Secrets to Success
Secrets to Success
Event draws
some of state’s
Amazing WomenOn March 8, eight women shared their secrets to success at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. The Amazing Women Amazing World event was a day where millions of women from around the world gathered in their respective cities for a day of inspiration.
The annual event is designed to inspire women to take practical, life-changing action by celebrating successful women in business, nonprofit organizations and the military.
The Sheraton Moana Surfrider hosted this celebration in Honolulu, allowing women in Hawaii to attend at no charge. Women (and a few good men) from all walks of life were able to network, talk story and share resources. Speakers shared how they overcame enormous challenges or willingly made personal sacrifices in order to get to where they are today.
Billie Takaki, Miss Hawaii 2000 and managing editor for Hawaii Woman magazine, spoke about the importance of mentorship for the next generation of young people.
Dr. Gelb -- a local author, psychologist and attorney -- talked about ambition verses over-achievement. Comparing "The Road to Hana" to "The Road to Success," Gelb made the success connection for those who are goal-oriented and not quite satisfied.
Anyone who has ever taken the journey to Hana on the island of Maui knows if you don't stop to enjoy your journey, you'll miss the best experiences.
Coaching tip
You can succeed with integrity when you are doing what you love. Following your greatest passion allows you to feel successful each and every day. Don't delay feeling happy because you haven't reached your ultimate destination yet. Instead, allow yourself to feel successful every minute of the day from the moment you wake up.Kathy Tugman, former president of Tugman Steel and current general manager of Hawaii Glass Block, shared how she succeeded in a male-dominated industry as a result of courage and determination.
Nicknamed "Steel Magnolia," Kathy's story demonstrated how she succeeded because of the fact that she is a woman, not in spite of the fact. Kathy didn't try and take on male characteristics; instead, she tapped into her personal strengths and developed strategies that motivated her team to become as efficient as possible.
Lynda Jaques, licensed clinical psychologist and chief of research and analysis at the U.S. Pacific Command, shared her experience as she combined her education with her insight to get to one of the most important positions in the military. Responsible for analyzing military war plans, Jaques served as an example and mentor for the younger women who participated in the celebration as to the world of possibilities that are open to women.
Coaching tip #2
Know that you belong where you are. Then act, talk and walk that way. Don't allow people to intimidate you, and they won't.Overcoming "the need to please everyone," (a common challenge for some women) Malia Zimmerman shared how she overcame this challenge herself, even losing her job at the time to prove it.
Malia's story of how she did what she believed a good journalist should do, continuing to pursue unpopular stories, resonated with many women. Many people in the audience were also encouraged by the fact that Malia has subsequently become the co-founder of The Grassroots Institute (a nonprofit political think-tank) and president of Hawaii Reporter.com.
All of the women shared a common theme as their secret to success. Each one of these women chose to press on to reach their goals despite the challenges they faced. As a result, each one of them became ten times more successful because of the obstacles they faced and chose to overcome.
You can choose success today. Looking to others who've successfully gone before you is a good place to start. Learn how you can avoid the pitfalls from them.
To learn more about how you can get involved in this annual celebration, and see what other speakers of the day had to say, visit www.RPMsuccess.com.
Deborah Cole Micek, chief executive officer
of RPM Success Group, is a business success coach
and life strategist. Reach her at DCM@RPMsuccess.com
or (888) 334-8151.