Can you have a belief in yourself, if it does not guide a response in yourself?

I was blessed yesterday as I was invited to visit with the Florida State University - College of Business Professional Development Speaker Series by Darren Brooks, Ph.D. . It is my goal this year for my company and I to "give back" through a number of channels which includes an affiliation with an academic institution. Of course, if you know me personally, you would have guessed that I would lean into Florida State University.

Florida State University (FSU) is an amazing university and has been recognized for its academic excellence and value. Here are some key academic achievements and rankings:

1.       National Ranking: In the U.S. News & World Report 2024 rankings, FSU is placed at No. 23 among national public universities. The university has consistently ranked in the top 20 in previous years and has been noted for its strong performance across various metrics (Florida State University News) (Florida State University News).

2.       Graduation and Retention Rates: FSU boasts a record high first-year retention rate of 96% and an all-time high four-year graduation rate of 75%. These rates are among the top 10 nationally when compared to the data used in U.S. News' methodology (Florida State University News).

3.       Value and Affordability: FSU is ranked No. 8 among public universities on the Best Value College list by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking highlights the university's commitment to providing high-quality education at an affordable price. FSU’s low tuition and efforts to minimize student debt make it a top choice for value (Florida State University News).

4.       Faculty: FSU's faculty is renowned for its excellence and contributions to various fields. The College of Business, for instance, has garnered significant recognition for its programs, thanks in large part to its distinguished faculty. The Dr. William T. Hold/The National Alliance Program in Risk Management and Insurance was ranked No. 1 among all schools nationwide, largely due to the faculty's expertise and dedication. Additionally, the Real Estate program earned a No. 5 ranking among public schools (Florida State University News).

Oh… and they are solid in athletics as well! I am just a little bit of a fan.

I met Dr. Brooks through several relationships and introductions which led to his warm invitation to share with his graduating MBA class. The goal of the presentation was less about my company and our efforts as a health tech startup and more about providing perspective and encouragement to the MBA class which is due to graduate in August. The dialogue centered on taking risks, learning from failure, and dealing with adversity. If you ever investigate my biography, you will notice that my professional journey did not follow a typical roadmap or progression. It is full of career and industry changes, risk and reward, as well as failure and learning moments and I still do not have it all figured out or know what I want to be when I grow up.

These young professionals have invested a wealth of money, time and energy in studying at a prestigious university, all to enter the professional “question mark” in a few months. We can all remember being there and the anxiety that it brought. My opening question the class was “What do you want to be when you grow up?” A few raised their hands and responded. My intuition is that some just didn’t want to speak at their first class of the day. I must believe that some students may not have an answer yet…and any of these responses is perfectly fine! My encouragement is you do not have to have it all figured out yet, but if you want to make God laugh, try to tell him what your plans are.

After the session, a group of inquisitive students approached me for follow-up discussion. I will refer to one of them as "Bob", and his inquiry really reset my clarity as to where the students are right now emotionally and realized that I may have glossed over a theme that is important to me and I believe to them as well.

 “Bob” inquired my thoughts on which opportunity to pursue as he presented a number of options ahead of him. My response was that I am not necessarily in a position to help you choose but know that “You are your product”. What I mean by that is that he should focus more on opportunities that will grow him personally and professionally. Seek a company, role or a leadership team that will challenge him and afford him to take risks, so he learns from them. “Bob” can be bigger than any job or industry. If “Bob” focuses on himself and his growth as a foundation to making his selection, he is better postured to translate it to another role, company, or industry he is better prepared to face. I know it sounds cliché but find something you are passionate about and grow in that setting. Money will come and go but you must always be growing. Character, leadership, motivation, resilience are all attributes which translate to any environment, and you will find that these opportunities will seek you out.

Lastly, for those students like “Bob” with a pending graduation and the associated anxiety that comes with this milestone, give yourself some grace. Pause in this moment, reflect on you, your deficits, strengths and your passions. Solicit guidance from faculty and others you trust and inquire their opinion on how you can be a better version of you. Think about how you will grow personally and professionally and audit how you need to challenge yourself to evolve into who you desire to be.  Then seek a professional home where you will be faced with those challenges and watch how you blossom. You are not defined by your role. You are your offering to the world. Continue to work on yourself to change YOUR value proposition to the world and watch it all come together. Dr. Brooks articulated this simply and perfectly at the beginning of yesterday’s class…” Believe in Yourself!”

Dependent belief requires dependent response and gratitude. Can you have a dependent belief in yourself if you do not dependently respond and challenge yourself, even at the risk of falling down here and there? Can you dependently respond if you are fearful of a mistake? Can you have gratitude and recognize the learning moment in the mistake for which you will grow?

For “Bob” and the rest of the graduating MBA class, you’re going to be fine. It was a genuine blessing for me to have the opportunity to talk to you. You inspire me. The world is blessed to have you in it. Seek opportunities to make it better wherever you may land. If you ever want to connect with me, my door will always be open to you (www.calendly.com/staffdx).

Go Noles!