The Nicole Woods Story---A Life Lesson With A Knock Out Punch
Duane Cummings
Experienced leader, CEO, COO, ED, who loves a challenge and embraces servant leadership.
I have a challenge for you. The next time you’re at any kind of event, conference, or meeting full of strangers, spend a few moments looking at everyone, and then ask yourself,
“What makes me walk up and introduce myself to one person, and not another?”
I think if you’re honest about it, you’ll conclude those choices are born out of your beliefs.
Think about this, have you ever taken the time to determine for yourself, what does “interesting” look like, or “success” sound like, and how does “potential” dress for that matter? Unfortunately, it may be your current beliefs that are keeping you from obtaining those things you’re seeking. And if you’re not careful, those beliefs can also distort how other people view you.
With this in mind, I’d like to share the story of my friend Nicole Woods, and then you can determine, if I’m “onto something” regarding beliefs or not? Hopefully when finished, you’ll agree that her story packs a KNOCK OUT punch.
Not long ago, while mingling with a small group prior to a speaking engagement, I asked everyone to scan the room and pick out people they wanted to meet. Although several individuals were noted, no one mentioned a lady named Nicole. Fortunately I noticed, and luckily I got the chance to meet her at the end of the evening.
It’s fair to say that if asked, most people that night would have described her as an African American female, average stature, reserved with her smiles, conservatively dressed, well mannered, and someone who spoke softly. I guess not the type of person this group was looking for…and if they do a little searching, I think they will again come to the conclusion it's all due to their belief system.
A short time after the event my wife and I had brunch with Nicole, and were astonished to learn she hadn’t finished high school in the traditional way. But, she did get her diploma, and then went on to play point guard for the University of South Carolina. She ended up earning both a Bachelors and Masters Degree, and if that wasn’t enough, she had also became a boxing champion. To top it off, Nicole humbly revealed she was a certified Atlanta Firefighter and owns a successful real estate investment company. As we sat there in awe, my head hurt from the KNOCK OUT lesson that she had hit me with…
“Never judge a book by its cover!”
Over the past few months we’ve gotten to know Nicole and her entire family. We’ve traveled, performed charity work, and will be spending time together during the holidays. I’m grateful and honored to call her my friend, and it makes me wonder, “Are there other “Nicole’s" being overlooked in the room?”
MEET MY FRIENDS MONDAY--- I’ve asked some of my friends if I could share their stories, in attempt to help others lead #aSensationalLife…and they happily agreed.
Duane Cummings lives life with a single purpose, “To Aid Others, Act on Ideas, and Achieve Sensational Results.” He is a trusted advisor to organizations and individuals around the world regarding professional and personal development. Duane is an author, entrepreneur, coach, and consultant who speaks regularly on a range of topics that include entrepreneurship, leadership, communication, sales, and finding your purpose.
Duane learned the importance of teamwork and honed his leadership skills early by serving in the U.S. Army, and then by winning championships as a professional soccer player and coach. After retiring from athletics, he successfully transferred to the business world, where he held several sales management positions, before stepping out to build a own start up wholesale clothing company, indoor sports arena, a consulting company, and several other projects.
This last year marked the completion of his most challenging project thus far. As COO and an equity partner, Duane helped guide Erick Flowback Services, LLC (Oil & Gas Service provider) during their preparation and sale. Duane is still partners in, or owner of, several other companies in a variety of industries.
Along with several co-authoring projects and writing the next book in the Sensational Series, Duane now spends a great deal of time mentoring and also serves the needs of several non profit organizations. Duane and his wife, Kim, have two sons, Christopher and Matthew who is now married to Erin.
GRAB a copy of Duane's newest book from retailers everywhere or shop online!
The Sensational Salesman
A Second Chance Story: Providing a Simple Path to Improving Your Relationships, Career, and Life
Lots of books claim they will change your life, but they rarely give you a map to follow. If you have been searching for answers about how to improve your current situation, look no further. The Sensational Salesman serves as a must-have manual for achieving success in business and life. The insights in this story are rarely taught in formal education settings or the workplace, but they are fundamental to achieving lifelong happiness and fulfillment.
This is the inspiring parable of Thomas Frickle, a young salesman whose life quickly unravels, only to be put back on course thanks to the help of mentors who teach him crucial lessons. It is entertaining and easy to follow. With lessons on topics such as relationships, communication, and goal setting, this story will provide you with a step-by-step blueprint for how to achieve the personal and professional success you desire and deserve.
Even the most educated mind will be enlightened by the way the key building blocks needed for success in all aspects of your life are presented here. Each chapter reveals a new lesson, building on the previous one and utilizing real world examples that you can begin applying immediately. This is a timeless story and a valuable book for young and old alike.
CEO at AdlerGroup Real Estate Team / Founding Board Member of the Atlanta Chapter for the Veterans Assoc. of Real Estate Professionals / VP of the Gwinnett County Flag Day Committee
9 年I always look forward to your weekly posts. Behavioral psychology, especially as it relates to conformity was my focus when earning my psychology degree. Throughout life we gravitate to "like-minded" groups and individuals to associate with. For people who lean more to introverted personalities, this can make socializing difficult. You are definitely on to something about looking for the people who stick out as not being part of the popular clique. They often driven individuals of strong character who do not feel the need to alter their personality in order to be accepted by the group. I have been to many such gatherings where I felt like I was caught up in a Star Trek movie where the Borg had landed, and I was watching people being assimilated into the collective. Thanks for letting a wonderful person shine.
Providing solutions for business professionals for added value to clients with unique tools and resources as seen in ABOUT
9 年Duane Cummings we all need to be reminded of this lesson from time to time. Seek out those that others miss and find the true diamonds in life. Thank you for sharing this story, it was indeed a pleasure to meet Nichole at the Un-Conference.
Over 16 years Helping Mature Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners Build Thriving Online Businesses & Authentic Connections | Guiding Success with Self-Care | Copywriter B2B Professionals | Speaker | Podcast Host
9 年Thank you so very much. I am truly humbled and honored at the same time.
Over 16 years Helping Mature Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners Build Thriving Online Businesses & Authentic Connections | Guiding Success with Self-Care | Copywriter B2B Professionals | Speaker | Podcast Host
9 年There are those who attend events with a "What am I going to get?" attitude instead of "What am I going to give or who am I going to support?" and so quiet, unassuming people are often overlooked. I'm not surprised you and your wife took the time to get to know who Nicole really is. It's just who you both are and how you treat others. Yes! to Knock Out Punches.