We were lucky to catch up with Sanserrae Frazier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sanserrae, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose was a challenge because it’s a personal journey. I found myself trying to define my purpose without owning my passion. So, first I identified my passion AND owned it. Throughout my childhood, my mom impressed upon us to give unselfishly…not expecting something in return. So, I began finding opportunities to engage with others and enjoyed participating in team activities…sports and clubs/groups in and outside of school as well as well community activities. I truly thought I’d have robust career in education. As I began my career in corporate, I loss site of my passion and began, honestly speaking “going to work” to work! BUT, even then God continue to provide snippets of opportunities to help others through creating training content material for graduate students, facilitating courses and mentoring and coaching others. It was then I realized my passion of giving and pouring into others. I began a path, in not this particular order of self-reflecting on what brings me fulfillment in life, passion exploration, identifying and owning my core values, seeking inspiration, setting goals, embracing challenges, listening to God’s voice and direction and most of all trying things even when it’s uncertain, willingness to evolve and adapt, and showing myself grace to fail! Daily self-reflection/self-mastery is my secret sauce to living out my purpose. Understanding that I’m imperfect and being transparent with those I come in connection with has given me opportunities to have authentic relationships. Helping others to identify their “non-negotiable” values and board of directors has been a game changer (for the record, I have two non-negotiables: trust and respect). Finally, realizing that my purpose is not dependent on others input.
Arriving has NOT been easy nor simple but being authentic has allowed me to turn my passion into my purpose. When I coach/support others, I encourage them…In all that you do, do it with excellence and do with purpose!
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?
SAIGE specializes in providing the support on your success journey…whatever that looks like to you. Through Stewardship, Accountability, Integrity, Growth and Excellence we are committed to our tailored approach with consultancy. Integrity is at the center of our service, meaning we establish a trust-filled relationship with the first interaction. Our support is unique because we co-construct your program based on where the objectives and desired outcomes. Our success is measured by the team’s involvement and leadership empowerment and ultimately the culture’s dynamic shift…even if it’s slight. All positive change is celebrated. On the converse, sometimes there are challenges within the process. We meet them head-on with you and pivot when necessary.
What excites us is when those ‘ah-ha’ movements takes place from front line to the executive level…in the corporate and small business space. We help leaders understand the importance of the sharing business strategies to improve team buy-in while also maintaining confidentiality on information not pertinent to others’ day to day activities. Our service model is unique because we include opinions, even when contrary to leaders, in discussion. Our philosophy is that most, if not all, opinions are welcome as long as they are presented respectfully. Our clients and customers have indicated that our approach is collaborative, strategic, compassionate, innovative and results-driven.
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?
Gratitude Acceptance
Perseverance
We each come into a situation during a “life moment”. We have a story. Practice gratitude by reflecting on what you’re grateful for…not just for material possessions. Appreciate and celebrate the smallest wins and learn from the setbacks–as these are part of your growth. Most importantly, show gratitude to your professional and personal team…they’re in this with you!
Cultivate acceptance by understanding that setbacks are really God’s setups and are part of everyday living…especially as an entrepreneur; if you’re not experiencing change, you’re not growing…change is constant; don’t flee from your mistakes, own them…they provide opportunities for growth and development…sharpening your craft.
Build perseverance. Easy said than done, right?! Set clear and attainable goals. Overnight success is a myth although mentioned often; identify your support system or BOD (board of directors)–folks who will cheer you but also provide solid counsel when you need it; have mentors, advisor, and like-minded individuals who offer guidance and motivation
Practice self-care…this one of those non-negotiables for longevity; entrepreneurship will wear on you physically, emotionally and spiritually; identify your signs before you’re depleted and respond quickly, find ways to effectively manage stress.
You can’t pour into other if your cup is empty…Find ways to “fill your cup”…perhaps massage, seat along a body of water (ocean, river, lake, pool), loose yourself in a book, volunteer etc.
Be a continuous learner. Learning happens in a plethora of methods…blend your learning style(s) with others. Commune with others entrepreneurs, listen to podcasts while driving, be curious and ask questions, attend workshops and seminars, try something different with learning; mentor and be mentored; NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. CELEBRATE you…even if it’s solo…find ways to celebrate to celebrate your achievements. Be adaptable and innovated. Meditate. Seek feedback!
Finally, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Developing your qualities takes time and effort but will serve you as valuable assets navigating the challenges and opportunities. You can’t go it alone. Find your village and lean in!
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?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Although a quick read, this book truly change my life and way of thinking. Be Impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best.
A very close friend suggested that I read this book because of an expectation of a career shift. Little did I know that my ground would shift into entrepreneurship soon after. At my core, I am a people pleaser…taking EVERYTHING personally because of my desire that everyone is pleased and happy. Although you could tell me “no” or “not available”, I constantly received no personally. Additionally, I often assumed that everyone had my (and others’) best interest in mind. As a small business owner (SBO), you will here no quite a bit. My take on no is “not now”…this allows me understand that no all are ready, or prepared for a conversation. You may go through 20 no’s to reach that 1 yes…Try again!
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Image Credits
Photo credit All black in front fountain square Terrance Marshall, Shanghai Images
