founder and Chief Medical Officer @ pausitive health | MD MBA #menopause #mental healthandwellbeing #healthcarenavigation
1 个月Thanks for sharing Freda L. Thomas, MBA, CPC, ACC, ELI-MP, CPRW! There are so many people who have made powerful contributions that need to be highlighted, especially in times when people are discouraged and need energy to carry on.