Leap Academy with Ilana Golan - Client Spotlight: Her 14 Year Old Said...

Episode Date: August 15, 2023

Warning: you may shed a tear!Listen to Glenda who ticked many of the boxes of success in an organization but she needed more.What could that look like?Whats even on the "menu"?Listen to this inspiring story and how this is already impacting her family within a few short months!Ready to take the first step to fast-tracking your career? Get access to my free training here: https://training.leapacademy.com/registerIf you want help today creating a different tomorrow book a free career strategy call with us:https://www.ilanagolan.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

I have a 14-year-old daughter. Things that came easy to me at that point in my, you know, when I was growing up and I was learning, it hasn't been easy for her. And now, come full circle, it'll get me emotional. But she goes, Mom, you're doing hard things. Oh my God. Welcome, welcome, welcome to The Leap Show. I'm Ilana Golan, CEO of Leap Academy. It helps driven professionals leap their careers, take them to the next level. And in The Leap Show, we're actually focusing on bringing serious experts that are around the globe that really share their inspiring stories to really understand, you know, with concrete tips and really inspiring stories, how they took themselves to a whole different level. And today I have an incredible story

with Glenda here, who is already an amazing executive, done a lot of different roles. I think you tick all the boxes, right? And you just wanted more. And I want to share your story, Glenda. Welcome. Thank you, Alana. It's a pleasure to be here. Thank you. So good. So again, you kind of ticked all the boxes possible in an organization almost, right? So tell me a little more. Absolutely. So I have been with the organization I'm with for 26 years, which is like a long time in today's world. But I have held 10 different roles, three different business lines, two countries, a lot of different experiences and really have had a lot of success. But I came to a point here in the last few years where we've had multiple

acquisitions, multiple restructures in a very short period of time. And my trajectory for what I thought was next was not quite what I thought. And I found myself, quite frankly, stuck on, well, what is really next? How can I contribute at the level I want to contribute? How can I become who I want to become? And so I was going through this process and I was saying to my husband, I just need to find something that's intentional. And it's been so long since I've looked that I needed to find something that walked me through a process. And it was almost like my devices were listening to me because up popped this little opportunity for the Leap Academy and to explore, like, are you feeling stuck? And I was like, yep. And so I listened to, I listened to you

talk to me about what could be possible, what kind of impact could I have? And I needed to learn more. And so I signed up for the interview. And what was interesting as I walked into that interview, I was like, I wonder what this is really all about. I am going to make sure that whoever I speak with, I'm interviewing them. I'm going to make sure that I understand. And so I went into it with this mindset. And what was really interesting is halfway through the interview, I realized they were interviewing me just as hard and that I needed to qualify. And so I was like, oh, and then it made me want it even more because I realized it wasn't just something that was for everybody. And so that was, that was really, and then I, then I took that first leap into the program and it was, um, what was really fun was just, I haven't filled my own cup in a long time.

I hadn't taken the time to surround myself with different perspectives, with people who had some of the same challenges, but from very different industries, very different walks of life. And it was, and it has been at that time was life changing. How my husband saw me after the first few weeks was, he just like, gosh, you have an energy. You are like, he could see me focusing just more intently. So when I think about my first step into the foundations course, part of what really made such an impact was it gave me the process I was looking for. It step by step, and it kept expanding my thinking. And I was resistant to some of the, like, I felt like I should know. And that was not the case at all. I didn't know, and I had to lean in to the lessons a couple of

times. There were a few that I had to retake because I still remember seeing one of the leapers in one of the conversations and the clarity he had with what was going to happen next and how he was going to do things, and at that point, I was probably in week three, and I was like, I want that. What did he do differently than what I was doing? And that's part of what he said to me, too, was you have to lean in and not think you know. And that really was what unlocked it, where I listened differently and didn't assume that I already had a path, that I already knew what my next step was. I had to let go of knowing. And I love that. Oh my God, Glenda, it means so much to me. And the beautiful thing is that you, by definition, you're incredible driven.

You don't want to settle. You're that type of leader. And, and the beautiful thing is that's who we want to surround yourself. But the beautiful thing is also by definition, if you're driven, suddenly you're going to be, you know, out of your comfort zone because you've been in comfort zone. You are successful. You've been incredible, right? So now it's like, but what else is available? What's even on the menu? That, so that was, that was really a big part of my journey was, I really believe that the next step was an executive, a bigger, broader executive role. Right. Um, and that was where I really, I was like the traditional path. That's the next step. Um, but I had to go back and lean in again because I was making little starts, little stops, little starts, little stops. Because what I really have discovered as I went into beyond the foundations course and joined the Millionaires Club, because I needed to exercise that muscle a little bit more.

