Samantha Hicks

I would say my mom. She's unconditional. My mother has been my biggest inspiration and the foundation of everything I've accomplished. Growing up with non-traditional, spiritual parents who gave me incredible experiences shaped who I am at my core. My mom's unconditional love and support gave me the confidence to be the first person in my family to go to college and to keep pushing myself to grow and step up in every role I've taken on.

Just be yourself. That's the advice that has stuck with me throughout my career. When you're authentic and true to who you are, people respond to that. I've found that being myself, being naturally positive and bringing my whole personality to work, is what has allowed me to connect with people and make a real impact. You don't need to pretend to be someone else or fit into a mold. Your authentic self is your greatest asset.

Just do it! It's so simple but it's so true. Don't overthink it, don't wait for the perfect moment, don't let fear or doubt hold you back. If you have an idea or an opportunity in front of you, just go for it. Take that leap. You'll figure things out as you go, you'll learn and grow, but you have to start. Just do it and let yourself be amazing.

Challenges are always going to be policies. They're always gonna be state, local, or federal policies. That's the glass ceiling for everybody that works anywhere in the world. Those are always gonna be the most challenges. Anything outside of that is achievable. There's a pathway to everything. But here's the opportunity: policies can be changed. It takes organizations and voices getting out there to people, and people will start becoming aware in their choices. Then voting comes along and people can start voting locally, and that person locally moves to state and then president. It all starts with awareness. Nothing in this world will ever be changed if it doesn't take people and organizations to bring awareness to the people. That's where the real opportunity lies, in influencing those decision makers and changing policies through awareness and action.

Positivity and kindness are my core values. Positivity is everything because it all starts with your mind and your heart. If you have doubts in your mind, then you create fear and limitations. But when you break through all that and you're positive, then you can use your full potential to ultimately accomplish what you're trying to do in your job. You can have a clear mind when you're working with clients or designing something new or whatever it is that you do. It really all starts with your mind. And kindness, trying to make someone's day better, being nice to people. There's a quote I love: you might forget what people say, but you'll never forget how they made you feel. That's very important to me in everything I do in life. I look people in the eyes and I smile because the world needs more smiles.