Weekly Motivational Minute: "Slowing Down"

Every week, an SOS Leadership partner or friend shares a motivational minute about a different leadership topic. This week, Billy Moyer talks about "Slowing Down."

Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders - Kate Stoker

Welcome to the final post in the Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders series. If you missed our first five posts, check them out:
 
Calling All Women Who Lead! 
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Jennifer Pandya
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Ana-Cristina Gonzalez
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Courtney Goodings
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Carrie Leising

Today's post comes from Kate Stoker, who shares her experience with the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program.

I decided to participate in the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program because I think it’s really important for young women not only to develop other leaders, but also to continue to develop themselves. I think there’s definitely something to be said for “sharpening the saw.” It’s important to always be evaluating your goals, your skills, your strengths, and your weaknesses, so that you can become an effective leader and lead by example so that others can follow in your path.

The SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program has given me a lot to think about in terms of what motivates me, what drives me, and what kind of environments I thrive in.  In addition, the relationships you build with other women are such a vital part of this program. There’s a lot to be said for getting in a room with other young leaders to talk about challenges, and taking your guard down. You recognize that you don’t know everything and you don’t have it all together, and everyone else is thinking the same exact thing. You also have different perspectives and different communication styles, and it’s always really interesting to learn new things from the women who are sitting around the table.

One of the things that the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program does is it gives you an opportunity to look at yourself. When you’re a servant leader, you spend so much time in your roles, projects, responsibilities, and the organizations you’re a part of, and you put your own development on the backburner. The program helps me tell myself, “It’s okay to take time off for yourself and really look at what you can work on, what motivates you, and what is your purpose.” There’s an opportunity to spread the message about putting yourself first; if you’re burnt out or if you’re exhausted, you’re not growing and you’re not going to be an effective leader.

I would absolutely recommend the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program to other women! The topics that are explored and the education that you receive in the program are relevant for any level of leadership whether you’re just starting out or if you’re more tenured in your leadership journey. The breadth of the program is great; it’s beneficial to come to a deeper understanding of your communication style, how you are tracking your goals, and your life’s purpose.

~ Kate Stoker

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Today's post is the final of a six-week series about the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program. This series includes testimonials from some of the incredible women who are participating in the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program. 

If you're interested in learning more about the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program, check out this video and email Amber Fogarty today!

Where Are They Now - Bailey Bounds

The current SOS interns were asked to conduct an interview to learn where a couple of the former SOS interns are at in their lives today. Current SOS intern, Marisa Hernandez, learned more about the life of former SOS intern, Bailey Bounds.

The whole point of an internship is to gain experience and to gain knowledge about the career path you have chosen. I believe former interns can play a huge role in shaping your internship. They were there before you. They are the ones who set the foundation. Through this project I learned simply learning more about a former intern can alleviate some of the stress that comes with being an intern.

Bailey Bounds

I was given the pleasure to learn more about former SOS intern Bailey Bounds. Bailey interned with SOS Leadership as a marketing and communications intern from August of 2011 to May of 2012. Some of her responsibilities included assisting with social media efforts, re-vamping the monthly newsletter into a weekly publication, and even editing the book Retreat to Success, which she is now recognized as editor in the acknowledgment section.

Bailey began her intern career as a Marketing Coordinator at the Austin Board of Realtors, which she says was a position she absolutely loved. She also got the chance to experience event planning with that internship and decided to intern for an event planning firm. “It wasn’t what I expected, and I really missed marketing and communications,” she says of the event planning internship. That is when she came across Billy Moyer’s tweet about needing a marketing communications intern. She explained to me that the title of the internship drew her in alone, but she especially like the detailed goals and responsibilities they conveyed to her.

“In my interview, they were so open and kind and seemed like they could really help me not only develop my skills, but the core goals and skills needed for both a successful personal and professional life. I just felt this genuine connection with them and looked up to their positivity before I even really knew them. The positivity was really key; that along with the job description led me to choose SOS as an internship.”- Bailey Bounds on her interview with SOS Leadership.

While interning with SOS, one of Bailey’s responsibilities included, editing Retreat to Success written by, Amber Fogarty, Billy Moyer, and Bill Moyer. This was also, as she says her favorite part of the internship. “I was so proud of the work I did and was excited that they had trusted my insights enough to handle the project.” Another part of her internship included working with Amber Fogarty and also attending goal sessions. Here, Bailey would spend time with other professionals and learn where they were in their careers. It was during this time Bailey herself learned how important goals really are, and developed her own goals and career plans.

