We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marsha Stone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marsha below.
Hi Marsha , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from a culmination of life experiences, particularly my journey through addiction and recovery. Overcoming adversity, facing my demons head-on, and emerging stronger on the other side instilled a deep-seated resilience within me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Navigating spaces where I’m often the only one who looks like me, especially as a female CEO in the predominantly male behavioral health industry, has been a profound journey of resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Owning my identity in these settings has not only been about accepting who I am, but also embracing the unique perspectives and skills I bring to the table. This self-awareness and confidence have been crucial in amplifying my voice in rooms where it might otherwise be overlooked. My experience has shown me that it’s vital for women to recognize their potential to lead. Our personal and professional struggles can uniquely qualify us to handle certain challenges and lead with empathy and insight. For me, the most effective way to navigate my profession has been to steadfastly lean into my personal values and my understanding of business and relationships. These principles guide me in making decisions that align with my goals and the welfare of my organization.
Also, building and maintaining authentic connections has been key. In the early days, I wasn’t invited to many important discussions, but over the years, as I’ve proven my capability and integrity, more doors have opened. Building a supportive team has been essential. Once you find individuals who share your vision and commitment, it’s crucial to cultivate loyalty and teamwork. This not only helps in mitigating the loneliness that can come with being one of the few women in the room but also strengthens the collective efficacy of your leadership.
Overall, the journey to being effective and successful in such environments is long and sometimes lonely, but by staying true to my values, and forging strong, loyal relationships, I’ve been able to pave the way for myself and hopefully for other women in the industry.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I see how pivotal resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness have been in shaping both my personal and professional life. Growing up in a challenging environment and battling with personal issues like alcoholism tested my resilience, teaching me to view each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. As I transitioned into a leadership role and started my own business, adaptability became crucial; I had to embrace new challenges and constantly adjust to changing dynamics, which was essential for both my success and that of the business. Perhaps most importantly, self-awareness allowed me to recognize my struggles and seek help, setting me on the path to recovery and enabling me to help others.
For those starting their journeys, I’d encourage you to build resilience by facing challenges head-on, enhancing adaptability by welcoming change, and fostering self-awareness through deep introspection and open feedback from those around you. These qualities have been the cornerstone of my success, and have helped me navigate the complexities of life with confidence and grace.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has profoundly influenced my personal growth, because it reminded me of the importance of staying true to my own dreams and passions, even when faced with obstacles or self-doubt. The book is all about chasing your “personal legend,” and the importance of following our own unique paths with bravery and persistence. It teaches the value of listening to your heart, which guides you more deeply to your inner desires and the spiritual language of the universe. Staying open to the interconnected mysteries life offers, the timeless wisdom of the book keeps inspiring me to chase my dreams with steadfast determination and to have faith in the path of self-discovery and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marshastone.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marsha.stone_atx/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshastoneatx/
Image Credits
Zilker Media, Foundation Stone Family of Programs
