Hi There,

Wow, it’s May 9th, 2023! This date may not seem monumental, but 10 years ago today qualified as one of the biggest days of my life. It was DRIVEN’s kick-off event!

A decade ago, our organization launched as Women’s Advancement Compact. The era was ripe with conversations about, well, women’s advancement. Anne Marie Slaughter’s Atlantic article had served to ignite motivated women in the workplace. Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In had just published, providing women with tools and ‘permission’ to do just that. Women’s initiatives were in their infancy. And I was eager to “be the change I wanted to see in the world!”

I remember walking toward the train station to NYC on May 8th thinking that by the time I returned home, my organization would be official. I imagined BIG things happening, and they did, but nothing close to how I’d imagined them.

We changed our name and our business model within the first two years of business. But one thing remains consistent even today: The caliber and quality of professionals that DRIVEN attracts and works with to enhance their success in reaching their aspirations.

I came to that conclusion during an exercise in Reflection last month. I’d created a “network map” and was astounded at the momentous advancement that past clients have achieved. It’s humbling to consider my good fortune, as so many of these folks are still in my life— professionally and personally.

Looking back, my own lessons learned over this decade inform my coaching philosophy of today. DRIVEN clients gain clarity about their values and envision their aspirations. From there, they experiment with practices, rituals and habits to:

-move them toward their objectives.
-reflect and tailor to better align with their direction.
-celebrate their baby steps along the way.

Today, I celebrate the impact DRIVEN has had on our clients and, hence, the world. Here are three of the big aforementioned lessons learned that I’ve come to live by during this occasionally bumpy journey:

1. My biggest roadblock to my own vision of success lives between my ears. It’s my own brain.

2. When one employs the growth mindset, self-compassion, and a sense of humor during times of fear and frustration, the outcome most certainly improves.

3. My network, filled with people I aspire to be like, is my most valuable asset. The bonus: Maintaining this network, while some think of this as insufferable, is a fulfilling aspect of my job!

I’m curious how DRIVEN’s existence has impacted your life. And I welcome you to share your stories.

But first, enjoy a trip down Memory Lane.