Embrace The Unknown: How Small Steps Lead to Big Growth

How can you embrace the unknown and turn that into opportunities for growth?

Every now and then I like to “get out in these streets” and be adventurous. That could be going to a restaurant by myself, heading to a retail store to purchase some items, or I might use Aira to walk around an unfamiliar area.

Why do I do this you might ask?

Well, as scary as it might feel, I’m focused on expanding my mental reach. Personal growth and development is very important to me.

One of my recent adventures led me to Fashion Valley Mall. In preparation for competition, I wanted to grab some items from Fabletics. When I hopped out of the Uber, I expected to be in front of Nordstrom, but I wasn’t. I stepped forward and stood on a median not knowing where to go.

When I’m in an unfamiliar area, I typically hit up Aira to get assistance so that’s what I did. The voice on the other end instructed me to walk straight ahead to cross the street. Then, I needed to turn right and cross another street. Once my cane hit the curb, I stepped onto the sidewalk and headed straight toward Nordstrom.

Read the rest of the article here.

Whether I’m training for the long jump or preparing to compete on the world stage, feedback is a constant presence in my life. My coaches and guides give me feedback to adjust my form, change my pace, or improve my mindset - with my lack of eyesight, their feedback is crucial to my success.

But I still have a choice. I can ignore the feedback or I can do something with it and go from a good athlete to a great athlete.

The same goes for leadership. Feedback is not a reflection of your worth — it’s a map for how high you can soar. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. And the more you embrace feedback as part of your journey, the closer you’ll get to achieving your true potential.

The next time someone offers you feedback, take a moment to listen, reflect, and ask yourself, “How can I use this to grow?” Just like in sports, in leadership, the journey to greatness is limitless.

Read the full article from Harvard Business Review here.

I had a wonderful time presenting "No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision" for Samsung Electronics America earlier this month!It's always a pleasure to share my story to help others find their own unique vision.

If you’re like me, the post-Olympic and Paralympic withdrawal is real. However, the excitement is far from over, especially for me as a member of the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Board of Directors.

These 2028 Games will be special for so many reasons. This will be the third time Los Angeles has hosted these events, and as someone who lives in So Cal, it feels like going home. The LA Memorial Coliseum will once again host track and field events and the city will use existing venues to make the Games more sustainable.

It’s exciting to see the inclusion of new sports. The Paralympics will feature para-climbing for the first time, adding more events for athletes with disabilities. I know firsthand how powerful it is when new opportunities are created for adaptive athletes.

Check out LA28.org if you want to know more. Read more about my involvement here.

In today's rapidly changing world, the ability to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and tap into resilience is crucial. As a globally recognized inspirational speaker, I challenge audiences to envision what lies beyond the horizon and make that vision a reality. This is the essence of my message, No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision.

Past clients have described my story as one of perseverance, resilience, and the incredible power of the human spirit.

It's a story that resonates with anyone striving to achieve personal and professional greatness. Whatever challenges your organization is facing, I believe my insights offer a unique perspective that ignites transformation.

I would love the opportunity to connect if you believe this presentation will help strengthen your team and assist in improving both personal and professional growth.

Let's connect!