One of the struggles Bailey dealt with during her time at St. Edward’s was balancing work with her personal life, which she says SOS helped her learn to do. “I often felt over-worked in school and would take on too much at once. Once I graduated, I kind of regretted that because while I was successful and learned so much from working hard, I felt like I should have spent more time enjoying college and friends. Balancing professional and personal life developed at SOS and continued to grow post-graduation.” Along with interning at SOS Leadership, Bailey also learned the importance of goal setting, being positive, and concepts such as positive work culture and time management. Although learning these concepts was important, the most valuable lesson she learned while interning was to always try your hardest and care about what you do. “I interned at SOS when I was a senior at St. Ed’s. I have natural tendencies to stress out, so interning under primarily Amber really helped me manage my stress and learn how to build success blocks…Having someone truly believe in me was valuable.”

Goal setting was not something that Bailey had thought about before, but now she says SOS has taught her that she can move forward faster and bring a stronger presence in her personal and professional life if she has a line of goals to follow.

Since Bailey’s internship, she has graduated from St. Edward’s with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Writing and Rhetoric with a minor in Communication. She now works as a reporter and editor for KidsWire, a source which provides business professionals with the strategies, news and insight they need to successfully engage with digitally connected kids. Bailey is also an editor for a source called Austin XL, which focuses on Austin technology and businesses. She says her latest goal is to become a leader in the community. “I want to phase out of the college lifestyle and make more connections in the professional world while also serving the community.” She says SOS definitely helped her to be successful in her career, and even after her internship, they have remained a part of Bailey’s life as advisers and are constantly helping her.

“I think loving what you do and creating the steps to get where you want to be are core parts of being a leader in any area of your life.”-Bailey Bounds

Weekly Motivational Minute: "All Leaders Are on a Journey to Learn How to Lead"

Every week, an SOS Leadership partner or friend shares a motivational minute about a different leadership topic. This week, Amber Fogarty shares that "All Leaders Are on a Journey to Learn How to Lead."

Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders - Carrie Leising

Welcome to the fifth post in the Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders series. If you missed our first four posts, check them out: 
Calling All Women Who Lead! 
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Jennifer Pandya
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Ana-Cristina Gonzalez
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Courtney Goodings

Today's post comes from Carrie Leising, Major Gifts Officer at Concordia University, who shares her experience with the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program. 

The SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program has provided me with insight and a new-found wisdom about how to become a better version of myself. I’ve grown tremendously in my professional and personal life. 

I highly recommend this program to my peers and deeply feel that every woman should participate in the GR8 Women Leaders Program. From learning more about my own leadership style to working more effectively with my team at my work, volunteer role and, most importantly, my home, I give the program a big EIGHT, and eight is the highest number on my scale for becoming a Gr8 Leader!

~ Carrie Leising

   Major Gifts Officer, Concordia University

Today's post is the fifth in a six-week series about the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program. This series includes testimonials from some of the incredible women who are participating in the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program. Come back next Tuesday to learn more about how SOS Leadership is empowering and equipping women to make a difference! 

If you're interested in learning more about the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program, check out this video and email Amber Fogarty today!

Leaders Make Sacrifices

Last week marked the beginning of Lent. For the next 40 days we prepare for Easter. We remember Jesus Christ making the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for us and then rising from the dead a few days later. During Lent people often make sacrifices like giving things up. I have given up fast food and red meat, two things I eat a lot of, so it will not be easy. But of course there is a big difference between giving up certain foods and giving up your life as Jesus did.

Thinking about Lent and Jesus' sacrifice got me thinking about how leaders make sacrifices. When you step up and answer the call to leadership, you must know that you will have to make sacrifices. Back in Jesus' time the sacrifices that were made often were one's life. Today, the sacrifices are much less severe, but sometimes can feel as difficult.

Today leaders make sacrifices such as not being liked by many people around them. Leaders sacrifice their free time to serve others. They sacrifice their money for causes that are important to them. Some people sacrifice time with their families and say that this is a necessary sacrifice or that they are doing it for them. This is not the type of sacrifice leaders must make. Leaders understand what matters most.

What sacrifices have you made as a leader? What have you been unable to sacrifice? During these 40 days of Lent, what have you given up? What can you do to become closer to God and answer the call to leadership? During this Lenten season, make a commitment to Lead like Jesus, not by giving up your life, but by serving Him by becoming a servant like him. Remember He washed the feet of his disciples. We are called to lead as He did and to become a servant leader!

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12: 1-2

Valentine's Day is Every Day!

