Leona Davis-Daniels

When I reflect on my success, what stands out most is my mindset and my faith in staying within my anointed capabilities. I do what I know God has anointed me to do, and if I try to do anything outside of that, I'm going to mess it up. I can't do what I'm not anointed to do, but what I know I'm capable of doing is what makes it work. Throughout my career, I've used every moment as a teachable moment. Even during my rigorous doctoral program at St. Leo University, where I faced additional challenges because I was faculty, I didn't let those gut punches collapse or break me down. Instead, I used them as stepping stones to accelerate my progress rather than drag me down or stop me. My classmates thought I had it easier because I maintained a positive, optimistic attitude, but they didn't see my behind-the-scenes struggles. The key was that I enjoyed every moment because I saw each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. I also attribute my success to authenticity and doing what I love. I relax and stay true to myself, and I do what I'm passionate about. When you love what you do, it's not work. My great-grandmother prophetically called me her 'little teacher' when I was young, and though I resisted the idea then, teaching has become my greatest passion and ministry. Finally, my commitment to paying it forward drives everything I do. I believe we have to be the generation that does the work and sets the example for what we're expecting from the next generation. If we don't move up and open doors, others don't have the opportunity to come in and participate. That's why I completed my doctoral program and why I mentor so many individuals through my businesses. It's always about opening new doors and being the leader and example of what I want to see happen in the next set of individuals coming up behind me.

First and foremost, relax and be authentic. Do what you love, because when you do what you love, it's not work. You do what you love, it's not work. Be the most true and authentic person that you possibly can be in any and everything that you put your hands to do, because that's the only way that it works. Stay in your lane and do what you know God has anointed you to do. If you try to do anything outside of that, you're going to mess it up. I'm serious about this: I can't do what I'm not anointed to do, but what I know I'm capable of doing is what makes it work. Beyond that, understand that we have to be the ones to do the work. Unless you have those who are in leadership, we have to be the ones to do the work. We're always talking about what kind of footprint we're leaving, but what are we doing in reference to the country that we're going to lead to the next generation? If we're not that generation that sets the example, then we're not going to set an example for what we're expecting. In the education field specifically, if I'm not making myself available to open the doors for the next generation, then I didn't do the work that I was supposed to do and set the example for what I'm expecting. It's always about opening the doors, paying it forward, and being that leader and example of what I want to see happen in the next set of individuals coming up behind me. And remember, it might be a lot of work, but somebody has to be the one to do the work.

The biggest challenge in the accounting and higher education field right now is dealing with individuals who thought they could get away with unethical practices. We are now on the other side of having had those issues, and I pray that regulations are bringing a halt to those who thought they could get away with it. Beyond that, the challenge in higher education itself involves the structural limitations of faculty advancement. People don't understand how the educational structure works. If we don't move up, others don't even have opportunity to come in and participate in the educational process. You have teachers' aides, teachers, adjunct faculty, faculty, professors, and so on, but unless you have those who are in the doctoral program, you can't add to your adjunct faculty. The way that we can expand a program is to have those that are in leadership. A lot of people finish one degree and say they're never going back because it was so hard, but if you don't go back, you don't make room for somebody else to come behind you. In order for me to get paid, I have to make sure I excel in my area of profession so that I can make sure others get paid too. The opportunity lies in being willing to do that rigorous work to open doors for the next generation.

The most important values in my work and personal life center on authenticity, faith, and service. I believe in staying within my anointed capabilities and doing what God has called me to do. I do what I know God has anointed me to do, and if I try to do anything outside of that, I'm going to mess it up. I can't do what I'm not anointed to do, but what I know I'm capable of doing is what makes it work. Authenticity is crucial to me. I relax and stay true to myself, being the most authentic person I can possibly be in everything I put my hands to do. Teaching is my primary passion and what I consider my ministry. My great-grandmother prophetically called me her 'little teacher,' and though I didn't embrace it initially, it has become my greatest calling. I approach every challenge as a teachable moment. During my doctoral program at St. Leo University, even while teaching there, I faced numerous obstacles and gut punches, but instead of letting them collapse or break me down, I used them as stepping stones. I enjoyed every moment because I saw each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Paying it forward and opening doors for others is central to who I am. My youngest sister always says I care too much, and I don't even know how to turn that off. If I have the information, it just makes sense to me to give the information. That's why instruction is one of the most important things I do. It's always about opening new doors, being that leader and example of what I want to see happen in the next set of individuals coming up behind me. Community service and supporting others remains essential. I'm involved with local nonprofits including HER Shelter and the Urban League. I believe we have to be the generation that does the work and sets the example for what we're expecting from the next generation. In the education field, if I'm not making myself available to open doors for the next generation, then I didn't do the work I was supposed to do. Finally, maintaining a positive mindset is everything to me. I try to be as positive and optimistic as possible, seeing everything as a teachable moment rather than as something that will defeat me.