# The Challenge I see myself as a passionate and invested leader who is dedicated to developing others to overcome their circumstances. Being authentic is critically important to me, and I strive to speak from the heart with words that will move people in a positive direction. However, my journey towards becoming the holistic and passionate leader I aspire to be has not been an easy one. I have faced trauma and internal blockers that have stunted my growth in many ways. # Descending Crises - Rock Bottom As a former soldier, I had faced my share of challenges, but none as daunting as the [critical inner voice](https://readwise.io/reader/shared/01h2jttqh4f72ssz7xjw9hm709) that threatened to destroy me from within. It all began when I sustained a head injury that left me struggling to recall information and plagued by negative self-talk. My mind became a battleground, with the critic relentlessly attacking my self-worth and leaving me emotionally drained. I felt like I was drowning in self-doubt and anxiety, unable to escape the grip of my own thoughts. Some days, it was a struggle just to get out of bed and face the world. I was trapped in a cycle of vicious attacks that made me feel worthless and hopeless. # The Discovery One day, I was feeling down and out, but thankfully my sister knew just how to lift my spirits. As we reminisced about our childhood, she reminded me of one of our favorite pastimes - playing [Battle Chess](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Chess) on our home computer in the 90's. Suddenly, all those warm and fuzzy feelings came rushing back to me, and I couldn't help but burst into laughter. This forgotten memory was truly a gift to me. # The Rising Inspired by this trip down memory lane, I decided to revisit the world of chess. I started playing online and even found a cozy little donut shop where I could challenge other players in-person on the weekends. As I delved deeper into the game and studied its intricacies, something amazing began to happen - my internal dialogue and attitude about my circumstances improved dramatically! # The Return It turns out that chess was acting as a form of creative therapy and mental fitness for me, helping me process my emotions and develop new ways of thinking. This realization led me to create [[Gifted Intuitive Self-Talk|Coaching the Gifted Intuitive Self-Talk]], a program that uses chess as a tool for healing, personal and professional growth. And let me tell you, it has made all the difference in my life! # The Lesson I decided to continued my research on chess through graduate school at the University of the Pacific’s Master of Arts Leadership in Organizational Innovation & Change program. Here, I have learned about innovative ways to facilitate change and explore chess as a tool for healing and development. The graduate program was challenging, but it helped me identify my strengths as a leader and develop strategies to achieve my goals. ^4308df Now, I am dedicated to helping others by partnering with clients through thought-provoking processes that maximize personal and professional potential. Becoming a coach and consultant is not about money for me; it is about providing solutions to real human problems. My skills are transferable skills in design thinking, problem-solving, and communication. I believe that giving people an opportunity to reflect on their situation creates space for growth. By using chess metaphors to make links between experiences in everyday life with situations they may be facing, transfer of knowledge can occur. Becoming a master at giving and receiving feedback and discovering more powerful chess metaphors will help me fulfill my career objectives. Writing in my self-reflection journal, mining for metaphors and designing S.M.A.R.T goals have helped me challenge my critical inner voice. I am committed to continuing my personal and professional development journey to discover new skills and make new discoveries. ## Making a good leadership development plan, one should follow these necessary steps: > [!important] > 1. Identify your strengths and weaknesses as a leader > 2. Define your leadership goals and objectives > 3. Develop strategies to achieve those goals and objectives > 4. Identify the resources and support you need to implement your plan > 5. Create a timeline for accomplishing your goals > 6. Implement your plan and regularly evaluate your progress > 7. Adapt the plan as necessary to changes in your leadership role or environment > 8. Continuously learn and improve your leadership skills. ^70f0e1 # [[POC Timeline & Milestones|The Projection]] Over the next 2 - 4 years, my vision for Coaching the G.I.S.T. is to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for the BIPOC community. I am determined to make progress in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by [[Proof of Concept|designing a game-changing transformational learning pathway]] that will empower groups and organizations. Through my leadership, coaching and mentorship, I aim to set an example for others to follow and encourage individuals to pursue their passion in the organizational workforce. My ultimate goal is to instill confidence in people who may be unaware of the vast array of career options available. By highlighting their strengths and addressing any areas of weakness, I want to help them realize their full potential. In addition, I plan on working closely with organizations and schools to create transformative workshops, mentorship programs, and opportunities that will enable students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career. I am excited about this journey ahead, and I am confident that my commitment, passion, and dedication will help me achieve these aspirations. Only by working together can we forge a brighter future for everyone! ---