The Compliment She Never Forgot

The compliment was "I watch how you carry yourself but what I love about you is your heart, I love your heart". He has passed away, but his words have stayed with me.

The compliment was simple: 'Marilyn, I want your vibe.' I LOVED that. For me, that is a huge compliment, as it reflects a presence that makes people feel seen, inspired and energized, and someone people like to be around.

I practiced dentistry and suffered with nagging doubts about my abilities. After my dental laboratory technician, who worked with many other dentists, told me he could tell I was a good dentist who had "strong hands", my self doubts disappeared, and I practiced with confidence thereafter.

My ASM had a Sales Manager move on and was looking for the next candidate. We had a good relationship at this point since he started as my direct manager & trained me. There was a moment where I asked him who he would consider internally, throwing out a couple names. To my surprise his response was "The only person I trust in this position is you." That was the moment I realized I had a true mentor and a leader who recognized I am capable of more than I allowed myself to acknowledge.

A fellow attorney once told me that he enjoyed working with me because "you do not suffer fools lightly." The same attorney also commended the professionalism he saw in me, even toward my opponents. The best compliment I've received from someone I manage is that I challenged her to be better instead of letting her stay in the same role, and that I showed her how to be "fearless" and clear while still respectful.

The most meaningful compliments I have received have never been about my titles, accomplishments, or professional recognition. They have come from individuals who expressed how my belief in them helped them recognize their own potential. There is something incredibly powerful about knowing that you saw possibilities in someone before they could fully see those possibilities in themselves. Throughout my leadership journey, I have had the privilege of mentoring professionals who went on to achieve extraordinary milestones, including senior executive leadership positions. Knowing that I played even a small role in their journeys is a reward beyond any title I could have earned. Those expressions of gratitude have stayed with me because they affirmed something profound: My greatest contribution is not simply what I accomplish, but what I help others believe they can accomplish. That realization helped shape my purpose and ultimately inspired Wisdom in Action Coaching. I want people to recognize that their experiences, gifts, and aspirations matter and that they are capable of creating a life and career they truly love.