Humility and confidence have a symbiotic relationship. True confidence means knowing and believing in your own abilities, and humility occurs when you overcome the challenges it takes to develop those abilities.

I've learned that true confidence doesn't mean having all the answers. It's about showing up, listening, leading with heart and having lots of faith. Staying humble keeps me grounded, and that balance helps me connect with others more genuinely.

I lead with confidence by staying rooted in service and every decision I make comes from love, respect, and the desire to lift others. True strength is shown through humility, because leadership is never about ego; it's about impact. Confidence for me means walking boldly in my vision while keeping my heart open and approachable. Humility keeps me grounded; confidence keeps me moving forward. I've learned that real leadership is the balance of courage and compassion projecting strength while remembering that humility and authenticity are what make people trust and follow you.

Balancing confidence with humility in leadership means owning your strengths and speaking with clarity, while also remaining open to feedback and collaboration. For women, it's about leading with authenticity and asserting your value while staying grounded, and letting results, not stereotypes, define your impact.

I find that a genuine smile goes a long way with people. You know the one that blends into to your eyes? My voice projects confidence, but my smile shows affection and openness.

In a male-dominated industry, confidence walks a fine line between being respected and being labeled. I've learned to lead with proof, results speak louder than volume ever will. Staying humble doesn't mean staying quiet; it means staying teachable, even when you know your stuff. Confidence is earned through consistency, not ego, and that's what keeps people listening.

Being human is at the heart of confident, authentic leadership. I admit when I make mistakes, stay open and collaborative, and share the 'why' behind decisions. It not only builds trust, but also creates a sense of ownership and buy-in that makes the team feel like true partners in the process.

Confidence brings direction; humility brings connection. In implementation science, progress depends on balancing both - knowing when to lead and when to listen.

Let your work speak for itself. You don't have to be the loudest, bragging about your achievements. I prefer working in silence, working side by side with my team and mentoring their growth. Work with integrity, because someone is always watching. Know your worth and keep your work ethics. That's louder than anything else.

Confidence with empathy has been the recipe for me. Women have to know their worth and be kind. Kind and powerful.

I present myself as myself. I do not think I am better or worse than others, rather, I recognize that each of us possess inherent dignity. For me, that dignity is rooted in my belief in God and the goodness of God's creation inclusive of all people and all the other creatures of this Earth. I am a person of habit, most of them very healthy. I practice care for myself, my 2 beagles, and family members, colleagues, and friends. Among these friends are the members of my Church community, who have taught me how to welcome 'the neighbor' as sister and brother. I have learned that my integrity as a professor depends on respect for my students and others whom I serve in volunteer activities. I hold a posture of respect for everyone without exception.

For me, balancing confidence with humility in leadership is about showing up prepared, owning my expertise, and listening actively. Being confident doesn’t mean dominating the conversation, it means being clear about the value I bring while staying open to others’ perspectives. In my role as Executive Assistant to the CEO at Gracemark Solutions, I’ve learned that leadership is earned through trust, consistency, and authenticity. I approach meetings with clients and colleagues knowing my contributions matter, but I also remain approachable, curious, and willing to learn from every interaction. Ultimately, I’ve found that confidence paired with humility builds trust, encourages collaboration, and creates space for authentic leadership, one that inspires others to bring their best selves to the table.

I believe confidence and humility are not opposites they’re sacred partners in leadership. Confidence is the fruit of clarity, conviction, and calling. Humility is the posture that keeps us teachable, relational, and anchored in purpose. As a woman leading across nonprofit, clinical, and entrepreneurial spaces, I’ve learned that strength doesn’t require performance it requires alignment. I don’t lead to prove anything; I lead to steward what’s been entrusted to me. That shift, from striving to stewardship, has changed everything.

Projecting confidence while staying humble has been a lifelong balancing act. For me, confidence comes from preparation, experience, and truly knowing my “why.” Humility, on the other hand, comes from remembering that leadership is service. It’s not about being the loudest in the room, but about lifting others and creating space for their voices too.

