Belinda Penny - Hawkins, CMT

I'll craft a compelling response for your Influential Women recognition that weaves together those powerful elements. Here's your article response:

What I Attribute My Success To

My success is rooted in three interconnected forces that have shaped my journey: the challenges that demanded I dig deep and rely on myself, the mentors who saw potential in me before I recognized it in myself, and my unwavering commitment to do the work required to transform opportunity into achievement.

Early in my career, I faced hardships that left me with no choice but to become my own strongest advocate. These weren't the kind of obstacles you could delegate or wait out—they required me to develop resilience, resourcefulness, and an unshakable belief that I could figure things out, even when the path forward wasn't clear. Those difficult seasons taught me that I had more strength than I knew, and that self-reliance isn't about doing everything alone—it's about trusting yourself to navigate whatever comes.

But I also know I didn't get here by myself. The right people appeared at pivotal moments in my journey, and they did more than offer encouragement—they helped me see talents I hadn't fully recognized. They pushed me to step into roles I wasn't sure I was ready for, to speak up when I doubted my voice mattered, and to develop skills I didn't even know I possessed. These mentors and supporters didn't just open doors; they helped me understand what I was capable of walking through them.

Yet none of that would have mattered without the third element: my willingness to take initiative and put in the work. I've never waited for success to find me. I've climbed the ladder by showing up consistently, learning from every experience, and refusing to let setbacks define my trajectory. I've taken risks, invested in my growth, and committed to being a producer—someone who delivers results and creates value wherever I go.

Looking back, I see that my success isn't just about overcoming adversity or having great mentors or working hard—it's about how those three elements worked together to shape who I am today. The challenges built my foundation, the right people helped me see what was possible, and my initiative turned potential into reality.

Showing up is half the battle

Build real relationships, not just a contact list. Whether it's healthcare or just business in general, success isn't about how many business cards you collect—it's about genuine connections with discharge planners, physicians, case managers, business owners and business professionals. Show up consistently, follow through on every promise, and remember that trust is built over time. The relationships you nurture today will become your strongest referral sources tomorrow. People do business with people they like.

The Challenge: Cutting Through the Noise

The biggest challenge right now is reaching the right people. Everyone is overwhelmed with information, pitches, and promises. Business owners—especially in healthcare—are being approached by countless consultants, all claiming they can solve problems and drive growth. Standing out requires more than expertise; it requires trust, proof, and a genuine understanding of their specific pain points. The businesses that need help the most are often the ones struggling to keep their doors open, which means they're cautious about investing in anyone and any service.

Resilience : Life has taught me that challenges are inevitable, but giving up is a choice. I've faced hardships that required me to dig deep and rely on myself, and those experiences shaped who I am today. Resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about learning, adapting, and coming back stronger. I value this in my own life and admire it in others. The ability to face adversity head-on and keep moving forward is what separates those who survive from those who thrive.