Mechelle Degree

My mom and my dad instilled in me that I can do all things through Christ, which means basically there's nothing I can't do. They told me there's nothing that I can't accomplish. That foundation of faith and belief has carried me through everything. I also know that what God has for me is for me, no matter what's happening and no matter how things are changing quickly in the world. As long as I keep focused on my goals and lead with love, I'm going to be fine. I'm going to accomplish everything that I was supposed to accomplish.

Networking is the new currency. Right now, if you're not networking and forming relationships, I don't know how you're surviving in the world we're in now, because we are not put here to live alone. God made us communal. Relationships are revival. Leadership comes in so many different styles, but at the core, it's about building those connections. If you're not forming relationships right now, you can't make it in today's world.

Anything you want, you can have. And anything you want to do, you can do. The world is bigger than what you see right here. Because of that, you've got the whole lifetime to see the entire world. Don't limit yourself to what's in front of you right now. I tell young people all the time, like the young woman who came up to me at the luncheon who's graduating and starting at Lenovo - I gave her my cell number and told her to call me after graduation so we can have a conversation. Nobody has those conversations with them, and I want to be there and be responsible for helping them navigate their careers.

I think we're all going through the same challenges right now - making sure that we focus on the end game or the goal. There's so much happening in the world to stifle you that I have to remind myself daily that nothing lasts forever, this is temporary. Everything that's going on is temporary. I'm also a Black female with a bald head at this point, and I have to realize that what God has for me is for me, no matter what's happening and no matter how things are changing quickly. It doesn't matter. I'm going to accomplish everything that I was supposed to, as long as I keep focused on it and as long as I lead with love. I shaved my head during the chaos in 2020 because the only thing I could control was the hair. Even with all the changes, I have to keep reminding myself to stay focused.

Trust, loyalty, love, and most of all, compassion. These are the values that guide everything I do, both professionally and personally. Compassion especially - I think the world should have a greater allotment of that, and we'd all be happier. These values shape how I interact with my teams, my clients, and everyone I mentor and coach.