For me, confidence and humility aren't opposites; fthey're complementary strengths. Confidence allows me to step into rooms where decisions are made; humility keeps me listening to the people who make those decisions matter. Early in my career, I learned that leadership isn't about proving you're the smartest person in the room. It's about creating space for the best ideas to rise, even when they aren't your own. In roles where I've led large, high-performing teams across healthcare and M&A, confidence has meant trusting my judgment and standing firm in strategic direction. But humility has meant acknowledging when I don't have all the answers, asking better questions, and surrounding myself with people whose perspectives challenge and strengthen my own. That combination builds credibility and trust which is the real foundation of leadership. I've also learned that humility doesn't mean shrinking yourself to make others comfortable. It means staying grounded, remembering where you started, and recognizing that every success is collective. Confidence gives you voice; humility gives that voice purpose. Practically, I balance both through reflection and feedback. I carve out time each week to assess what went well, where I could have handled something better, and how my team is experiencing my leadership. I make a point to celebrate others publicly and own my missteps privately. Authentic leadership isn't about being perfect. It's about being present, consistent, and human. Confidence earns respect, but humility sustains it. Leading with both has allowed me to inspire trust, empower others, and keep growing no matter how high I climb.

For me, confidence and humility aren't opposites; they work hand in hand. Confidence, for me, comes from preparation, purpose, and showing up even when it's uncomfortable. It's not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about being the most consistent, doing the work, following through, and standing on integrity when no one's watching. Humility keeps me grounded. It reminds me that leadership isn't about position or power, it's about people. Every person I meet through the justice and mental health systems carries a story that matters, and those stories remind me why I do this work. My time as a Navy Hospital Corpsman taught me to lead with empathy and calm under pressure. Now, working within Specialty Treatment Courts, I've learned that accountability and compassion can coexist and when they do, real change happens. I stay balanced through reflection, listening, and allowing feedback to shape how I grow. I don't have all the answers, and I don't need to; what matters is creating space where others feel seen, heard, and valued. Leading with strength and authenticity means letting confidence flow from integrity, and allowing humility to guide every step forward.

Throughout my 31-year journey with Assembly Fasteners, I've learned that true confidence doesn't come from proving yourself. It comes from preparation, consistency, and integrity. Humility, on the other hand, comes from recognizing that leadership is a privilege built on trust, not authority. I've always believed that every person, regardless of title, brings value and perspective to the table. Balancing confidence with humility means leading with authenticity. Being open to feedback, showing appreciation for others, and being willing to apologize or admit when you're wrong. Those moments of honesty build far more respect than trying to appear infallible. Confidence allows you to lead with clarity; humility keeps you grounded and approachable. Together, they create the kind of leadership that inspires trust and brings out the best in others. "Humility is not denying your strengths, humility is being honest about your weaknesses."

For me, confidence and humility are not opposites, they're partners. True confidence comes from knowing who you are and whose you are, while humility reminds you that every gift, opportunity, and success is not achieved alone. My confidence is rooted in purpose, not pride. I've learned that when you lead from a place of service, you naturally project strength without overshadowing others. I stay grounded by surrounding myself with people who tell me the truth, not just what I want to hear. Prayer and reflection also keep my heart aligned, reminding me that leadership is about stewardship, not spotlight. I can stand tall because I know my confidence doesn't come at the expense of others, it's meant to help others rise. Balancing confidence with humility means showing up authentically, leading with grace, and never forgetting that the same God who elevates us also calls us to serve with compassion and integrity.

For me, confidence and humility are not opposites; they're complementary forces that, when balanced, create authentic leadership. Confidence lives in humility; it's what gives strength its grace and direction. Confidence allows me to speak clearly, make decisions, and guide teams toward results. Humility keeps me grounded, listening deeply, and open to learning from every person in the room and in every circumstance in life. In my work leading Project Management and Implementation teams, I've learned that confidence isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating an environment where the right answers can emerge through collaboration. I make it a practice to ask thoughtful questions, acknowledge when I don't know something, and empower others by sharing knowledge and inviting them to contribute their expertise. That openness builds trust and strengthens the team. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is to lead with service in mind. When my focus shifts from "How do I prove myself?" to "How can I help this team succeed?", both confidence and humility fall into alignment. Strength comes from preparation, consistency, and integrity; humility comes from gratitude, empathy, and curiosity. My daily practice includes quiet reflection with God, at the start and end of each day, to celebrate wins without ego and to identify where I can grow. That rhythm keeps me both grounded and inspired, allowing me to lead with conviction and compassion at the same time.

