When I think about the meaning of impact, I think about the trailblazing women who have, and continue to forge paths toward a more equitable and empowered working world. Icons such as Melody Hobson, Mika Brzezinski, Malala Yousafzai, Dr. Trisha Bailey, Ava Duvernay, and Rosalind Brewer among many more, stand as pillars of progress, embodying the very essence of transformative impact. These women have not only shattered glass ceilings but have also laid down a mosaic of opportunities and a blueprint for others to follow. In this special Impact Edition of Living Your BOLD Potential, we celebrate in the spirit of Women's History Month by diving into how today's women in the workplace can create lasting impact, advocate for progress, and honor the legacies of those who've blazed the trail before us.
The stories of Melody Hobson, leading with financial acumen and advocating for financial literacy and inclusion; Mika Brzezinski, using her platform to address women's value in the workplace; Malala Yousafzai, championing education for girls globally; Dr. Trisha Bailey, merging the realms of medicine and technology to innovate healthcare; and Rosalind Brewer, breaking barriers in corporate America, all serve as powerful examples of impact. These women have not only excelled in their fields but have also used their success to lift others, challenge norms, and initiate change.
They made the world a better place than how they found it; this is the true meaning of impact. By connecting to what is important to you, leveraging your strengths, skills, purpose, passion and values you too can positively impact the world.
Following in the footsteps of these remarkable women means recognizing and embracing your own value in the workplace, understanding that your contributions have the power to influence change, no matter the scale and regardless of whether you work on site, remotely or a hybrid of both. But it requires you to bring your authentic self to work—this is your ticket to impact. Bringing your authentic self to work entails embodying the unique blend of your culture, your experiences, your core values, your skills, your perspectives and sharing them to foster innovation and create impact. Bringing your authentic self to work also includes advocating for the causes close to your heart so that you can create the change you want to see in the world.
The true currency of impact isn't found in your job title, your certifications, or your paycheck—it’s found in the personal brand you embody, the causes you champion, the people and things that you advocate for. Embrace your BOLD potential by daring to disrupt, to dream, and to do. From the boardroom to the classroom, from the lab to the studio, your impact is your legacy. It's what you'll be remembered for, not just by those in your immediate circle, but by those who will walk the path you've paved long after you're gone.
So, how do you measure up?
Look beyond the tangible accolades. Measure your impact by the quiet ‘thank yous’, the lives you've brightened, the young minds you've sparked with possibility. Measure your impact by the changes you've championed that once seemed impossible. Measure your impact by the communities you've uplifted and the conversations you've changed for the better. Measure your impact by how you made the world a better place than how you found it.
To learn how to kickstart creating impact in your working world, I invite you to download a free career resource – The Career Success Guide by clicking here
Need help to redefine your career brand, visit www.georgiawolfesamuels.com for additional resources. Let’s connect if you have questions. My handle is @georgiawolfesamuels on IG and LinkedIN social media sites.