There’s a reason why nobody reads all of the terms and conditions when downloading a new app or software. First of all, it’s long. Secondly, terms and conditions don’t actually give you directions for how to use the software. None of the information seems immediately applicable unless you’re particularly concerned about whether or not the company will sell your personal information and even then, some of us would rather just not know. That little checkbox certifies that you ‘agree’ to the terms and conditions, even if you have not read them, and puts you on a fast track to getting started with the program on your device.
Now, imagine being the person responsible for writing those terms and conditions from scratch -- yikes.
Obviously, we know that it takes even longer to write than it probably takes to read. We also know that the writer of those terms and conditions has to be careful to include accurate information about details that no consumer is ever going to care about.
As much of a drag as that sounds, get this: a lot of the behind-the-scenes work of a trailblazer likely resembles that of the “terms and conditions” guy. He works out the details for the really cool app while everyone else gets to just click ‘agree’, and move on with their life. Likewise, the trailblazer has to think deliberately about what the road ahead will look like while everyone else appears to be on autopilot, coasting upon a road that is already paved.
This is why every trailblazer needs a mentor to help them stick to the sometimes daunting process of coming up with your own terms. A good mentor also provides guidance on what may need to go into the “terms and conditions” of your life, whether or not other people know about them or agree.
We were honored to hear and learn from guest Susan Chapman-Hughes who has traveled the world, served on many executive boards and is a proud member of the “Old Mamas Club”. In our very first Mentor Moment event, Susan shares how she has been able to progressively navigate executive roles as an empowered black female within white male-dominant industries, a global leader with ethics and a relational human being. If you’re a goal-getter, building a network or brand, looking to switch careers or just wanting to pick up as many pointers as you can from someone who has done it before, you are in the right place.
Take a look at what Susan had to say as a strong voice of mentorship for our community members here at Luminary.
Struggling with sticking to the day-to-day plan? You are not alone. Susan gave us some concrete tips for how to approach goal mapping, but not before she provided some much needed perspective:
“You may not have the amount of hours that you’d like, but the ability to make those hours count to being fully present, not being distracted, making the investment in the relationship that you want to build are all really important.
It really boils down to what you really want.”
Mentor Moments
Creating and growing a brand is an opportunity to reinvent yourself and tell the world (both new and old faces) who you are and what you offer. Knowing where to start can be extremely challenging though. Here’s what Susan had to say:
"Figure out what is your superpower that you can share with others. Figure out what your thing is and go from there.”
Mentor Moments
Ambition is admirable, but patience is a virtue. Here’s what Susan had to say about dreams that don’t come to fruition fast enough:
“I don't believe that there is anything called, “it takes too long”. If it's taking too long, then that means that I'm not dedicating the time and energy that I feel like I'm supposed to to achieve the goal. Some of the goals that you're going to set for yourself, are just going to take a long time.”
Mentor Moments
“When something doesn't work out. I don't look at it as, ‘Oh my goodness I'm such a failure…’ I look at it as, ‘This is not the right opportunity for me at this time’, and I ask myself, am I doing the work? Am I on track for the things that I said I want for myself? ...If I'm doing the work that I know I need to do, then I feel completely good about it because that just means that it's going to come together. It's okay to be impatient, but sometimes you’ve got to be patient with your impatience.”
Not everyone is the kind of vibrant extrovert who thrives in social settings and seamlessly inserts themselves into enjoyable conversation. Susan, however, is and did a fantastic job of giving pointers for those who might not be.
“Approach it as if it's just a relationship, and then recognize that sometimes some people are there for a reason, a season, or a lifetime; and it's up to you to figure out which one that is because everybody's not meant to be in your life forever.”
Mentor Moments
“Don't be afraid to look at your network and say, “Hey look. I really want to learn: X, Y and Z and I noticed that you have a friend in your network who does that for a living. Would you mind making an introduction to them for me?”
If you've spent more than a decade as a classroom teacher, it can feel pretty much impossible to switch to an industry that has not one kid or lesson plan in sight! That’s just one of many examples where one might feel pigeonholed into a career that just isn’t cutting it anymore. Susan has one of the most ferociously diverse resumes and tons of advice on how to help you make the switch.
“Build your story. This is about branding and marketing yourself in a way where people go, “Oh yeah, I totally could see you doing this thing.”
Mentor Moments
Susan hilariously echoed herself in claiming her membership in the “Old Mama’s Club”. A woman so accomplished as herself gives us hope that there is a balance for the goal-getter who is also a mother, wife and friend. Susan’s answer for how to keep things running smoothly was the breath of fresh air that mothers, soon-to-be mothers, and aspiring mothers need to hear.
“The first piece of advice I'm going to give you is to stop expecting that things are going to run smoothly. Children are very interesting and they are unpredictable and just when you think you have it under control, everything changes again.”
Mentor Moments
“I also just let go of some things. I was like, ‘Okay, well listen, if you want to sleep in some funky sheets for an extra week, then that's up to you.’”
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As you can probably tell, our time with Susan Chapman-Hughes was nothing short of candid, lighthearted, and informative. Stay tuned as Mentor Moments with other guest goal-getters will occur once a month and remember, you can totally sit with us!