Even in moments when I didn't feel my best, I've learned to give myself grace. I'm still teaching and reprogramming myself to remember that I do everything to the best of my ability and that my best is enough, whether others see it or not. Through every change and challenge, I've learned to meet myself with compassion and resilience. Confidence isn't about being perfect; it's about being present. That truth grounds me in grace and keeps me connected to my authenticity and purpose. Not every day is perfect, but every day holds purpose. When I feel my best, I perform at my best and when I don't, I lead with grace. That balance between strength, authenticity, and compassion is how I continue to grow and lead with confidence.

Confidence didn't come easy. It was built one hard decision at a time. Early in my career, I thought leadership meant always having the answer. Over time, I learned it's about having the courage to listen, decide, and own the outcome. The Army taught me to stand tall, but experience taught me to bend when needed. Today, as a Command Sergeant Major, I balance both through presence. I stay close to the formation, listen to the pulse of the team, and remind myself that leadership isn't about position. It's about consistency. Confidence gives me the voice to speak truth. Humility gives me the space to receive it. Looking ahead, I lead with the awareness that the next generation is watching how we carry both. My goal is to leave them not just better trained, but better grounded and confident in their craft, yet humble in their character. The truth is, confidence sets your posture. Humility sustains your purpose. And together, they shape the kind of leader you become in uniform and beyond it.

I project confidence, humility, and approachability by engaging in conversations and actively listening. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates respect and openness to others' perspectives. Admitting when I make mistakes and seeking feedback for improvement helps me maintain authenticity and humility. Prioritizing team accomplishments over personal achievements fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. Self-awareness: Regularly reflecting on my strengths and weaknesses enables me to lead with a balanced perspective. Developing empathy, self-control, and social skills helps me understand and connect with others on a deeper level.

When I am asked how I project confidence while still remaining humble, approachable, and deeply grounded, my answer is this: Confidence and humility are not opposites, they are partners. Confidence is knowing who you are. Humility is remembering how you got there. And resilience is what keeps you standing in the moments that test both. I project confidence because I know my purpose. I know the assignment God placed on my life. I prepare. I study. I reflect. I commit to excellence not to impress others, but to honor the calling on my life. Furthermore, confidence, for me, is not loud. It does not shout. It is a quiet certainty. A steady presence. A knowing. But humility reminds me that I did not arrive here alone. I am the result of mentors who poured into me, loved ones who supported me, communities who trusted me, and lessons that shaped me. I have been stretched. I have been refined. I have endured moments that could have broken me but instead, they built me. This is where resilience lives. Resilience is not just "bouncing back." Resilience is rising differently. It is choosing to grow from what was meant to limit you. It is the ability to stand again wiser, stronger, softer, and more grounded. So how do I lead with confidence and humility? I speak with clarity but not arrogance. I set high expectations but I lead with compassion. I give direction but I always make room for others' voices. I walk in assurance but I check my ego at the door. And I listen. I listen to understand, not just to respond. I listen because leadership is relationship not position. The practices that keep me aligned are intentional: I start with gratitude. I reflect before I react. I lead with service, not spotlight. I center purpose, always. And I leave space for God to do what only God can do. Because the truth is when you are walking in your purpose, you do not have to force doors. You do not have to compete for visibility. You do not have to prove your worth. Your presence speaks. Your character speaks. Your resilience speaks. And your leadership becomes an invitation not a performance. So yes I lead with confidence. Yes, I stay humble. Yes, I remain approachable. And every day, I choose resilience not because it is easy, but because the assignment is bigger than me.