“Valentine hearts beat more passionately than everyday hearts.” – Anonymous

Valentine’s Day is upon us again. The stores are once again stocked with: flowers, candy, chocolate covered strawberries, romantic cards, balloons, stuffed animals; you name it! Does it really take all of these gifts to show someone that you love them? What about the other 364 days of the year? Shouldn’t we show our significant other that we love them everyday?

Why do Valentine hearts beat more passionately than every day hearts? I think the reason this quote is anonymous is because the person who said it was never actually in love. Because when you are truly in love, you understand that love is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is something you must always work on, not just one day a year.

SOS shares with couples in our Protecting Goals: Successful Relationships program that they should spend some time creating a written understanding of the purpose of their relationship. What is it that they really want to do together? Then the program asks them to develop a mission statement that embodies their purpose as a driving force. We ask the couple to give their imagination free reign. As a couple, what would you do if you knew you could not fail?

SOS Leadership encourages you to show that special someone that you love them each and every day! Remember as leaders we must continue to learn, grow, and teach. This holds true in our relationships. Continue to work on them daily. Love one another unconditionally. 

Weekly Motivational Minute: "A Valentine's Affirmation"

Every week, an SOS Leadership partner or friend shares a motivational minute about a different leadership topic. This week, Billy Moyer gives "A Valentine's Affirmation."

Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders - Courtney Goodings

Welcome to the fourth post in the Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders series. If you missed our first three posts, check them out: 
Calling All Women Who Lead! 
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Jennifer Pandya
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Ana-Cristina Gonzalez

Today's post comes from Courtney Goodings, Partner with Dunaway Public Relations, who shares her experience with the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program.

I decided to participate in the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program because I wanted to take my career to the next level and grow as a professional.  I was drawn to the aspect of sharing this experience with other women who might identify with my challenges. Professionally, the program has helped me to identify my strengths and understand how to utilize them to become a better leader. Interestingly, I have learned that qualities I initially characterized as weaknesses may actually be assets.

I have experienced tremendous growth in my roles as a mother, wife, friend, and community member. I have a deep appreciation for my relationships and have learned the importance of nurturing them and taking an active role to strengthen them. I strongly recommend the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program to all women who want to grow as leaders.

~ Courtney Goodings

  Partner, Dunaway Public Relations

  Director, The Monument Group

Today's post is the fourth in a six-week series about the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program. This series includes testimonials from some of the incredible women who are participating in the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program. Come back each Tuesday to learn more about how SOS Leadership is empowering and equipping women to make a difference! 

If you're interested in learning more about the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program, check out this video and email Amber Fogarty today!

10 Ways to Lead by Example

Today, the SOS Leadership Blog features an article from Celena Collins. Celena is a Certified Coach with Living In Your Power in Golden, CO, and specializes in Personal Responsibility, Accountability and Empowerment Coaching.  Celena has been a member and coached other members in Toastmasters International, PSI for personal growth, leadership and achievement, and she has worked with many other coaches that specialize in various life and leadership areas. 

Having finished college as a single mother, Celena has a special appreciation for parents that want to build a better life by example. As a Life & Empowerment Coach, Celena works with each client by listening and asking the right questions to determine what they truly want and dream of, helping to clarify and set their goals, and then supporting them to achieve those goals.

Top 10: Ways to Lead by Example

By Celena Collins

Good leaders must lead by example. Through their actions, which are aligned with what they say, they become a person others want to follow. When leaders say one thing but do another, they erode trust, a critical element of productive leadership. Here are 10 of the dozens of ways to lead by example.

1. Take responsibility. Blame costs you your credibility, keeps team members on the defensive and ultimately sabotages real growth.

2. Be truthful. Inaccurate representation affects everyone. Show that honesty really IS the best policy.

3. Be courageous. Walk through fire (a crisis) first. Take calculated risks that demonstrate commitment to a larger purpose.

4. Acknowledge failure. It makes it OK for your team to do the same and defines failure as part of the process of becoming extraordinary.

5. Be persistent. Try, try again. Go over, under or around any hurdles to show that obstacles don’t define your company or team.

6. Create solutions. Don’t dwell on problems; instead be the first to offer solutions and then ask your team for more.

7. Listen. Ask questions. Seek to understand. You’ll receive valuable insights and set a tone that encourages healthy dialogue.

8. Delegate liberally. Encourage an atmosphere in which people can focus on their core strengths.

9. Take care of yourself. Exercise, don’t overwork, take a break. A balanced team, mentally and physically, is a successful team. Model it, encourage it, support it!

10. Roll up your sleeves. Like Alexander the Great leading his men into battle, you’ll inspire greatness in your company.

