Being Intentionally CourageousI was born in Jamaica—the land of vibrant colors, reggae rhythms, and warm smiles. The sun’s golden embrace imprinted courage onto my soul, preparing me for the challenges ahead. This Jamaican heritage gifted imbued me with resilience—the ability to sway with life’s storms while remaining firmly rooted.
Growing Up in Roosevelt, New York: Navigating Stormy Seas Roosevelt, New York—a place where dreams collide with reality. A home know for challenges but also with celebrity. Childhood memories echo through its streets—the laughter of friends, the scent of freshly cut grass, and the promise of tomorrow. Yet, your path was not without obstacles. Fatherhood and Husbandry Love in Action Fatherhood—a sacred role that transcends mere biology. I embraced it with open arms, weaving love into the fabric of your son’s life. Your laughter echoed in play, I hoped wisdom whispered in his dreams. As a husband, you danced through life’s seasons with your partner—a symphony of shared joys, whispered secrets, and steadfast commitment. Love still flows like a river, carving deep channels of connection. Multiple Sclerosis: A Fierce Adversary MS—the silent intruder that tiptoed into your life. Its symptoms—numbness, fatigue, uncertainty—threatened to unravel my finely woven tapestry. I refused to surrender. Instead, I muster courage as my sword, battling fatigue with determination, numbness with resilience. Each day became a canvas for bravery—a testament to your unwavering spirit. The Emotional Appeal: When Fear Beckons Fear—an unwelcome companion that knocks on our hearts. It whispers doubt, paints shadows on our dreams, and paralyzes action. But I with danced with it everyday. When anxiety knocks, remember this: Fear is a call to action. It beckons us to rise, to defy the odds, and to embrace life’s uncertainties. Tools of Intentionality: Notion and Todoist In the labyrinth of life, tools guide our steps. Notion—a digital sanctuary where ideas bloom, tasks align, and dreams take shape. I wield it like a sorcerer, organizing chaos into clarity. Todoist—a faithful companion that whispers reminders, nudging me toward purposeful living. Together, they orchestrate your days, ensuring intentional moments with family and community. Conclusion: The Courageous Symphony Life is a symphony composed of courage, love, and intentional living. As the conductor, we all wield a baton, directing each note with grace. So, my friends, let fear be our crescendo, urging you to leap into the unknown. For within its embrace lies the magic—the magic of courage, the magic of life. Remember: Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the audacity to dance despite it. In 2019, I had a chance to be interviewed by the Kettering Executive Network. This organization has had such a profound impact on my life. I recently unearthed the interview. I'm so thankful for this organization and how it helps us all "Pay it Forward".
https://ketteringsuccess.org/ Kettering: Winston, your personal and professional life is so fascinating. Tell us in your own words who Winston Wilson is? WW: I have become focused on service to others as my guiding leadership principle. My career has told me that having positive “in the black” relationships has helped me navigate roles, transitions, and business opportunities. I get genuine energy by helping others find their path. This has led me to a variety of moments focused on a wide spectrum of organizations. Kettering: What is one of the most memorable events that changed you as a person? WW: When I was in my first transition (yes), I thought about how I could take all that I have learned to step outside of my lane and learn about myself. I wrote, directed, and produced a stage play (twice) that I had been cultivating for many years. It was memorable because of what it meant to all the individuals involved. I felt so fulfilled to help actors, assistants, tech, patrons to all be involved in the production and experience. Many of them have gone onto amazing opportunities. Kettering: You speak about leadership and intelligence; can you name a leader who inspired your perspective on leadership? WW: Her name was Kim Fitzsimmons. She was the first leader that I worked with that authentically thought about relationships with coworkers that have as much value as EBITDA or earnings per share. At the time her organization was close to one thousand colleagues and she accomplished this with aplomb. Kettering: As a non-profit leader, what are you most proud of? WW: I was asked to take over a twenty-year-old organization with an amazing entrenchment in the Atlanta Community. We changed our outlook on fundraising and executed on multiple signature events over a couple of years. Those resources helped us execute on our mission to help over a hundred young people each year through our program. Kettering: What inspired you to join Kettering? WW: When I was introduced to Kettering through being invited as a guest, I felt true kinship and alignment. I am a big believer in the power of a shared experience. That shared experience (e.g. leadership, transition) is one of the things that I love about being a member. Kettering: Winston, what does ‘paying it forward’ mean to you? WW: Giving first with a understanding that we may have to give more. I believe that the energy and currency we generate by giving to anyone that needs help in career or life, is what truly makes us wealthy. Kettering: ...and one final question, what advice would you give to new Kettering members? WW: Slow down and ensure your connections are reinforced. Don’t ask someone “What do you do?” Ask them questions to help you learn about them. Examples are “Tell me about yourself?” or “What is exciting to you these days”. Our relationships at Kettering are part of our personal “wealth”. ********* Winston, it was such a joy to get to know you personally. Thank you for your time and this genuine chat. We’re so appreciative that you’re a part of our volunteer-driven community. Thanks for being so supportive of Kettering and continuing to share your knowledge and inspiration with our members, partners and the community at large. Cheers! |
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