For me, confidence and humility go hand in hand because both come from knowing who I am and whose I am. I've learned that real confidence doesn't come from titles or accomplishments; it comes from being grounded in purpose. Whether I'm coaching my college team, running my small business, or leading a group of young athletes, I remind myself that my role is to serve, not to shine. I try to lead with honesty and empathy, being willing to admit when I don't have all the answers but also standing firm in what I do know. My confidence comes from preparation and consistency, while my humility comes from gratitude and faith. Every success is an opportunity to point back to the people who helped me get there and to the God who called me to it. Practically, I check my heart often by asking myself if I'm leading to impress others or to make an impact. That question keeps me grounded. My goal is for the people around me to feel seen, valued, and capable of more than they realized. That, to me, is what strong and authentic leadership really looks like.

When dealing with critical coworkers keeping the focus on where one's career is heading and where you want it to go is the key to success. No amount of negativity from others who are critical of you should ever defeat one's desire to reach their goals. What has sustained me in some of my most difficult times is maintaining a sense of "I've got this" no matter what has been thrown at me. "I've got this because I know where I have been and what I have endured to get to this point." Never let the negativity of others stop you from reaching for your goals. Giving up is not an alternative. The naysayers are not living your life or paying your living expenses, so let them be negative. Let them gossip, let them talk behind your back. It's all that they may have to keep themselves entertained because they gave up and settled for less. . As for me, I am moving forward walking over every boulder that stands between me and my final destination.

Confidence, for me, is rooted in preparation and purpose, not performance. I lead with conviction, but I never forget that leadership is a service. Whether I'm speaking with a technician, a clinician, or a C-suite executive, I present myself with the same level of professionalism, respect, and clarity. That consistency isn't just a practice. It's a mindset, and a signal of my fairness, humility, and respect in building trust across every layer of an organization. I don't need to posture to be taken seriously; I let my work speak, and I make space for others to speak too. Remember that titles don't define worth, and humility doesn't mean shrinking. Instead, when leaders listen deeply, offer clarity in context, and show up with both strength and approachability, they build trust. That's how I lead.

I believe women can lead with both strength and softness. That confidence doesn't have to come at the expense of humility, and that authenticity is one of our greatest assets. My journey into design began just before I had my son. I wanted to build something that allowed me to earn an income without sacrificing time with him, something that gave me both purpose and presence. I was raised in a home where creativity was part of daily life. My dad was always hands-on with home projects, and I fell in love with the transformation; the before and after, the way a space could tell a story. Design became more than a career path. It became my way of claiming a future on my own terms. I went after my dreams with everything I had, and I fought for them every step of the way. Like many women, I've felt the pressure to "show up" a certain way like to be polished, but not too bold; competent, but never intimidating. Over time, I've learned that the most powerful kind of leadership comes from being fully yourself. For me, that means leading with clarity, kindness, and conviction without dimming my light to fit anyone's expectations. My journey hasn't been perfect, but it's been deeply intentional. I've built my career around creativity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to see other women win. Along the way, I've discovered that true confidence is quiet. It's found in preparation, in presence, and in knowing your worth even when it's not validated out loud. Influential Women is an extension of that belief. A space to celebrate women doing meaningful work, leading with heart, and showing up authentically. Because the world doesn't just need more leaders. It needs more women who are unafraid to lead as themselves.

Confidence starts with certainty in your own abilities and not being afraid to take risks. You may not know what others think of feel about you, but knowing your doing your best and giving your all to something or someone is more important than getting a response. It's important to stay humble and approachable because these will give you the positive results that seek. People and things will start to look for you, instead of you seeking it. The practices, mindset and lessons that have been inspirational in helping me lead with both strength and authenticity are being yourself, never try to adjust or change who you are to be excepted by others. Staying honest, open and treating others the way I want to be treated is key in success.

The way I practice balance with confidence with humility in leadership is that I remember where I came from in the beginning of my career. The women who was timid to speak her mind, who would accept the bare minimum and not challenge. One day I realized with staying small I am devaluing my worth and value in what I bring to the table. In with that thought I shifted into empowerment with my presents alone. My presents brings a quiet confidence of authenticity of taking up space and fighting for those who may have lost their voice. I now represent all those women and speak with strength and conviction. I now hold my head up high and move with precision with empathy that shines through which show cases my balance with confidence and humility.