These may seem pretty simple, however, when you can put together all 10, you can make a greater impact on your own life, and on those around you! How would you like to become the powerhouse leader you were meant to be? 

Life is Good, Make yours GREAT!

Learn more about Celena at - www.livinginyourpower.com

Leadership Austin Engage Breakfast

On Tuesday of last week, I attended the Leadership Austin Engage Breakfast at The Long Center. This month's topic was Solving for X: The Education Equation. The event was designed to "explore the current landscape of education in Central Texas - from early childhood to higher education - and foster a discussion about how our community can best address its problems, capitalize on its opportunities, and ensure positive results at all levels." 

As an adjunct college instructor, the mother of a Kindergartner, and a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, I feel very strongly about this topic. I also frequently discuss with folks the inherent connection between learning and leadership. My favorite quotes on this topic are:

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." 

~ John F. Kennedy

and

"It is what we think we know already that often prevents us from learning." 

~ Claude Bernard

There were some key takeaways from the Engage Breakfast that I'm still reflecting on and am excited to share with you. I look forward to your thoughts and comments.

• "Every child deserves to have the opportunity to pursue the career he or she wants to pursue." ~ Dr. Denise Trauth, President of Texas State University
• Feedback is most effective when it is timely.
• A key part of the education solution is creating multiple opportunities. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• It truly does take a village to raise a child. What is the role of the village? How has that role changed over the last few decades?
• If every child had a parent asking about her day and what she learned, this would make a difference. The importance of parents being involved in the education of their children cannot be understated. Parents should be the first educators of their children. How can parents be more engaged in helping their children learn?
• When asked about what each of us as members of the community can do right now that will make a difference in the world of education, I felt committed to taking these 2 immediate steps: "Give yourself the gift of visiting a local school." ~ Ed Vara and "Donate a book for a young child." ~ Dr. Denise Trauth  What can and will you do to make a difference? 

A big thank you to Leadership Austin for hosting this important panel discussion. The next ENGAGE breakfast will be Wednesday, March 6 when we will take a look at public safety in Central Texas. Click here for more details and ticket information.

You can read the wrap-up and listen to the podcast of the event on Leadership Austin's blog here. 

In closing, let us always remember, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."   ~ William Butler Yeats   As a community, are we committed to filling pails or lighting fires in our students? Let's empower them to learn and, in the process, forever light the fire of leadership within them. 

What it Means to be a Leader

Today's blog post is written by one of the newest interns on the SOS Leadership team, Monique Moreno. Monique is a student at St. Edward's University.

When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.

Roy E. Disney

Growing up the eldest of four definitely gave me my fair share of opportunities to demonstrate leadership growing up. My absolute favorite line to hear was, “I don’t care that he did it too; you are the eldest and you should know better.” Seriously, the highlight to my day.

Should age necessarily translate to the assumption that we should know better? I believe that we should know better with age, but not all people seem to follow this logic. Looking at some of the celebrities these days shows that not everyone matures at the same speed.

But none of us ordinary folk that grew up in ordinary homes have valid excuses to not be leaders. (Though, to be honest, none of those bad celebrities have valid excuses either!)

In order to be a good leader, you first have to be well aware of what values you hold dear to your heart.

The other night, I attended a manifesto workshop. We had a blank piece of paper and a pen, and our task was to write our values, things we want to accomplish, things we want others to see in us, and dreams we are too scared to acknowledge.  Although it was awkward at first, the more we wrote, the easier it became to see what made us who we are.

This exercise was of much value because I was able to clearly see what composed me. Writing a manifesto is one of the most helpful things to do because it was like reading a map of who I was. With my manifesto in tow, I am able to easily reference a physical paper to see what it means to be me when I am having a bad day. On paper, these things are promises to myself. One of the phrases: “I love bacon and I love shrimp and would be incomplete without them in my life.” Even with a statement like that, it can be read as a subliminal promise to myself to never stop savoring the lovely things life has to offer and that I fully plan on always being one of those moms who has dessert on the table after meatloaf night.

Being a leader means never being afraid to be who you are. Being a leader means leading an ethical life and sometimes sucking up your pride for the sake of what’s right. Being a leader is something all of us can aspire to be and it shouldn’t be seen as something that is intimidating.  With a clear view of what our values are, we can all become leaders.

“Leadership” in today’s culture is seen as a heavy word, a word that demands responsibility, honesty, and leading a life that your mother would be proud of. It’s not that hard to do these things - in fact, we should all be striving to do these things. Not once have I had someone tell me, “You consider yourself a leader? Go home and take a nap because that’s not going to take you anywhere in life.” On the contrary, I have been praised for my ability to take charge, lead an honorable life, and simply avoid the drama.

