Understanding the Power of Resiliency and the Human Spirit in Accomplishing One's Dreams with Morgan Klein

Mike's Mentors Episode 9: Morgan Klein reflects on how key experiences have helped shape and transform her thinking, beliefs, and purpose.

Linkedin: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/morgan-r-klein/

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Website: https://morgankleinportfolio.wordpress.com/

Name: Morgan Klein?? Current Town: Boulder, CO

Professional: Director, UX at StageCoach Digital

What is one of your first memories that taught you something about the world??

• One of the first experiences that had an impact on my understanding of the world was when I traveled to Kenya with a school program. I took my first-ever flight and found myself, for the first time, as an outsider in an entirely different community. Our journey took us to Kibera Slum, the largest slum in Africa and the third-largest globally. In Kibera Slum, we were immersed in a starkly different reality from what we were accustomed to. It was a place where poverty and hardship were ubiquitous, and the contrast with our own lives was staggering. Yet, amidst these challenging circumstances, I witnessed incredible resilience and the power of the human spirit.?
• It was during this trip that I made a commitment to sponsor a Kenyan student's education, a commitment I continue to uphold to this day. The sponsorship program supports 250+ Kenyan children in two communities in rural Kenya with essential educational resources such as tuition, school uniforms, shoes, books, and daily nutritious lunches during the school year. Without the support of Blair in Kenya, many of these children would not have the opportunity to attend school, which we firmly believe is a basic human right. The ultimate goal is to nurture future leaders within the community so that Blair in Kenya's assistance is no longer needed.

What is one experience that challenged a belief and transformed your viewpoint?

• My study abroad experience in Amman, Jordan, had a profound impact on shaping my perspective of the world. I challenged myself to be more than just a tourist but to be open and actively engaged with the local community, which led to transformative experiences. By building relationships with people in Jordan, I gained a deeper understanding of their culture, language, and way of life than I could have ever learned solely in a classroom setting. This experience taught me the importance of human connection in fostering genuine cross-cultural understanding.

What is one identity or belief that you have that people might not know, and how does it show up in your life?

• I'm a competitive triathlete, a facet of my life that not everyone may be aware of. This identity is a significant part of my life, as it requires rigorous training, discipline, and mental resilience. Triathlon is not only a physical challenge but has also cultivated valuable skills in perseverance, goal-setting, and prioritization and the desire to continually push my limits in both sport and life.

What are the three values that you bring into each space you occupy?

• Resourcefulness: I believe in finding creative solutions to challenges and making the most of available resources.
• Resilience / Integrity: I value both resilience in the face of adversity and unwavering Integrity in my actions and decisions.
• Collaboration: I recognize the importance of working together with others to achieve common goals and bring positive change.

Who is a mentor who has shaped or guided your journey?

• In college, one professor played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of my academic, professional, and personal journey.?He encouraged me to develop my own theories and ideas, pushing me to think critically and independently, and challenged me to defend my opinions and perspectives, fostering a sense of intellectual rigor and resilience that continues to shape my approach to challenges in life.
• His unwavering support and belief in my potential instilled in me a profound sense of confidence and a determination to pursue my passions. His mentorship was not limited to the academic realm; it was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my personal and professional journey.

What is a dream or goal that you have? What did you do today to achieve steps towards that?

• A goal I have is conquering the Norseman Triathlon, an event that stands as a testament to human endurance, resilience, and the pursuit of the extraordinary.?The Norseman Triathlon is unlike any other in the world of triathlons. It's a race that commands respect and reverence due to its extreme nature and unforgiving course. The elements alone can prove daunting, with icy waters and unpredictable weather conditions making the swim, bike, and run segments even more grueling than a typical triathlon. But it's precisely these challenges that excite me.
• One of the unique aspects of the Norseman Triathlon is its team-oriented spirit. While each participant takes on the Herculean task individually, each athlete is required to complete the race of their support crew. They are there to support the athlete, but it's up to me to lead them in how they can best aid my journey across the finish line. It's a delicate balance of personal perseverance and shared support that transcends the solo nature of the sport.
• Today, I took another step closer to this dream by embracing the daily grind, pushing my boundaries, and fortifying my determination. Each stroke, each pedal, each stride brings me nearer to the moment when I stand triumphant at the peak finish line, a member of the "Black T-Shirt Club," and a testament to the extraordinary heights that can be achieved when we pursue big dreams.

If you would like to be featured in a future installment of Mike's Mentors weekly spotlight, please get in touch with Michael Duignan or email [email protected]