Projecting confidence for me starts with being really clear on what I know and why I'm doing the work. My confidence isn't about being the loudest in the room, it comes from being prepared, having done the work, and trusting my experience. When I'm grounded in that, I don't feel like I have to prove anything to anyone and can move forward regardless of interference, which will come to you no matter where you are. I can just speak clearly and directly, and I'm also comfortable saying, "I don't know that yet, but I'll find out." Staying humble is about staying teachable. I ask questions, I ask for input, and I try to make room for other people's ideas without feeling like it threatens my own. And I'm very intentional about giving credit because most good work is collaborative, and people deserve to be seen for what they bring. A big lesson for me has been getting comfortable being visible. A lot of us were raised to downplay ourselves so we don't come off as "too much." I had to unlearn that, which I still struggle with some days. Confidence doesn't mean taking over. It just means standing in your own space without shrinking and knowing when and how to use your voice. Humility is remembering that my space isn't the only one that matters. So the balance, for me, looks like showing up prepared, speaking honestly, staying open to learning, and making sure the win is shared with those who helped reach it.

Being a mother of two, a Navy Spouse and working has helped me to not only give new military families resources to help them but has also helped me to learn how to be a resource myself. When it comes to staying humble and approachable by always approaching others first and introducing myself. I make friendships and from there I help others learn how to find the needed resources they need. I learned mostly from a mother who worked outside the home while I grew up. She raised me without my birth father around for 18 years. I learned how be who I am by watching her.

I worked in accounting and education but found myself back at our family business in 2013. I love working here because I am able to leave if I need to, attend my kids events, and be the mom I always dreamed of being while also making my way up the corporate ladder. Our family business, McPherson-Ayers started with my grandparents and a cousin in 1979. My dad continued to grow the business and later he became the sole owner in 1993 then naming it McPherson Manufacturing Corporation. McPherson Manufacturing Corporation continues to be our "holding company" with now 4 other divisions: SealCraft, Southern Stamping, Southern Assembly and Packaging, and J and J Filters. Lately, I have been spending most of my time growing J and J Filters. This business was previously located in Memphis, TN. After nearly closing, we have brought it to Hazlehurst, GA and revived it. Lately, our McPherson Manufacturing air filters are on Amazon and we have had a substantial increase in providing for the government. While I've had my hand in most all parts of the business, I've found myself excited as hard work has proven to pay off for the filter business. I consider myself extremely blessed to be able to go to work with a great team of people. It takes us all to make it happen and keep it running smoothly. I love being a businesswoman. I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm excited to have been nominated for this award and look forward to networking with this group of women. I'm sure we are all more alike than different but we all have something important to bring to the table, after all…WE ARE THE TABLE!

Balancing confidence with humility has been one of the most important aspects of my leadership journey. As a woman in tech consulting, I've felt the pressure to walk that tightrope: be assertive enough to be taken seriously, but not so strong that you're labeled "aggressive." I've learned the key isn't fitting into someone else's definition of leadership - it's leading authentically from your own values. Confidence Rooted in Continuous Learning My confidence doesn't come from pretending to know everything - it comes from a commitment to always being the learner. I stay curious, pursue certifications, and remain open to feedback. This lets me speak with authority on what I know while being honest about what I'm still learning. I can say, "I don't know, but I'll find out," and that honesty builds more trust than false bravado ever could. Humility Through Valuing People The best career advice I received was that it's about people and relationships. Humility means recognizing I don't succeed alone. I listen more than I speak, genuinely value my team's input, and treat everyone with respect. When you lead with authentic care for people, humility becomes natural. Strength Through Integrity I project confidence by consistently delivering on commitments. Hard work and integrity are my non-negotiables. But I stay humble by owning mistakes quickly and communicating transparently about challenges. Confidence isn't about being infallible - it's about being reliable and resilient. The Breakthrough For years, I thought I had to choose between confidence and humility. The breakthrough came when I realized they're not opposites - they're partners. True confidence is knowing your value without diminishing others. True humility is recognizing others' contributions without diminishing yourself. When you lead with integrity, continuous learning, and genuine care for people, both qualities coexist naturally.

