08 Mar Gifts, Grit and Greatness.
I’ve always believed that I could change the world! Do you feel like that? It’s a great feeling, but sometimes it can be difficult. Oprah Winfrey highlights the human side of greatness, failure and getting back on top in her Harvard University Commencement Speech. It’s really worth watching.
Professor Jane den Hollander, Deakin University’s Vice-Chancellor says in the Weekly Review cover story published on 5 March 2015, “You never know what’s around the corner. Seize the day, try new things and success can come your way.” Deakin is a multi-campus award winning Australian university providing international education to 50,000 students enrolled from all over the world.
Years ago, as a 20-year old Deakin University student, I seized an amazing opportunity when a 6-week study tour to Europe was offered to the School of Education. I didn’t know it then, but it really changed the direction of my life; it made me more curious about the world, absolutely determined to travel again and to make a difference in some way.
Years later I received a phone call offering me a leadership position at an International Baccalaureate school in Asia. I spent the next 10 years learning so much more about the world and trying to make a difference to students and teachers from over 30 different countries.
Now I look for opportunities every day. I even see problems as opportunities to be creative and entrepreneurial and think how do I or how do we solve this? Like Oprah I also use determination, persistence, perseverance and grit to make it through tough times and share what I have learnt with others to help them make a difference in the world.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “If there is something great in you, it will not appear on your first call. It will not appear and come to you easily, without any work and effort.”
If you would like more information on leadership coaching or leadership training contact Maxine at Think Strategic.
