Having an impact

I lost a wonderful friend, boss and mentor a few years back. Way too young to leave, she was loved and respected by many and has left a industry legacy and lasting imprint on many of us, in particular young women. I came across a photo last week that she had taken of herself one with one of my favourite colleagues from a past role, who has since become part of my business world once again, and has prompted this post. She did not have the loudest voice nor thumped the table. She was relatively quiet, however was considered and would listen to all sides of the conversation, before she would offer her view. Sometimes a decision, sometimes a differing view. She was a strong and decisive voice when it was needed. Softness, should never be mistaken for being weak. She had a technical background, so whip smart and always a lot of fun. Always smiling and always made time for whoever needed it. Whether she was busy or taking a personal day, she would always be there for everyone. She was a champion of women and I cannot count how many she mentored. People I see, still talk about the impact she had on them. She was surprisingly lacking in confidence in some ways, which was just another way of showing her true self. Never trying to be something she was not.

You do not have to be the loudest voice or try and be the smartest person in the room. You can however be kind and supportive, you can listen and you can be authentic. Everyone has their own unique contribution. You can be the impact and the person who makes the time to support the pathway of others. Something for us all in that.

Until next time Lisa