I used to think confidence meant having all the answers. Over time, I learned that it's really about trusting myself and showing up fully, even when I don't. Whether I was leading in a classroom, guiding a counseling session, or now coaching clients, I've found that people connect most when they can feel your honesty and heart. Confidence for me comes from experience, preparation, and purpose. Humility comes from remembering that I'm always still learning. I try to listen more than I talk, ask questions, and stay curious about others' stories. When I do that, I grow right alongside the people I'm leading. I've also learned not to shrink to seem humble. You can stand tall and still stay kind. You can be proud of what you've built and still be open to feedback. Real leadership isn't about being perfect. It's about being real, confident enough to lead, and humble enough to keep growing.

For me, confidence and humility aren't opposites. They walk hand in hand. Confidence comes from knowing who I am and the purpose I've been called to fulfill. Humility comes from remembering that every opportunity, every success, is a gift meant to serve others. I've learned that I don't have to dim my light to make others comfortable. I just have to let it shine with grace. There was a time I struggled with feeling like I had to prove myself, especially as a woman married to a successful man. But I've realized that confidence isn't loud. it's steady. It's showing up fully as yourself, even when the world wants to define you by someone else's shadow. My sparkle dress moment (literally putting on sequins and red lipstick after a hard day) taught me that strength can be both bold and beautiful, and that humility is knowing when to listen, learn, and lift others up. The practices that keep me grounded are simple but powerful: prayer, gratitude, surrounding myself with people who tell me the truth, and remembering that leadership isn't about standing in front; it's about standing with. Leading with both strength and authenticity means bringing your whole self to the table (faith, flaws, and all) and using your light to help others find theirs.

Real confidence is quiet. It's knowing your worth while staying open to others' wisdom. I lead with conviction, but I never forget that every achievement is built with the help of others.

I learned confidence not from being the loudest in the room, but from years of making high-stakes decisions in corporate roles, raising capital, managing investments, and negotiating with stakeholders. Those 14+ years taught me that preparation builds confidence, but perspective builds humility. Every deal, every team decision, every challenge reminded me that leadership is a privilege, not a position. My grounding force has always been my values: commitment, community involvement, and balance. I stay rooted in who I am: a woman who never gives up, who believes in giving back, and who finds joy in dancing and supporting my three children as they grow into their own strengths. My husband has been both my biggest supporter and my honest critic, keeping me anchored when my ambitions climb high. In real estate, especially where everything is capital-driven and fast-moving, confidence often comes from being data-driven, prepared, and persistent. But humility comes from remembering that no one scales alone, not in business and not in life. I've learned to ask questions as often as I share opinions, to listen before I lead, and to treat every relationship as a long-term investment. The mindset that guides me is simple: Walk with purpose, but never forget the people walking with you. I show strength by standing firmly behind my decisions, and I stay approachable by being honest about the learning, resilience, and community that got me here. That balance, strength anchored in authenticity, is what allows me to lead with clarity while staying deeply human.

For much of my career, I operated in environments where women were expected to walk a very narrow line. Strong, but not intimidating. Confident, but not "too much." Early on, I learned that trying to fit myself into someone else's comfort zone was the quickest way to dilute the impact I could make. Real leadership requires the opposite. It requires showing up anchored in who you are while staying deeply connected to the people you serve. The balance between confidence and humility comes down to one simple principle. Confidence is about clarity and humility is about curiosity. I project confidence by being clear. Clear about the direction we are moving. Clear about the expectations we are setting. Clear about the rationale behind major decisions. People do not need a perfect leader. They need a leader who reduces uncertainty and creates alignment. Humility shows up in the way I engage. I ask questions before giving answers. I invite challenge rather than avoid it. I make it easy for people to tell me when something is not working. And when I get something wrong, which every leader does, I own it quickly and publicly. Those moments create more trust than flawless execution ever could. A few practices have shaped the way I lead. • Assume you always have part of the picture, not the whole. This keeps you listening instead of defending. • Separate confidence from ego. Confidence is grounded in experience and preparation. Ego is driven by insecurity. • Create psychological safety intentionally. Humility signals that the leader is not the ceiling for ideas or improvement. • Let your team shine. When they succeed, name their contribution. When things go off track, take responsibility. • Stay anchored in purpose. When your decisions connect back to mission and values, confidence flows naturally. Women leaders are often told to calibrate themselves to the expectations of others. I have learned that the real work is internal calibration. Stay grounded in your strengths, open to being wrong, and committed to growing alongside your team. That combination makes you approachable without losing authority, empathetic without losing accountability, and steady without losing your humanity. Leading with both confidence and humility is not a balancing act. It is the foundation of leadership people trust.

