We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Athena Roberson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Athena, 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?
In a world where comfort often breeds complacency, I embarked on a transformative journey, embracing adversity as a powerful catalyst for change. When I lost my stable job, I faced a pivotal choice: surrender to fear or rise to seize the hidden opportunities within this challenge. I chose the latter, a decision that would forever redefine my path.
The moment I received that news felt like a seismic shock. I had built my life around routine and security, and suddenly, everything was thrown into disarray. Rather than succumbing to despair, a flicker of determination ignited within me. Drawing on the discipline and resilience I had cultivated through my military and corporate experiences, I recognized that the skills I had developed—leadership, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—were invaluable assets in navigating this new landscape.
Determined to make the most of my circumstance, I saw this as an opportunity to explore my passions and invest in myself in ways I had never imagined. With unwavering support from my professional network, friends, mentors, and family, who believed in my potential, I crafted a strategic plan focused on self-investment and growth.
As I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I encountered numerous challenges. Each obstacle, though daunting, became a stepping stone rather than a setback. There were moments filled with doubt and fear, but I leaned into my past experiences, reminding myself of the strength I had built. I learned that resilience, adaptability, and a proactive mindset are essential tools for navigating life’s uncertainties.
Through my efforts, I transformed my life from one of dependence to one of empowerment. I discovered that sometimes, being pushed out of our comfort zones is necessary for greater growth and opportunity. My journey stands as a testament to the idea that life’s abrupt changes can lead to unexpected paths when we embrace our strengths and pursue our passions wholeheartedly.
Today, I not only identify as an entrepreneur but also as a beacon of hope for others facing adversity. I share my story to inspire those who may feel lost or overwhelmed when faced with an adverse situation.
Within every challenge lies the potential for greatness, and I urge everyone to reflect on their own lives, invest in their dreams, and cultivate the courage to rise above setbacks.
This journey is a rallying cry for anyone confronting obstacles. Remember, you possess the power to transform your challenges into opportunities. Your resilience can elevate you to extraordinary heights and serve as the catalyst for achieving greatness. Embrace the journey, for it holds the key to redefining your future.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the Owner of Peak Performance Talent LLC, a venture inspired by my personal journey of overcoming adversity. My mission is to empower individuals to unlock their potential and achieve their career goals.
What excites me most about my work is the transformative impact I can have on people’s lives. I am passionate about helping others navigate their journeys through tailored programs, including veteran transition support and educational workshops.
I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community that promotes personal and professional growth. My experiences have taught me the value of resilience, and I aim to inspire others to embrace their challenges and pursue their passions.
I look forward to connecting with individuals and organizations who share this vision of empowerment and excellence.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most important qualities are resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Resilience: This quality has been crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks. It’s important to embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth and to maintain a positive mindset in the face of adversity.
Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new circumstances and learn from experiences has allowed me to navigate transitions effectively. Being open to change and willing to pivot when necessary is key to personal and professional success.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing my own emotions, as well as empathizing with others, has strengthened my relationships and enhanced my leadership abilities. Developing this skill can help individuals connect better with others and create a supportive environment.
My advice for those on a similar journey is to actively cultivate these qualities. Engage in self-reflection, seek feedback, and embrace continuous learning. Building resilience, staying adaptable, and enhancing emotional intelligence can significantly impact your personal growth and professional development.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
A book that has significantly shaped my journey is The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin. This profound work resonates deeply with me, as it explores the idea that creativity is not just an artistic endeavor but a fundamental way of engaging with the world. Rubin encourages readers to embrace their unique perspectives and see challenges as invitations to innovate.
What excites me most about this book is its emphasis on the transformative power of creativity. It inspires me to approach obstacles not with fear, but with curiosity and the belief that every setback can lead to new possibilities. This mindset fuels my passion for empowering others to unlock their potential and navigate their own journeys with confidence and creativity.
Ultimately, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” has not only shaped my approach to my own challenges but also deepened my understanding of how creativity can drive personal and professional development. This perspective inspires me to encourage others to embrace their unique creative paths, recognizing that each individual has the potential to turn obstacles into stepping stones for success. By fostering a culture of creativity, we can all contribute to a more innovative and resilient community.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aroberson
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