Leadership to me is not a loaded word. It’s not a trait. It’s not something only those in authority should feel the need to have on their resume. Leadership is a lifestyle we all should strive to live.

Weekly Motivational Minute: "Truly Effective Leaders"

Every week, an SOS Leadership partner or friend shares a motivational minute about a different leadership topic. This week, Billy Moyer talks about "Truly Effective Leaders."

Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders - Ana-Cristina Gonzalez

Welcome to the third post in the Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders series. If you missed our first two posts, check them out:
Calling All Women Who Lead! 
Women Who Lead: Meet the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders: Jennifer Pandya

Today's post comes from Ana-Cristina Gonzalez, Director of Stewardship and Development at St. William Catholic Church, who shares her experience with the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program.

I decided to take part in the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program because I am a huge fan of the work that SOS does. I have benefited from a lot of the work I have done with them and was excited to be involved with this program that is designed specifically for women like me.

The SOS Gr8 Women Leaders program has provided me a safe space and great opportunity to work with and learn from other women who are leaders in their work, community, and life. This program has helped me set goals in both my professional and personal life and take the steps to achieve these goals.  It has helped me see what areas I need to improve in and how to take those steps to become a better leader.

Not only have I really enjoyed learning and growing with the amazing group of women that I am teamed up with, but I have also really appreciated the one-on-one coaching sessions that give me the individualized attention/guidance/coaching that really allows me to focus in on what I am trying to accomplish. The calls help guide me in how to use the tools that I have been given through the program and apply them to my work and personal life.

I feel that with the things I am learning, I will build a stronger community by applying these techniques to be a better communicator, build a strong team, and accomplish goals.  I will try to be the example for others to follow.

I would absolutely recommend this program to others.  It's a great way to learn more about yourself and become a stronger leader in a safe space with other women who are experiencing the same things you are. You are challenged constantly…all in order to better yourself.

~ Ana-Cristina Gonzalez

       Director of Stewardship and Development,  St. Williams Catholic Church

    

Today's post is the third in a six-week series about the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program. This series includes testimonials from some of the incredible women who are participating in the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program. Come back each Tuesday to learn more about how SOS Leadership is empowering and equipping women to make a difference! 

If you're interested in learning more about the SOS Gr8 Women Leaders Program, check out this video and email Amber Fogarty today!

What Makes a Good Leader

Today's blog post is written by one of the newest interns on the SOS Leadership team, Marisa Hernandez. Marisa is a student at St. Edward's University.

When people ask me how my work load is this semester, I get the same reaction of shock. I tell them I’m taking 15 hours of classes, working at a law office, planning my wedding, and working as an intern; they respond with “You have too much on your plate and I don’t know how you are going to be able to handle it.” Every time I hear that reaction, it secretly gives me more confidence and motivation to keep going.

I wasn’t always this ambitious and never in my life did I believe my mind was capable of the things I endure now.

When I graduated High School in 2007 I thought I had everything figured out. I would go to Austin Community College, obtain my two year nursing degree and I would be done with school; the truth is, you can’t finish something your heart isn’t in. It took me almost three years to discover what I really wanted to do, and although I have an amazing family, fiancée, and of course my faith in God there for guidance and support, the majority of what I made happen was because of the faith I had in myself.

During the three years it took me to discover what I really wanted, I obtained the abilities and confidence that I believe make me a good leader. The path to searching for what I really wanted allowed me to recognize my faults which in turn led to setting reasonable goals. Slowly after reaching those goals, I started to gain the confidence to really look at myself and what I was naturally good at, which was being a good listener, being able to relate to people, and having an outgoing personality. I then began to search for career fields that allowed me to be who I was without having to alter myself in any way, but more so, enhance the abilities I already had. This led to the communication field, and put my love for writing, expressing my opinion, and social media in the mix and a perfect match was made!

After realizing my educational goals I allowed myself to focus on what really meant the most to me, and that is having a family of my own someday, being a great wife, and having a career that allowed me to make a difference in the lives of others. I think everyone wants to do that to some extent in their careers, but for me specifically, I want to help other young men and women who are having difficulties reaching their goals and finding their life’s passion. Just as I had my family, fiancée, and God for support, I want to be that support for them to realize the strength to lead themselves.

I don’t believe leadership has anything to do with the amount of wealth or popularity that a person obtains, but by the amount their philosophies and values influence others to help themselves. I truly believe I went through all the difficult obstacles in my life so I could share what I learned with others in order to help them, to lead them to finding their true purpose.