Sink or Swim?

He was clearly speaking and I could tell his lips were moving but I couldn't make out what he was saying. I wasn't far away, as a matter of fact, we were less than two feet away from each other. It was June 28th, 2019 at around 3:18 pm.

I walked in employed and suddenly I wasn't.

When something like that happens, you almost immediately internalize everything. You start by thinking you must have brought it on yourself or by trying to understand how you never saw it coming. I frankly did not see it coming.

A few months prior, the company I worked for had been acquired by the latest unicorn in town, WeWork - their story has been well documented. I remember the whole team flying to New York that April for the announcement and it being such an incredible high for the team.?

So you can imagine how alone I felt turning onto highway 80 and calling my mother to tell her I had been laid off.

She was calm. Far too calm for my liking.?

I expected more of a reaction, more worry or something! She calmly said, "God is in control, it will be alright".

She was right, I didn't hang around for long before I joined my incredible team at Knotel.?The pandemic cut the “working” relationship short but I am thankful for the people I met and the friendships I left with. Lifelong ting!

Today marks exactly one year since I started this incredible journey at Lucid Motors. I have been humbled daily by the truly amazing people I work with every day and having a platform to change lives. Too many people to shout out but if you were reading this, I adore you. I started by telling you about my 2019 & early 2020 because recently while telling someone about my last few years they said “you just had it bad back to back”.?

I smiled but it was so true.?

Do not get me wrong, it has been a GRIND. This past year has been filled with long nights (my team still teases me for not sleeping) and thinking up creative ways to deliver success for the teams I support.?

Thousands of resumes, hundreds of interviews and, scores of life-changing offers to bring people to Lucid from all over the world. I am honored and humbled to have played my part.??

In every role I have taken, my goal has always been to be impactful.?To leave the space/team/role better than I met it. This past year has tested me.?My creativity, leadership, patience, perseverance, forgiveness, and even my ability to laugh in the midst of chaos.?

I call what we have right now “organized chaos” if I helped you join Lucid and I interviewed you, you probably heard me use that term a lot. It is completely true but even with all of that, I have learned so much.

Here are the things I learned over the past year:

Stay true

There are tons of things that can make this incredibly difficult but it is so important to know who you are at your core and live by that. Truly understanding the values that drive you but also anchor you, is paramount to keeping out the “noise”

It is very easy to get swayed, lose sight of the vision/mission, and or just forget yourself while trying to “play the game”. I’ve found that through all of it, never lose you. Because when it’s all said and done, you want to look yourself in the mirror and recognize that person but also be incredibly proud of them too.

Be a person of integrity

Say what you mean, mean what you say. My father once said to me when I was much younger, he said “your name will speak for you in many rooms your feet may never enter”. It stuck with me. From connecting with candidates or my own team, I try to be a man of my word and this past year has shown me more than ever, people need to know you are solid. Being protective of my name and my integrity is one of the things that has driven me to work hard, to come through, and to be present for those around me that need me the most.

Know Your Worth

A few years ago, I would have questioned my abilities and impact, but today, I know exactly who I am and what I bring to any table. In some cases, it’s my experience, and other times, it’s my curiosity. But never am I deadweight and I am proud of that.You cannot expect or rely solely on others to recognize your worth and your value on any team. You are incredibly unique and you should move as such. Let what is special about you drive you to work harder than everyone else and not cower to make others feel bigger. Always remember who you are and what you bring to the table, if someone does not recognize or appreciate you, then leave!

There were bouts of imposter syndrome, doubt, and even recent trying times but I have never doubted this man’s ability to pull through. It has been an incredible year, made even more special by my family, friends, and my team - some of whom have become my family.

I am grateful for everyone who has poured into me through my career, especially over the past year. Thank you to those that taught me what to do and those that showed me what to never become. I am humbled.

Here is to whatever the next year holds. I will write you again, soon. Hopefully before another year but till then, keep your head high. You deserve greatness, you deserve flowers and you deserve the best version of YOU.

Thank you for reading and joining my journey.?

I’ll leave you with my favorite songs that powered me through the past year.?You’re welcome.

Till next time, stay up!

Blessed ft. Damian Marley by Wizkid - https://open.spotify.com/track/3QO1m6i0nsrp8aOnapvbkx?si=de48d7a38f9f493f

How Come - EMO Grae & Zinoleesky https://open.spotify.com/track/2geHlbiklh3CsbkWObSXxW?si=712e4ab59ad940c3

Kilofeshe - Zinoleesky https://open.spotify.com/track/6vg6CHlcsjLXCDKZHYtzwd?si=61eab6ca7302419f

Sink or Swim - Jacob Banks https://open.spotify.com/track/0kFV57VAYDJEcbtOK7YmNS?si=bb9f4a6a5f864e0a

Princess Cuts ft. Young T & Bugsey by Headie One https://open.spotify.com/track/63Sb1AMnhb37DR59uXZdQd?si=ff8b3b1842234686