Lori Angelica Goodman

There were many moments when the road felt long enough to consider turning back. What steadied me every time was the example of my grandfather.

His parents were immigrants, and he grew up knowing what it meant to work for everything. He held three jobs at one point, not out of ambition for status, but out of commitment to family. Money was often scarce, but dignity never was. Hard work was simply a way of life.

What I remember most was not how tired he must have been, but how he carried himself. He always had a smile. He was quick with a joke. He made people feel seen. Even decades after his passing in 1989, people in our small village still speak his name with warmth. He left an imprint on everyone he met. I was blessed to have him in my life for five years, and those five years shaped me in ways I am still discovering.

He was a deacon in his church, a man of deep faith, and someone who gave fully of himself to others. He believed that people were the greatest treasure we could ever hold. Growing up with very little only strengthened that belief. He taught me that wealth is not measured in possessions, but in the quality of the people around you.

On the days I feel stretched or uncertain, I think of him. If I can reflect even a fraction of his integrity, resilience, and kindness, I consider that success.

The best career advice I have ever received is simple: no matter your rank or position, stay humble.

Humility brings clarity. It keeps you grounded, especially in situations where the path forward is not immediately obvious. Instead of reacting or overthinking, it creates space to listen, to observe, and to learn. It reminds you that leadership is not about having every answer, but about being open to the right ones.

I have also learned that you are not always the smartest person in the room, and that is a good thing. There is strength in recognizing the value others bring and drawing from the collective wisdom around you. For me, teamwork has never been optional. It has been essential. The best outcomes I have experienced came from shared insight, mutual respect, and a willingness to lead and learn at the same time.

First, I have a wicked sense of humor and trust me, that helps. A little levity can carry you through more than you think.

That said, keep your nose clean and do the right thing, but do not walk through life thin-skinned. Know who you are. Be clear about what you want. If those two things stop aligning with where you are, it may be a sign you are in the wrong place. Self-awareness is not arrogance. It is protection.

No one will advocate for you more consistently than you can advocate for yourself. Be your own biggest supporter. That mindset will steady you on the hardest days.

There have been moments, even recently, when the pressure felt heavy and I asked myself, Is this where I want to be? Despite the stress, I woke up the next morning grounded in the answer. Yes. I am where I am supposed to be. And if that ever changes, I will trust myself enough to recognize it and move forward with confidence.

One of the biggest challenges has been stepping into processes that were either incomplete or not fully aligned. It has required patience, discernment, and a steady commitment to building things the right way. While that has stretched me, it has also been incredibly rewarding to help create clarity and structure where it was needed most.

The most meaningful part, though, is being part of something much bigger than the day to day work. We have a clear vision, and watching that vision come to life has been inspiring. My boss has spent nearly two years laying the foundation, and now we are stepping into the season where it is all beginning to take shape. What started as smaller gatherings and reintroductions is evolving into something truly special.

The Fontanel Estate and Mansion is not simply a venue for events. It is becoming a place where families build traditions, celebrate milestones, and return year after year. Being part of shaping something designed to last beyond a single event is what makes this journey so meaningful to me.

The values that matter most to me are loyalty and transparency. I believe both are essential, especially in the workplace. Loyalty builds trust and stability within a team, while transparency creates clarity and accountability. Together, they form the foundation of strong, healthy relationships.

Closely tied to loyalty is integrity. I understand that integrity can mean different things to different people, but for me it is simple: doing the right thing for the right reason, whether anyone is watching or not. It is about consistency in character, not convenience in the moment.