Flapjack Friday: On My Favorite Essential Persons

This week I am highlighting Donna Brighton: Author, Keynote Speaker, Leadership Coach, Culture Change Strategist and Friend. I first met Donna ten years ago over dinner at Nordstrom’s Cafe in downtown Chicago (I knew we were destined to be friends). She began advising me in the early days of my tenure as an Executive Director for Cru and what stood out to me then was her confidence and expertise as a Culture Change Strategist.

Donna has the unique ability to cut through the muck and bring focus, especially in the white-waters of organizational change. She has taught me to not simply resolve conflict, but to lead toward unity; to change the conversation from “me” to “we” and to value partnerships; to focus on building understanding; and, to create shared success that leads to even better outcomes.

Then, two years ago I was invited to participate in Cru’s Executive Coaching Cohort—a two-year commitment to being coached as a leader—how could I say no? When I was paired with Donna I knew her well enough to know that I was going to be challenged and held to account. Since that time, she has coached me through some of the most significant moments in my life as a leader.

Significantly, God has used Donna’s deep insight to propel me forward. She has pushed me outside of my box and challenged me to reframe how I see myself—to stretch my limits and reach beyond boundaries that I thought might be off-limits or impenetrable. She has also mentored me by regularly encouraging me toward a selfless yet confident posture, which has pushed me to a deeper place in my faith. She has helped me turn my fears and apprehension into opportunities to trust and to break-through barriers.

I consider Donna one of my favorite “essential persons” because God has provided her during this crazy time in our world and in my life. She has been a meaningful lifeline over the past year, which served to keep me focused. Currently, Donna is helping me as I craft my “Life Purpose Statement..” The exercise comes at the perfect time and is turning out to be a powerful one. I look forward to sharing it with you.

If you are interested in crafting a life-purpose statement (get ready for a wild-ride) Donna and the Rebel Leadership Community is hosting The 5 Day Purpose Challenge in March and it is completely free!

You can sign up here: http://bit.ly/BLGPurpose

According to Donna, here’s what you will get from participating:

·         A statement that serves as a compass to guide your life and ensure that you don’t get off course.

·         Clarity of direction so that you build a life by design and not by chance.

·         Confidence in the decisions you make about your career, life, future, and family.  

Your Life Purpose statement is the story of the impact you will make on the world. It creates perspective and serves as a light that shines through the darkness, illuminating your unique path. It provides a map that shows you how to reach the summit of your dreams.

Join Donna and Brighton Leadership here for the 5-day challenge to define YOUR powerful personal purpose.