Confidence comes from knowing my work. Humility comes from knowing I didn't get here alone. Leading with both helps me stay grounded, purposeful, and genuinely connected to the people around me.

I project confidence by grounding myself in preparation and clarity, but I stay humble by remembering that leadership is about service. Managing teams that included people older than me taught me that confidence is not about proving myself. It is about creating an environment where people feel supported, respected, and understood. I lead with strength by being clear, decisive, and thoughtful in how I communicate, and I stay approachable by listening first and making space for other perspectives. The biggest lesson I have learned is that authority and kindness are not opposites. You can set high standards, hold people accountable, and still lead with empathy. When your intention is to help the work and the people around you grow, confidence becomes a natural extension of that purpose.

For me, feeling confident means having a clear sense of who I am, what I'm skilled at, and how I can make a difference. Humility, on the other hand, comes from recognizing that I don't have all the answers and that's okay. I've found that leading effectively involves being ready to go, truly listening, and creating opportunities for others to shine. When I believe in myself while also being open to growth, people appreciate both my abilities and my genuine nature.

As a leader, I project confidence not by trying to dominate the room but by being clear about our purpose and the outcomes we're driving. I'm intentional about how I communicate (voice, posture, and presence) and I make sure my actions consistently reflect our shared goals. I stay humble and approachable by leading with curiosity and empathy, asking questions, and listening first. Humility also means recognizing my team's contributions and openly sharing lessons from setbacks, which builds psychological safety and reinforces that success is collective. Authenticity for me is aligning values with actions, especially transparency, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing well‑being so people know what to expect from me, even under pressure. My confidence is rooted in competence: I'm committed to continuous learning, seeking feedback, and adapting as contexts change. When clarity meets empathy, confidence and humility reinforce each other and that's when teams truly thrive.

I started Sams Tutoring with a simple belief: every child deserves someone who sees their potential, understands their struggles, and believes in them even on the days they struggle to believe in themselves. Over the years, I worked with so many bright, capable students who just needed individualized support. Children dealing with anxiety, learning differences, trauma, or self-doubt, and parents who often felt overwhelmed or unsure of how to help. I realized I could serve these families in a meaningful way, so I began with what I had: one student, one laptop, one Zoom session at a time, and the experience and compassion I had developed through my years of working with diverse learners. Sams Tutoring didn't grow because I chased success; it grew because I chased purpose. Humility has been an essential part of the journey. Staying grounded has been easy because this work has never been about me. It has always been about the students: their breakthroughs, their confidence, their joy when things finally make sense. When a child reads a paragraph independently for the first time, solves a math problem that once felt impossible, or simply shows up with a little more confidence than the week before, that is what matters. Those moments anchor me. Working with children keeps you humble; their honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity strip away any trace of ego. They remind me daily that what I'm doing is a privilege, not a platform. At the same time, I've learned to project confidence; not through perfection, but through consistency. My confidence comes from trusting my education, my certifications, and the real progress I've seen in the students I've supported. Families come to me because they want someone knowledgeable and steady, but they stay because I'm warm, approachable, and genuinely invested in their child's growth. I've discovered that true confidence doesn't have to be loud; it's quiet, steady, and reassuring. It says, "I know what I'm doing and I'm here to help," without ever making anyone feel intimidated or small. Several practices and mindsets have helped me balance strength with humility. I lead with service, always coming back to the question: How can I best support this child today? That guiding principle naturally keeps ego at bay. I remain a lifelong learner because staying teachable builds both competence and humility. I practice gratitude, reflecting often on the families who trust me, the mentors who shaped me, and the opportunity to do work that truly matters. I lead with compassion, understanding that progress often looks different for every learner, especially for neurodivergent children. And I stay rooted in faith and purpose, believing that each student and every opportunity is placed in my life with intention. Sams Tutoring didn't begin with fanfare or ambition. It began with heart. It grew because families needed something genuine, students needed someone patient and consistent, and I was determined to provide exactly that. This journey has taught me that when you lead with compassion, stay grounded in humility, and commit to serving others, success becomes a natural byproduct. And every step forward has only deepened my belief that helping children discover their own brilliance is one of the greatest privileges I could ever have.