And what was just so wonderful as I took that next leap into those conversations into those conversations was, um, it wasn't a traditional path for me. And so now I'm, I'm on a non-traditional path and building what a speaking business would be, what, um, consulting, advising, building all of those things and starting that path. Incredible, incredible. And the beautiful thing, Glenda, and I love to hear that transformation from you because one of the biggest thing is that we have these blinders on because that's how we lived. And as a driven high achiever, you always assumed you know what the next path is because we're very intentional in general. But then suddenly just the different possibilities,

everything changed, but nobody tells you how to play at the different level. And I love that you just jumped all in because the beautiful thing is, yes, you have a gift. Like you can help incredible companies. You love teams. You've done incredible things for your teams, you know? So like, there's no reason not to. So the only question is how far do I want to go and where do I want to go? That's exactly where I'm at right now is asking those questions and realizing, um, that I wasn't thinking big enough. And I have tackled some major,

major projects, major problems, um, helped or helped our organization solve a lot of different things. But what was really, I guess that one step for me was really understanding that what do I want to become? And I haven't asked myself that in a long time, because there comes a certain point in your career and in your experience when you've done so many different things that you stop asking all those questions that you asked when you were younger because you were just a clean slate right with not all of the experiences. And I had to take myself back there. Through kind of that journey of and I actually retook some of the courses again to make sure of like, how do I find my zone of genius again? Like, let's re solidify. What are my must haves? Why do I need? What do I need to fulfill? Not why, what do I need to fulfill

inside myself? And I'm a very purpose driven person. So I'm here for a purpose. And if I don't contribute at that level, I will live with regret. And I've never wanted to live with regret. That has been a big part of, I think, the achievements I've had is I didn't want to look back and say, I wish I would have. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. And regret is such a big thing because that's the only thing that you can't change, right? It's like you can change it now. You can't change it in 10, 20 years, right? You don't want to get there. And the beautiful thing was you, Glenda, again, is that intention because it is a muscle. And we, you know, we touched, you know, a little bit of

patience. We're going to talk a little bit about it, right? It's like, we driven people never have patience. We always, by definition, we want everything done tomorrow. And if it can be yesterday, even better. Right. But some of these things are big changes. Like they need to build a different muscle of leadership, a different muscle of entrepreneurship, of different muscle of charging your value of what you can, like, it's of different muscle, of charging your value, of what you can, like, it's a different muscle altogether. What made you decide to lean in to say, you know what? And again, we're very selective as Millionaire's Club. So as much as we're selective as Leave, we're even more selective because not everybody needs it and not everybody's relevant. But, you know, we kind of, you know, we talked to you because we saw that there's a

huge, huge, huge potential. And we saw that if you are stopping right now, you are at the compromise mode. And if you're going to continue, oh my God, how much more is available, right? So that's kind of, but tell me what went through your head. Why did you decide that you're saying I'm going to lean in and to create a different tomorrow what was it there were three things the first was we've talked about that intentionality and when you're part of this group the intentional steps and the encouragement that you get. And it would have been so easy for me to say, oh, I learned what I needed to know and I'm moving on, but I felt like I was missing something. And one of those other pieces was um quite frankly the conversation you had where you just you pointed out a few things that you said um reflected my journey reflected a little bit of

your journey and some of the struggles that you had as you were developing and kind of building that next leap. And that really mattered to me. Knowing that I was leaning in to someone who's already been there, done it. And I look at where you're at now and I'm like, wait a minute. I want to be a part of that because who you surround yourself. Really like can, can be a springboard or you could be down. Right. So part of it was that springboard.

I had a good friend who I had shared that I was considering this. And for the third reason was I knew I wanted to do more, become more. And she said, oh, Glenda, you will. But if you don't take this step, it's going to be slower. And it's going to be slower. And it's going to be harder. And you're only, and she put it, she said, and you're only penalizing yourself and all the people that you have the power to impact. And I sat there and I went, you see that in me? And she was like, why do you think they invited you? And that was that moment where I realized I, if I would always regret if I didn't.

That is so, so, so strong. So touching Glenda. Absolutely incredible. And I want to thank you for it because that's not easy. You know, there's a saying that says, you know, the people that continue when most people stop, they're the ones that will live the life that most people will only dream of. And it is such a strong but true sentence, right? Because most people will always, by definition, quit or settle, right? And that's why it's hard. We try to handpick the people that can go a lot more. It's not easy. But when you see it in someone, it's really about advocating and saying, you know what, this is not your time to stop. Right. And I just love it. But tell me again, this journey is not, you know, kind of taking yourself, you know, and, you know, creating more for yourself, etc. It's a hard journey. There's a lot of doubt and fear and no matter how great you are, it's going to be part of that journey. Right. So how are you

coping with that? Well, I leverage Sue's mindset sessions frequently. And,, there's a few things that I have started to do daily. One is I have a little conversation with myself every morning about what the day will bring for me. And I put it in a very positive framework of what are the steps I'm going to take? And I visualize it. That visualization is something that somewhere along the line, I stopped doing. And it wasn't until I kind of took this leap into the program and walking through those mindset exercises that I've reengaged that visualization and things start to become more clear when you start seeing it as if it happens because your brain already believes it. So I do a lot of visualization. The other thing that I do is I'm very cognizant of my language. Both what I actually say out loud and catching myself and being intentional about listening to what is the language I'm using when I'm looking at an opportunity

or I'm starting to work on a segment of building my business. The language I use really shapes the progress I make at that point in time. It's so strong and, you know, not a lot of people know it. And the interesting thing is as, you know, and I talk a lot about it, right? Like as somebody who was in corporate and Air Force, and I didn't believe in mindset. Like I didn't believe in language. I just said, you know, this is all BS. But the truth is, that's what made my journey so much harder. Right. And, you know, I'm a huge believer in visualization, huge believer in setting those intentions, because if everything is vague, guess what, If you don't know where you're heading, you're not going to get there. Hello. So I just love that you shared that.

