We were lucky to catch up with Zion Richardson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Zion, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence and self-esteem stem from a deep understanding of who I am and a clear vision of how I want to present myself each day. I really believe in the power of clarity and momentum. Clarity in my self-identity provides a solid foundation, while momentum along my journey helps sustain my confidence. Introspection has been invaluable for me. By continuously asking why I do the things I do and how I want to show up, I’ve been able to refine my sense of purpose. Through these practices, I take intentional steps toward my aspirations every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At my core, I am a problem solver. This drive has led me to pursue a career in strategy consulting, where I constantly seek creative solutions to unique challenges in both my personal and professional life. Recently, I stepped away from my role at Accenture to pursue an MBA at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. I’m excited about this academic journey because it will equip me to contribute and lead at the highest levels, regardless of where my career takes me next.
Returning to school as a graduate student is particularly thrilling because it offers a chance to broaden my perspective, expand my network, and seize new opportunities in a condensed time frame. During my time in business school, I plan to explore entrepreneurship and develop a business dedicated to community improvement. Stay tuned for more information about this venture soon!
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?
Throughout my journey, the three most important qualities have been curiosity, resilience, and humility. Curiosity has allowed me to approach scenarios with a learning perspective and derive new insights at every step. Resilience has enabled me to pinpoint and overcome adverse situations. Humility is integral for anyone striving for success because it keeps us grounded. Without these three qualities, it would have been much harder for me to excel.
For those looking to cultivate these qualities, I’d suggest being intentional about the company you keep. If you want to be humble, surround yourself with others who embody that trait. Curiosity and resilience come from within. Having the right mindset when approaching problems will completely transform your experience. Practice developing these traits by checking your mindset before tackling any problem.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The book that has been most pivotal in my development is “101 Essays to Change the Way You Think.” This book is a rich compilation of ideas, philosophies, and life concepts, focusing on principles such as the Knowing-Doing Gap, hedonic adaptation, and introspection.
The “Knowing-Doing Gap” highlights why many people know what to do but struggle with execution. Often, people fail to do the right thing, even when they know better, due to a lack of motivation, resources, or activation energy. Understanding this concept has really helped me bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
The first chapter of the book delves into various subconscious behaviors that can prevent someone from achieving the life they desire. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors has had a huge impact on my personal growth.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “You should trace the lines of your thinking, find the genesis of your innermost beliefs, and make sure they;re really yours.” (p. 37). This perspective made it easier for me to define my values & ensure I’m living them out every day.
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