The Journey To A Better Tomorrow - Requires Courage

The Journey To A Better Tomorrow - Requires Courage

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. From now on you’ll be traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be.?The key is to allow yourself to make the journey.” -?Meg Cabot

We?don't choose to become role models – But, the simple fact that someone is always watching and learning the good or bad – role models emerge.?

Some people become role models through their actions and accomplishments in their chosen fields, while others become role models through their personal qualities and character.

Others become role models because of their commitment to making a positive difference in the world. For example, a community leader who works to improve the lives of others, or an activist who fights for a cause they believe in can serve as role models for others who want to make a difference. These types of role models can inspire others to be compassionate and civic-minded.

Lastly, some people become role models simply by being themselves, showing the best version of them, in the way they treat people, the way they face challenges, the way they act in difficult situation or just by being kind.

Role models can come from all walks of life and can be anyone who sets a positive example for others to follow – And sometimes the journey chooses YOU.??

So, I’ve learned early on in my life that being a role model is not about being perfect and having all the answers – it is the journey towards mastery – which is posture of continual learning and refinement. It is a privilege, and you have to befriend Courage and Change along the mazes. Courage is the bridge that unlocks your greatness to become who you are meant to be –?Unstoppable – Uncommon – Unrivaled.?

For many of us in Tech and in leadership realms –?COURAGE and bear hugging CHANGE?quickly becomes part of our armor. Often, we become role models and a point of reference, not by our own choice. As the rarity of women and women of color in the tech industry persists, the few of us in the space happily welcome those trying to navigate their own career paths. Just as the journey chooses you, so does becoming a role model. Indeed, both are a privilege and is often more about others than yourself.??

The probability of someone like me achieving success as one of the leaders of a Fortune 100 company, is significant, to say the least. We need to have a “do what it takes” and “be a warrior”?mentality. Life is not about limiting ourselves. Instead,?it’s about having unyielding courage to push through ours fears, even though deep down, we may want to run back to our comfort zone.?It’s about confronting self-doubt head on and replacing it with positive self-accountability. We have to believe that?important battles?are worth fighting and so much of who we?are is waiting to unfold. Plainly stated, this life’s journey, won’t always be smooth sailing.

This is why I have embraced being uncomfortable in rooms where I am the only one who looks or sounds like me. You see, we have to trust that we are worthy of success and stay open to what life has to offer.?

• It takes courage?to attune to your inner compass and take the inspired actions that will lead to the fulfillment of your own unique destiny.?

• It takes courage?to be the only in the room that looks like you and?still?stand tall and confident in your ability to make a significant impact.?

• It takes courage?to ‘Be brave’ and inspire the next generation of women in tech. It takes courage to be all of you and win anyway!

A better tomorrow requires courage.

To transform the technology world into a more diverse one, we need to take bold actions, and it will take all of us. Studies show that learning from others who have succeeded helps inspire many to believe in gender egalitarianism at all levels.?

So, role models from all walks of life, don’t stop sharing your journeys –?

Don’t give up when the going gets tough – Hearing from someone who is on this journey and has navigated this complicated digital landscape is critical. I trust that together we can change the story.?

I believe that together we can:?

• Help close the?gender and equity gaps?in the technology and leadership realms.
• Help permeate?diversity?and inclusion in Technology and Innovation realms.
• Leverage our differences to?drive innovation?and develop meaningful products.?

With the?necessary skills, confidence, and opportunity, women will revolutionize technology.

We are just ordinary people who dare to trust an extraordinary GOD on the road between who we are and the bold impact we can leave on earth.?

#BelieveItsPossibleForYou is my favorite hashtag!

We’ve Got This!?

With this backdrop, please join me to share my immense gratitude to?The Who's Who in C?te d'Ivoire and Mobile Magazine for their upmost recognitions.?

WHO'S WHO IN C?TE D'IVOIRE

The Who's Who in C?te d'Ivoire is a prestigious recognition by the country of Ivory Coast aiming to recognize people who are examples of Highest Excellence and representing the country in the world. There are no words to articulate what this means to my family and me, from Abobo (one of the poorest cities) to today being between the top of the Ivory Coast Executives – To GOD the glory.?

Mobile Magazine ?connects the world’s largest mobile brands and their most senior executives with the latest trends, industry insight, and influential projects as the world embraces technology and digital transformation. Mobile Magazine is an established, trusted, and leading voice on all things mobile – engaging with a highly targeted audience of global executives.

You can access Mobile Magazine by clicking on the link below ??.

https://mobile-magazine.com/magazine/mobile-magazine-january-2023

What a great way to start the year with hope and openness to the possibilities ahead!!

Here's to a fresh start in 2023.?

Here’s to building a more inclusive world together!?

Here’s to unleashing Innovation strategy at all levels!?

I can't wait to see what this transformative year brings forth for all of us.

With Gratitude,

Edwige A. Robinson

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About the Author

Edwige is renowned Technologist with 25+ years of experience in the Technology & Leadership realm. She believes a more diverse & inclusive Tech world is possible and lends her expertise and her heart centered leadership approach, to her work and service to the Tech community every day. Described as the Translator of new innovations, she is a “Triple Minority” in tech - A native of Ivory Coast, West Africa - a foreigner, being female, and black, she is known for her unwavering courage and optimism. Despite countless obstacles to impede her success, she forged ahead and has succeeded in vital roles at major companies in the USA. Not only is she succeeding, she is also building a pathway for other like her to follow. Currently, she serves as the Senior Vice President of Engineering, Operations and Transformation at T-Mobile.?

Stay connected with her here on LinkedIn https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/edwigeatransformationalleader/

Website - https://www.edwigerobinson.com/

Twitter - @EdwigeRobinson