2020 was a year of true challenges for me, and my inspiration to keep going forward. In 2020 Paragon Visual was born during Covid, I received a cancer diagnosis, and an adoption match ... all at the same time! I can honestly say it was the best and worst year of my life. Since then, Paragon Visual has grown, and so have I, beyond my wildest expectations. I look back at the days of going through radiation treatment, moving through the adoption steps, and working a full long day on our business, and it reminds me that nothing is impossible if you don't let it become an obstacle. There were days I thought I couldn't take another step. Many times, people said "you can't do all this", but I never gave up because I knew the dream I was working towards was worth it. There are still days I ask myself if I can keep going, I believe everyone has those days, but I wake up every morning to see what adventures the day will bring. I just hope I can inspire others to keep going and never give up. The journey is worth it if you stick with it!

Confidence and humility showed up for me at the same time. I've lived through seasons where life knocked the wind out of me; grieving both parents while trying to figure out motherhood without one on top of juggling a demanding career. I kept showing up for my students even on days when I felt held together by coffee and sheer will. That experience taught me two truths I lead from now: I am capable of hard things, and I am never doing them alone. As a high school English teacher, confidence starts with clarity. My students know exactly what I'm about: high expectations, honest feedback, and a deep belief that they are capable of excellence. I'm direct about what I'm asking of them, I advocate loudly for their needs, and I don't minimize my expertise. I've spent years learning how to design rigorous curriculum and hold a classroom together; owning that work out loud is part of honoring it. Humility comes in how I hold that authority. I invite my students into the process instead of positioning myself as the only expert in the room. I still remember my the confusion written over the faces of my students when I asked them how I could make the lesson better because I didn't love the way it worked out. I apologize when I overreact or misread a situation. I tell them about times I've struggled with anxiety or doubt so they see me as a full human, not just the person with the gradebook. A few practices help me stay grounded and approachable: I lead with questions, not monologues. In meetings and classrooms, I try to ask, "How is this landing for you?" or "What am I missing?" before I assume I'm right. Additionally, I separate worth from performance. Years of grief and growth taught me I'm not only as good as my last lesson, observation, or accolade. That keeps my ego from driving the car. Finally, I share the spotlight. Whether it's a student presentation, a colleague's idea, or a story in my in-progress memoir, I try to center other voices, not just my own. For me, leading with confidence and humility isn't about trying to hit the perfect tone so no one labels me "too much." It's about being rooted clear on my values, honest about my limits, and willing to keep learning in public. When I focus on serving the kids in front of me and honoring the people whose stories shaped me, I don't have to pretend. I can be strong, warm, and fully myself and that's the kind of leadership I want my students, and my own children, to see.

For me, balancing confidence with humility starts with clarity: knowing exactly what I stand for, and knowing equally clearly what I don't need to prove. When I'm grounded in my work and my values, I don't have to posture. Confidence becomes quiet, steady, and rooted—not loud. Humility, for me, is not shrinking. It's staying open. It's admitting when I'm wrong, asking better questions, and creating a space where people feel safe to contribute. Leadership isn't about being the smartest person in the room—it's about building a room where everyone can think clearly. One practice that has helped me is separating ego from responsibility. My job is to guide the vision, not to make everything about myself. When I detach from needing approval, I lead cleaner, make sharper decisions, and stay approachable without diluting my standards. At the same time, as women, we often feel pressure to "soften" ourselves to be more acceptable. I don't do that. I stay direct, but I stay human. I listen. I communicate honestly. Strength doesn't cancel humility—they reinforce each other when you lead from sincerity rather than performance. Confidence is knowing where I'm going. Humility is staying open to how I'll get there. Authentic leadership lives in that balance.