Me'chelle Degree, PMP, CSM, ACC

I attribute my success first and foremost to God, whose faithfulness has guided every step of my journey. I also owe so much to my family, who raised me to believe there were no limits on what I could accomplish. My parents never allowed me to see a glass ceiling. They taught me to believe that my future was far bigger than my circumstances.

I've also learned that success is never a solo journey. I often say, "My tribe is my vibe," because every season of life requires the right people walking beside you. I have been blessed with extraordinary mentors—especially women—who opened doors, challenged me to think bigger, and reminded me of my worth when I couldn't always see it myself. Their wisdom became the foundation on which I continue to build.

One of the most defining moments in my life came when I was a little girl. My pastor unfolded an atlas and told me, "The world is much bigger than your small-town dreams." At the time, my biggest dream was taking a trip to Charlotte for Krispy Kreme. He smiled and said, "You're not just going to Charlotte. You're going to see the world."

I've carried those words with me ever since. Through my career, I've had the privilege of speaking and working across North America, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Every passport stamp reminds me that someone else's belief in me expanded my own vision of what was possible.

Today, I keep a world map in my home with the words, "She's going places." It's more than a decoration—it's a daily reminder that there is no ceiling on our potential. When we anchor ourselves in faith, surround ourselves with the right people, and dare to dream beyond what we can see, there are no limits to where life can take us.

The best career advice I've ever received is this: "Your network is your currency." That lesson has shaped every stage of my career.

Too often, people believe that working hard is enough. Excellence is essential, but excellence in isolation is often invisible. Build relationships before you need them. Let people know who you are, the value you bring, what you're working on, and where you aspire to go. Your reputation should enter the room before you do.

But networking isn't about collecting business cards or asking for favors, it's about creating meaningful relationships. The most influential people I know are generous with their time, intentional with their connections and committed to helping others succeed. They understand that leadership is built on trust, not transactions.

I've always believed in adding value before asking for value. Be curious. Be present. Celebrate other people's wins. Hold space for others the way you hope they'll hold space for you. When you invest in people with authenticity and consistency, opportunities naturally follow.

Your greatest career asset isn't just what you know, it's the relationships you build and the lives you impact along the way.

The advice I would give every young woman entering today's workforce is this: be adaptable, be visible, and build relationships before you need them.

The pace of change is only accelerating. Technology will evolve. Industries will transform. Jobs will come and go. Your greatest competitive advantage won't be a degree alone, it will be your ability to learn, pivot, and reinvent yourself throughout your career.

Just as important, network like your career depends on it, because it does. Opportunities don't always go to the smartest person in the room; they often go to the person people know, trust, and remember. Invest in genuine relationships, find mentors and sponsors, ask thoughtful questions, and create a reputation for adding value wherever you go.

Don't be afraid of feedback. The people who grow the fastest are the ones who are willing to listen, adjust, and keep moving forward. Every piece of constructive feedback is an investment in the leader you're becoming.

Finally, never let someone else define your potential. Dream bigger than your circumstances. Be willing to take risks, embrace change, and say yes to opportunities that stretch you. Your career won't be built by staying comfortable—it will be built by having the courage to keep evolving.

The biggest opportunity in leadership today isn't artificial intelligence, it's human adaptability.

AI is changing business at a pace we've never experienced before. Every industry is being disrupted, roles are evolving overnight and the skills that made someone successful yesterday may not be enough tomorrow. The organizations that will thrive won't simply be the ones with the best technology, they'll be the ones that develop people who know how to adapt.

This is why I believe resilience has become one of the most important leadership competencies of our time. For years, we've taught people that resilience means pushing harder and working longer. In the age of AI, that mindset will leave people exhausted and obsolete. The future belongs to leaders who can learn, unlearn and relearn, who are willing to pivot, embrace change and continuously reinvent themselves.

AI is an extraordinary tool, but it will never replace curiosity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, sound judgment, or authentic human connection. Those are the qualities that transform technology into innovation and disruption into opportunity.

My message to leaders is simple: Don't compete with AI. Become the kind of leader AI can't replace. Master the technology, but invest even more deeply in the uniquely human skills that technology can never replicate. That's what will define the next generation of influential leaders.

I don't believe we have one set of values for work and another for life. Our values are our foundation, they should be evident in every room we enter.

For me, that foundation begins with integrity, honesty, and accountability. Your reputation is built one decision at a time, and I've always believed that character is revealed when no one is watching. Titles may open doors, but trust is what keeps them open. I want people to know that if I give my word, they can count on it.

Equally important are compassion, respect, and family. Success has never been about climbing the ladder alone. It's about lifting others as you rise, extending grace, and recognizing that every person has a story. Whether I'm leading a team, coaching a client, or spending time with my loved ones, I want people to leave feeling seen, valued, and better because our paths crossed.

I also believe deeply in growth and adventure. Growth requires humility, the willingness to keep learning, accept feedback and evolve. Adventure requires courage the willingness to step into unfamiliar places, embrace new perspectives, and trust that there's something greater waiting on the other side of discomfort. Some of the most transformative moments of my life have come from saying "yes" to opportunities that stretched me far beyond what felt familiar.

At the end of the day, I don't measure success by titles, awards, or accomplishments. I measure it by the lives I've impacted, the integrity I've maintained and whether I had the courage to keep growing while helping others do the same. That's the legacy I hope to leave.