Anthony Mictchell of Washington, DC on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Anthony Mictchell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Anthony, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
For me, time disappears when I’m immersed in deep, purpose-driven conversations with people who are genuinely committed to growth and change. It might be a client wrestling with a strategic challenge, a team brainstorming new possibilities, or a community leader sharing a vision for the future. In those moments, I’m reminded of the incredible potential that exists when people come together with open minds and open hearts. I lose myself in the exchange of ideas, the energy of collaboration, and the possibility of creating something bigger than ourselves. And paradoxically, that’s also how I find myself again—by being re-centered in why I chose this work in the first place. Those conversations recharge me, give me perspective, and remind me that leadership is about people first, strategy second.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the Founder & Managing Partner of Engage With Impact, a full-service professional development and strategy firm created with a simple but powerful vision: to help leaders and organizations not only achieve measurable results, but also create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of the people they touch. What sets us apart is our focus on cultivating authentic relationships while navigating the very real complexities that leaders face every day—whether in corporate boardrooms, mission-driven nonprofits, or individual career journeys. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of policy, partnerships, and people, and I saw a gap in how organizations were being supported in balancing their goals with their values. We fill that gap. At Engage With Impact, we’re currently working with clients across sectors to manage transitions, build stronger leadership pipelines, and unlock sustainable strategies that drive both business success and community growth. We believe our work matters because it’s not about winning in the short term; it’s about helping leaders leave a legacy that others can build upon.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe the quickest way bonds are broken is through a lack of trust, and often that happens when people feel invisible or undervalued. Miscommunication, unmet expectations, or a failure to follow through erode the very foundation of human connection. In organizations, this shows up as disengagement, turnover, or strained partnerships. But the good news is bonds can always be restored. It takes intentional effort—listening with empathy, practicing transparency, and consistently showing up with honesty. People don’t expect leaders to be flawless, but they do expect leaders to be real. Trust is rebuilt not through one grand gesture, but through small, repeated acts of care and accountability. When people feel seen and respected, even the deepest fractures can heal, often creating a stronger bond than before.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Experience has been my greatest teacher, because it forced me to confront the parts of myself that success never challenged. While success can be affirming and validating, it can also create a sense of invincibility that masks deeper lessons. Suffering, on the other hand, strips everything down to the essentials. It taught me humility—that real strength isn’t about powering through, but about knowing when to pause, when to lean on others, and when to completely reset. It taught me compassion—for myself and for others—because everyone carries burdens that aren’t always visible. And it taught me resilience, not in the sense of bouncing back quickly, but in building the capacity to move forward slowly, intentionally, and with purpose. Those are lessons success alone could never provide, and they have shaped not only how I lead but also how I live.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of very talented, intelligent people are confusing motion with progress. They’re working longer hours, filling their calendars, building elaborate strategies, and accumulating accomplishments—but often without pausing to ask: Does this activity actually create meaningful impact? In leadership especially, there’s a tendency to equate productivity with effectiveness. But the truth is, being busy doesn’t always mean you’re moving the needle in the right direction. I see this play out in organizations that measure success in short-term wins without considering long-term sustainability, or in leaders who prioritize optics over substance. Where many are getting it wrong is failing to step back and align their efforts with their deeper purpose. Slowing down, asking the hard questions, and being intentional about impact—that’s what turns intelligence into wisdom.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
One of the things I’ve come to understand on a deep level is the difference between power and influence. Power is positional—it comes with titles, roles, and authority. But influence is relational, and it extends far beyond formal structures. I’ve seen leaders with tremendous power fail to move people, and I’ve seen individuals with no official authority inspire entire movements. Influence is earned through trust, authenticity, and consistent engagement. It’s the quiet force that shapes culture, sparks innovation, and drives real change. Most people chase after power, believing it’s the key to leadership. But power is temporary, while influence endures. I’ve built my career on helping people understand and cultivate their influence, because that is where lasting leadership and legacy are found.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than