We were lucky to catch up with Martha Underwood recently and have shared our conversation below.
Martha, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my Dad. We are from Haiti and my Dad left Haiti and went to Cuba in the 60s to escape the poverty and political oppression in Haiti. After a short stint in Cuba, he found his way to the Bahamas where he set up shop with my Mom and older siblings. He learned the printing business and then went on to open his own tailor shop. He would design and sew dresses and suits for the British dignitaries that would visit the island. In 1976, he would have to flee and find a new country again, since the Bahamian government began making life difficult for Haitians, citing we were talking jobs from Bahamians when in fact my Dad was creating jobs. He packed up my mom and my older siblings and moved to Miami where I grew up and watched him rebuild our lives in a new city that was searching for it’s identity as we were. Despite the challenges with having to learn a new culture, language, deal with racism and to raise 5 kids (then 7) he never complained. He always found the silver lining, he always created a way. He instilled in us a discipline and a drive that we can accomplish and do anything and to always find the lesson in a situation or hardship we may find ourself in. I get my resilience and drive from watching him fall down 10 times and getting up 11. Nothing was never impossible it was always necessary if you kept yourself open to figuring out how to navigate whatever stood in front of you. This is how I approach most everything in life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the CEO of Prismm, I’m proud to lead a team that’s deeply committed to making end-of-life planning not just easier, but more meaningful for everyone involved. At Prismm, we understand that dealing with financial assets and important documents can often be overwhelming, especially during life’s more challenging phases. Our goal is to provide a solution that’s not only efficient but also respectful and empathetic to the needs of individuals and families during these times.
What’s truly exciting about Prismm is how we blend technology with the human touch. We’re not just a digital vault; we’re a platform that brings peace of mind. Our clients have full ownership and control over their vaults, ensuring their privacy and autonomy are always respected. This personal aspect of our service, where clients can safely manage and store their crucial documents and assets, is what I believe sets us apart. Also, as women, we are often left with the duties of caregiving and it’s my mission to help take some of the stress off of us by making it easier to organize our lives and the ones we care for.
And now, we’re about to take another leap forward. We are in the final stages of introducing an AI feature that will revolutionize how our clients catalog their assets. This tool is designed to identify what’s valuable quickly, making the process of organizing and securing assets faster and more intuitive. Imagine a system that not only keeps your assets safe but also helps you understand and organize them with ease – that’s the future we’re building at Prismm.
I want our users to know that at Prismm, we’re constantly striving to enhance our platform, always with your needs and feedback at the heart of our innovations. We’re more than a service; we’re a partner in safeguarding your legacy and ensuring that your end-of-life planning is as dignified and respectful as your life’s journey deserves.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my career journey, I can identify three pivotal elements that significantly contributed to my growth and success: embracing risk-taking, cultivating self-belief, and being a relentless seeker of knowledge.
Embracing Risk-Taking: Daring to step out of my comfort zone and take calculated risks has been a game-changer. It’s about making bold decisions, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. For those at the start of their careers, I recommend not being afraid to take chances. Whether it’s pursuing an unconventional job opportunity or presenting a novel idea, these risks often lead to the greatest rewards and learning experiences.
Cultivating Self-Belief: Betting on myself was crucial. This meant having confidence in my capabilities and decisions, even when others were doubtful. Building this self-belief involves affirming your strengths and constantly reminding yourself of your achievements. For newcomers in the corporate world, develop trust in your abilities. Set personal benchmarks, achieve them, and let these successes build your confidence.
Being a Seeker of Knowledge: The thirst for continuous learning has been instrumental in keeping me ahead in the ever-evolving corporate landscape. It’s not just about formal education but also about learning from experiences, mentors, peers, and even competitors. I advise those in the early stages of their career to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. Be curious, ask questions, and seek out new experiences and perspectives.
To those embarking on their career paths, my advice is to intertwine these elements into your professional ethos. Take risks and back yourself in those decisions. Nurture a deep belief in your potential while remaining a humble student of life and your profession. Remember, each risk you take and each new piece of knowledge you acquire isn’t just a step forward in your career; it’s a building block in the edifice of your personal and professional growth. Embrace these experiences with open arms and a willing heart.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Reflecting on the invaluable influence of my parents in my journey, what stands out the most is their encouragement to embrace all facets of my creativity and talent. They instilled in me the belief that there is no predefined ‘box’ that confines one’s abilities or interests. This philosophy of limitless exploration allowed me to not only excel as a software executive but also to flourish in diverse fields like writing children’s books and drawing.
Their support was key in helping me realize that my capabilities were not bound to a single path. I learned to appreciate and develop my varied interests, which has been a profound gift. This approach of not limiting myself and actively exploring all my talents has been instrumental in shaping a multifaceted career that is as fulfilling as it is diverse. My parents’ wisdom in encouraging me to take up space and experiment fearlessly has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: getprismm.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/getprismm
- Facebook: facebook.com/getprismm
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marthaunderwood
Image Credits
Mayor Randall Woodfin, Martha Underwood CEO of Prismm, Award winning Actor Dr. Malik Yoba Feature of Martha Underwood CEO of Prismm in Business Alabama Martha Underwood CEO of Prismm, Elaine Chao Former US Secretary of Labor, Shella Sylla COO of Prismm All the rest of the images are of Martha Underwood CEO of Prismm