Maybe share a little bit, like what would be one thing that if somebody told you a few months ago, a year ago, 10 years, whatever, like what would be one tip that you wish, a piece of information that somebody would have shared with you? The one thing that has made the biggest difference for me in this whole program is the action.

So when the first time I heard you say it, where it's not about perfect. Done is better than perfect. And it's about taking those actions, those imperfect steps. If I could have really embraced getting away from that perfection. And if someone would have shared that with me a long time ago, I think I would be in a different spot today. I'd be living the life that I'm currently building, but I would have been living it sooner. I love it. I love it. And it's true. I think that also made a big shift on a lot of people that I see. So I appreciate it. And maybe another question for you, Glenda, because I'm just curious about it. Is there a story or something that usually people don't know about you that you think made you who you are today? And I know I'm tricking you because I didn't prepare you for this question, but I'm curious because you're super driven. You have the biggest heart,

you know, you shine such a great light on everybody around you. Like, I'd love to know if there's something that you feel like shaped you to who you are right now. So there's two things. One, when I was growing up, my parents were very intentional about that we would be making our own decisions. So, of course, when you're younger, it's the, hi, do you want to vacuum or do you want to dust? Like they gave you the options like you couldn't go wrong. Right. Here's the two good options. You get to pick one. And then I will never forget, I left for college. And I had a major, major decision. And it was a big deal. And so what do you do? You call home, right? And my dad was on one line, my mom was on the other line. And I explained the situation and I said, what should I do? And I will never forget my dad said, well, that's not my decision. And I was like, what? What do you mean?

And my mom chimes in. We raised you to make decisions. And dad said, we don't have to live with the consequences. You do. And that was one of those defining moments that I knew that every decision that I made from that point forward mattered. That if I made a decision that wasn't like, oh, that's going, I needed to course correct. But once again, I was accountable and responsible for making that decision and course correcting. Only me. I'm the only one at that point that needs to deal with the consequences. So that was a life-changing moment. Now,

fast forward, and I have a 14-year-old daughter. She happens to have was diagnosed in the fourth grade with dyslexia and dysgraphia. So she has a learning disability. Nothing has been easy for her and it would be real easy to blame the disability. But that's not how we ever talked or how I talked about it with her. It was, you learn differently. You know, it wasn't about smart, not smart at all. It was, you learn differently. You see things differently. You have to approach things differently. And the conversation we have often is we do hard things. I love that. And so that has been things that came easy to me at that point in my, you know, when I was growing up and I was learning. It hasn't been easy for her. And now come full circle, it'll get me emotional. But she goes, Mom, you're doing hard things. And so it made me realize that all of those lessons

that I was teaching her about, you do hard things and you achieve more, you become more. That's what she's watching me right now. Doing hard things so I can become more and do more for our family. And look at that role model that you're becoming. That's incredible. Oh, that's such a beautiful story. And by the way, Richard Branson is known for people, you know, from saying that, you know, a dyslexic mind is, is you, like you said, you learn things differently, but you also can do things differently. Right. So what, you know, the stars and the limits, the sky's the limit, literally, if you think about it with him so hey who knows that's amazing

glenda thank you so such an inspiring story um man i love you um i feel the same you're amazing so maybe last famous words like you know you know, if you just, you know, for people who are seeing this, some of them are leapers, some of them are not. Like, what would you say? I would say you're going to feel the fear. You are going to feel the doubts. You're going to ask the questions. Do it anyway. It's because I just took the action. And so many more doors are opening. And it didn't mean that I didn't have fears, that I didn't have doubts, that I was, you know, that you don't have, you don't question yourself or what you're doing. Do it anyway and lean in because it's one of those actions that momentum can't be stopped. But it only starts with action. And then the momentum builds.

And it's going to be a ride that you don't want to miss. That's what I would say. I agree, Glenda, because we have one life to live. Why live in compromise? Let's create an incredible life, not an okay life. Okay, life is fun, but can we create an incredible life? And you're creating an incredible life where your daughter sees this incredible mom chasing her dreams. Like how inspiring is that? And it keeps me going every

single day. Oh my God. That will keep me going every single day because I'm surrounded by people, incredible humans like you guys that again, for me, it's the ripple effect that you guys are going to create. Right. Because what you are going to create in the world, you know, whether it's through better teams or better companies or, you know, whatever. And inspiring people. For me, I feel that that's a tiny, tiny, tiny, small piece of it. And we're making the world a better place. So that is inspiring to me. Thank you, Alana. Thank you. I appreciate you so much. You are incredible. You're such a role model. Thank you for coming. You're amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Thank you.