Newsletter #2 - From Struggles to Success: How Our Journeys Shape Our Work
From Struggles to Success: How Our Journeys Shape Our Work (4 min.)
My mentors and challenges shaped how I approach work with resilience and purpose. What’s your story?
Bottom Line Up Front
📖 Sharing our stories promotes growth, inspiring resilience, and purpose in facing obstacles.
🌱 Guided by mentors and learning from challenges helped me refine my work practices, values, and commitment to making a difference.
🔍 I encourage you to reflect on your journey, share your learnings, and inspire others to navigate challenges with resilience and purpose.
🌟 Introduction: A Pivotal Moment
Picture this. Standing in the Memorial Union at the University of Wisconsin, staring at the large walls I had committed to filling with two murals. But it wasn't just the mural project; it was the outline of my future career. Those initial steps laid the groundwork for a journey that would take me from an aspiring producer to orchestrating impactful change management projects for some of the world's leading companies.
This path illustrates how embracing struggles and triumphs can shape our professional and personal lives. More than anything, this voyage has been about striking a balance between pursuing ambitious career goals and upholding a deep-seated dedication to family and community values—aiming to make a meaningful difference in the professional world and beyond.
🎨 Growth and Development: Painting a Picture of Leadership
While studying at the University of Wisconsin, I spearheaded a project to paint two expansive murals in the student center. This multi-year effort involved careful planning, securing funding, and coordinating diverse stakeholders. More importantly, it taught me invaluable lessons in project management and leadership. The project's success, marked by enhanced community spaces and recognition, underscored the importance of communication and stakeholder engagement. I was able to frame this experience to land an interview at Accenture, a role that further shaped my professional journey. I navigated complex projects and client relationships, strengthening my resilience, adaptability, and commitment to client success.
💡 Mentors and Influences: Guiding Lights
Various mentors illuminated my journey, each leaving an indelible mark on my career and personal development. From a 4th-grade teacher to a 92-year-old friend (who still challenges me today), they sparked a lifelong curiosity and love for learning. One emphasized the power of communication, and another inspired me with her dedication to community service. Their collective wisdom and support have been my compass, guiding me through the corporate landscape and reinforcing my commitment to using my skills for the greater good.
🧭 Core Values and Guiding Principles: A Compass for the Future
Integrity, client success, collaboration, and social responsibility are the cornerstones of my decision-making and actions. These values have shaped an evolving perspective on work and leadership, driving me to facilitate change and support others through workplace challenges. As I look to the future, I'm eager to leverage my experiences to empower others, fostering collaboration and inspiring potential in the face of new challenges.
As we navigate our professional paths, the stories we share can inspire, motivate, and connect us. I'm excited to embrace new challenges, drive meaningful change, and contribute to our success. Let's continue to learn from each other and grow together.
🚀 Share Your Journey
How has adversity been a catalyst for your professional growth? How have your experiences shaped your professional endeavors?
- Reflect on your journey, identifying key moments and lessons that have shaped your professional life.
- Share these insights with your team to foster a culture of growth and learning. Discuss impactful advice from mentors and explore its significance in your development.
- Your insights can inspire many others, just as mine have been shaped by those I've met.
Let's continue to learn from each other and grow together!
Miguel Guevara
When you are ready, I can help you in three ways:
📞Book a 1:1 Planning call with me (Miguel)
👀 Follow me (Miguel) on LinkedIn
🎥 Take our free Change Management Fundamentals for Project Managers Course
I help business leaders deliver complex projects and write about how to:
- Navigate difficult changes confidently using battle-tested strategies to plan, implement, and win.
- Lead resilient teams by building change management skills and strategies to facilitate change and thrive.
- Reduce risk and boost outcomes using a simple and proven change management framework.
- Excel in your role by gaining insider perspectives and powerful strategies about the corporate world.
