How Is She Doing It?

How Is She Doing It?

One Prayer, One Step, and One Purpose-Driven Day at a Time

By Mary Ann Clay, MBA | DBA Candidate

People often ask successful women, "How do you do it?"

The truth is, there isn't a secret formula. There isn't a magic moment when everything suddenly falls into place. There isn't a perfect roadmap that guarantees success. Most of us are simply figuring it out one day at a time while staying committed to the purpose placed before us.

As for me, I'm still on the journey.

I wasn't born into extraordinary circumstances. I'm a country girl at heart who was raised on faith, family values, hard work, and the belief that if something is worth having, it's worth working for. Some of my greatest lessons didn't come from a classroom, a boardroom, or a textbook. They came from my family.

My Granny taught me the importance of faith, humility, resilience, and keeping God at the center of everything I do. She kept me grounded in church, taught me the value of serving others, and passed down lessons that continue to guide my life today. She also taught me the beauty of good Southern cooking, self-sufficiency, and finding strength in life's simplest moments.

My father shared a different kind of wisdom. He introduced me to fishing, patience, and an appreciation of the outdoors. To this day, you'll often find me near the water whenever I have the opportunity. Fishing remains one of my favorite pastimes and a reminder that some of life's greatest rewards come to those who are willing to wait, trust the process, and stay the course.

My mother gifted me more than skills. She taught me how to see the world through both an artist's eye and a grateful heart. Through her love of art and sketching, she showed me how to appreciate God's canvas and the beauty woven throughout His creation. Through caring for and braiding hair, she instilled patience, attention to detail, and the importance of making others feel valued. Those lessons extended far beyond creativity. They shaped the way I approach my work, serve others, and recognize that excellence is often found in the smallest details. Many of the qualities that guide me today, both personally and professionally, can be traced back to the lessons I learned simply by watching her example.

Those lessons became the foundation upon which I built my life.

Over the years, I have worn many hats. I've worked in healthcare, logistics, international trade, customs brokerage, customer service, training, and leadership. Each role taught me something valuable. Each challenge stretched my abilities. Each setback offered a lesson that eventually became a blessing in disguise.

What many people see as success today is actually the result of thousands of ordinary decisions made consistently over time.

• Decisions to keep learning.
• Decisions to keep showing up.
• Decisions to keep believing.
• Decisions to keep going when giving up seemed easier.

Education Has Been One of the Most Transformative Parts of My Journey

Earning my MBA was a significant accomplishment, but it did not mark the end of my growth. Today, I continue pursuing my doctoral education because I believe learning never truly ends. Every new challenge presents another opportunity to grow, improve, and create a greater impact.

Still, degrees alone do not define success. Titles do not define success. Financial achievements do not define success. What defines success is how many lives you positively influence while pursuing your goals.

Throughout my journey, I have discovered that leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room. Leadership is about serving others, encouraging people when they feel discouraged, sharing knowledge freely, and helping others see possibilities they may not yet see in themselves.

I want women to understand that you do not have to come from perfect circumstances to build an extraordinary life. You do not have to have all the answers. You do not have to be fearless. You simply have to be willing to take the next step. Then the next. And then the next one after that.

Every accomplishment I've achieved began with a single decision to move forward despite uncertainty.

So, How Is She Doing It?

• One prayer at a time.
• One lesson at a time.
• One challenge at a time.
• One opportunity at a time.
• One purpose-driven day at a time.

And perhaps that's the real secret.

The women who make the greatest impact are not necessarily the ones with the easiest journeys. They are the ones who continue moving forward despite obstacles, remain faithful to their purpose, and never stop believing that their best chapters are still ahead.

My story is still being written. My legacy is still being built. And if you're reading this while working toward a dream of your own, I hope you'll remember this:

You don't have to have everything figured out. Just take the next faithful step. The path has a way of revealing itself to those who keep walking.

About the Author: When people ask, "How is she doing it?" Mary Ann Clay points to the values that have guided her every step of the journey: faith, perseverance, lifelong learning, and a commitment to serving others. While balancing a demanding career, doctoral studies, family, and personal aspirations, she continues to embrace new challenges with determination and gratitude. Whether mentoring others, pursuing higher education, or spending time on the water with a fishing rod in hand, she remains grounded in the principles of perseverance, gratitude, and service. Her writing reflects a deep commitment to helping others find strength, purpose, and hope in every season of life. Mary Ann's message is simple: success is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about showing up consistently, trusting the process, and refusing to give up on the purpose placed before you.