With President’s Day upon us, I thought this week’s blog should aptly focus on our most influential leaders of the past decade. I don’t know about you, but I find hope and strength when I realize how one individual can create an uprise that ultimately changes the way we see the world. These leaders are what motivates me to continue to pursue my own goals no matter what obstacles stand in my way. Let’s take a look at just some of the leaders who shaped the last decade and what changes they made in the process.
One of the most influential in my opinion, not only for her message but also because of the challenges she faced at such an early age is Malala Yousafzais. As a teenager in Pakistan under Taliban rule, she took a stand against the regime in support of women and education. She secretly communicated with BBC reporters about what was happening in Pakistan under Taliban control. Shot at the young age of 14, she continued her fight resulting in Pakistan passing equal education legislation. This courageous young girl communicated a message of HOPE to thousands and millions of women across the globe.
Elizabeth Smart, know to many of us as the girl who was kidnapped at age 14 by Brian David Mitchell and his wife and kept in captivity for 9 months. Broken, raped, and demoralized Elizabeth turned a personal tragedy into a creed for all survivors of sexual abuse that they have a choice in how they react to the atrocities done to them.
This decade has been so incredible in regards to the advancements made in mental health and mindset research and application. One woman that represents a true leader in breaking through our own limiting beliefs is Brene Brown. In my opinion, the best thing about her philosophies and studies and books is the ability it gives us to feel normal. That all the things we experience truly are universal.
Not trying to come across as gender-biased, let’s pay homage to Steve Jobs. Although followed by controversy, Steve Jobs led the technology industry by challenging the status quo. Steve pushed the limits by focusing on the customer and WHY they make their technology purchasing decisions. His legacy lives on in the way we interact with the world on a day to day basis. Talk about an influential and inspiring legacy.
Jeff Bezos turned the consumer buying industry on its head with the introduction of Amazon. Like Steve Jobs, Jeff approached his company with the customer in mind. His business model not only introduced a new way for consumers to buy, but also a new way for vendors to sell. He is consistently looking ahead which has definitely benefited consumers and vendors worldwide as we faced the impact of COVID-19.
These are just a few of the many influencers that I feel have made a significant impact worldwide. These are the individuals I look up to as I continue to challenge the way micro and small business owners enter the entrepreneurial landscape with MarketAtomy.
The most recent political fallout has challenged my idea of leadership. In fact, not just the recent election, but every election since Reagan. Leadership to me means putting the self-serving “Me Too” attitude that the political lines push. So even though this blog is focused on the President’s Day holiday, currently there is not a US Political leader I can pay homage to.
To close, I’d like to leave you with this statement. If you have a vision that is attracting a lot of naysayers and kickbacks, take a step back and examine where that negative feedback is coming from. If you’ve done the due diligence and still believe in your vision push through and don’t back down. You may end up as the next Jeff Bezos or Brene Brown.
MarketAtomy, LLC is a growth development-learning environment for small and medium business owners with one goal in mind…to empower them with the tools and knowledge needed to build their business on a rock-solid foundation. Through foresight and fortitude, entrepreneurial dreams become a reality. For more information, please visit marketatomy.com. Visit MarketAtomy.Academy to find out about the only Learning Management System developed for early-stage business growth.
