Accessible and Present.....

“Leadership is a part of our personality and we decide if we want to let others see it or not. You can be reserved and be a great leader; and the opposite is true too. And in order to develop our skill sets, we take steps to reveal ourselves/our personalities. On a daily basis, I strive to be accessible and present. When you are neither, it’s difficult to be construed as a resource, let alone a leader.”

ST

Step Aside......

“Being a leader is about knowing how to step aside and let your team take the lead and encouraging the team along the way. As leaders, we must always remember that we could not lead if there wasn't a team to believe in our vision or dream. So, as a leader you must always remember to recognize the effort of others.”
RV

Willing to learn.....

"Being a leader entails being willing to learn. You cannot think you know it all, because that is when you see that you know nothing at all. Remember to always listen and you will be heard. It is important to respect everyone, the person you "think" doesn't deserve it, will be the one to impress you the most."
DJ

The Journey.....

"It's not about the length of the journey but the people who inspire and motivate you along the way that help your dreams become a reality."

SF

Always Strive....

"You should always strive to be your own fiercest competitor. While it may feel good in certain occasions to outdo someone else, it doesn't compare to the feeling of knowing you outdid yourself!"

JP

Better Opportunities...

“Life is full of opportunities. Sometimes we stay working dead end jobs because we are fearful of our next step. We lose sight of dreams we once had and allow our circumstances to dictate our outlook on life. Survival mode takes over and our dreams never materialize because of fear. Never be afraid to take a chance because you fear making a mistake. Every mistake you make provides a valuable lesson and can make you just a little bit wiser. It can also help redirect you to the dreams you wanted to fulfill and in the process create better opportunities.”

JL

Defining Moments...

"I once read an article from Harvard Business Review written on the theory of defining moments and Leadership. Many of us think of Leadership when we see the President at a press conference or when we see people around us fighting for causes that they hold dear to their hearts. But in actuality, Leadership begins when we are impacted by something so significant that it leaves a blueprint in our lives. Sometimes, we may not even realize that this blueprint exist. So as you think about Leadership, think about the times in your life that actually made you think and feel, think about the events (large or small) which ignited passion in you... think about your defining moments and the rest will be a breeze."

RV

Taking Chances..

"Leadership is taking chances. Learn to step outside of your comfort zone and take the path of the unknown. The opportunities that follow might be life changing but you will never know unless you take that first step. Remember there are no failures- just experiences and your reactions to them. So believe in yourself and take risks that will lead you to greater opportunities."

JM

The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success!

Great fiction focused on a laid off executive who gets in a car crash and experiences a life altering journey through time. He meets many well known people throughout history who provide him decisions he must make to change his life. Although the book is fiction the lessons in the book could be life altering if one is willing to look within themselves to create this change.

1. The buck stops here.

2. I will seek wisdom.

3. I am a person of action.

4. I have a decided heart.

5. Today I will choose to be happy.

6. I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.

7. I will persist without exception.
Success can ultimately be determined by the decisions we make!

OE

Be Humble..

"In all you do, be humble. Learn to take criticism with the same enthusiasm you take praise. Share your successes with others, so they may also succeed. Never forget that the road to said success is paved with people who helped you get there. Be unique. Be thankful. But most importantly, be humble."

JP
 

Action is.......

"Action is character. If we never did anything, we wouldn't be anybody!"

ST

Persistence and Perseverance!

Demonstrating exceptional persistence and perseverance can open doors to success; make sure you take an in-depth look inside yourself and what you’re made of!!!


Nathan knew what he was made of!!! He went fishing and was the only one in the group who caught a fish! Isn't that why you go fishing? It was a good day! Grandpa Jim was proud!

OE

Images of Appreciation!

Remembering the past exploits of our war heroes is unpleasant because it’s attached to a past or present war, but we belittle those who served and sacrifices so much when we don’t remember, especially those who are serving us so unselfishly now. America’s attention span is sometimes short and often takes for granted the very things we should cherish most; Our Freedom!

My friend Alan posted a picture of his grandfather who served in World War II and I was quickly reminded of the impact war had on my family. Pictures always have a way of telling a story, even when those in them are not present to share their own story.

In the mist of the Cuban revolution and the disparity of living in a totalitarian system, my dad’s sister married a World War II veteran and because of that union my family was granted asylum years later. America became a refuge for my family. No one who has ever lived under a totalitarian system could understand the value of freedom or comprehend the cost many heroes have paid and are paying to afford us the many rights we often take for granted. Living in freedom is a gift; not an entitlement!

When the time came for my family to leave Cuba, the new regime of government inspectors came to our home and inventoried every item in it. The few items my parents held sacred became the property of the new Communist government and everything they owned, from pictures and mementoes would never be passed on to other generations. Despite the persecution they experienced daily by those who had embraced the new mindset, their courage and determination allowed them to endure and stay focused while they waited for permission to leave. As my mother and father ventured out into the unknown to provide their five children an opportunity to live the America dream; my mother hid a picture of her wedding day and it serves as the only reminder of a past my siblings and I have only heard through stories.

They were willing to face the uncertainties of life in a country where they knew nothing of the language and little of the culture. Their focus was providing a new life for their children in a place where they could live in freedom and allow their children to grow up loving a country that had become their own. Once they left Cuba, they never thought, the impact of the revolution would stop them from seeing many family members again. My siblings and I know of these family members because of stories, but they are stories without imagines.

I was a year old when my family arrived from Cuba; my history and knowing where I came from has always been a passion. As I grew up, I was mesmerized reading history books and actually reading stories where images were included. Reading about Americans who gave their lives in World War I & II and other wars, in defense of the Nation's integrity, honor and tranquility was always humbling to me. I remember the first time; I visited the Tomb of America's Unknown Soldiers and the emotional symbolism it represented. There were no images or stories attached, “they were American Soldiers, known only to God.” No one knows who they were; no one knows their story; all that is known is that they sacrifice so much for the benefit of others.

The Espinosa family will always be grateful to the United States for providing us an opportunity to start a new life living in freedom. Although I was only one when my family arrived from Cuba; I am and always will be an American. I’m not a hyphenated American. This doesn’t negate my love for my roots, culture and all my family who still lives under an oppressed government. There are families and friends from diverse backgrounds and different parts of the country who have been affected by a war of some kind. As you reflect on these impacts make sure you cherish the pictures and stories attached to them.

I want to thank my Uncle Benjamin Palacios and Alan’s grandfather Robert Ellison Wheeler, both World War II veterans for their willingness to serve. I would also be remise if I didn’t thank my aunt Obdulia for marrying uncle Ben and to my Mom and Dad for unselfishly allowing me to live the journey of a lifetime!

OE

Memorial Day!

A national moment of remembrance for those willing to sacrifice so much, for so many! In observance of Memorial Day: let’s not forget the freedom we enjoy was provided by the men and women in uniform! Not every country is afforded this opportunity.

OE