Tough Resiliency, Smart Agility: CoAuthors Danielle Papillon-Richardson and Phillip Richardson

Hi

Danielle and Phillip Richardson here. We'd like to share our stories with you but first some background information. Danielle is a gifted Corporate Trainer and Consultant, with a successful career of twenty five years in all aspects of her vocation, working across North America. Following University, she began teaching and this is where she picks up her story:

"Danielle’s Survival Kit –

Jobs Ontario was established by the Ontario Government with the primary goal of upskilling individuals on social assistance, preparing them for current job opportunities. The ultimate measure of success was the successful employment of these students. I served as a liaison among the Ontario Government, Peel Board of Education, and Sheridan College, fulfilling the roles of Project Manager, Instructor, and Facilitator.

One of the projects I was assigned involved a 16-week program tailored for single women, the majority of whom were single mothers. As expected, the first day of the program was focused on the class’s orientation of my new students. At the end of the day, I asked about their initial impressions, and Ruth, the class leader, shared a surprising perspective:

"We had a fantastic day and are genuinely excited about this program. It holds the promise of improving our lives. None of us aspire to rely on welfare; we desire careers. However, there's an issue we'd like to address, which is our perception of a disconnect. We feel that you may not fully relate to our challenges, and we view this as a concern."

Ruth continued, "I'm speaking on behalf of the entire class. We believe we need someone who can empathize with our struggles. We notice that you maintain your beautiful long blonde hair, which is an expense none of us can afford. Your well-manicured nails and high-fashion clothing and shoes are luxuries beyond our means. We require someone relatable, someone who truly understands our hardships, and right now, we don't feel that connection with you."

Confidently, I responded, "I recently found myself in an unexpected situation as a single mother of three children, aged 7, 9, and 11. I have no family here in Ontario; I originally came from Quebec City, and my in-laws reside in Cornwall, Ontario. I receive no support whatsoever from my ex-husband, whether physical, emotional, or financial—I am completely on my own. However, I made a deliberate choice not to succumb to adversity. I work with what I have—my wardrobe dates back to before my 11-year-old was born, I do my own nails, and I'm a natural blonde. If you'd like, I can prove it! I want you to know that I can relate because I've faced many of the same challenges you are experiencing. The key difference is that I chose to pursue a better life for my children and myself. It all began with a positive mindset."

The 16-week program was undeniably an emotional roller coaster ride for all of us. I became their role model; they shared their challenges, and we experienced moments of both tears and laughter. For them, being on welfare presented its own significant challenges. I recognized that their need for work placements and the actual job placement came with financial hurdles. I took it upon myself to reach out to various government agencies to secure additional financial support and daycare placement.

At the end of the 16-week program, we achieved our objective! Fifteen of my students had secured jobs. The 16th lady held out for 30 more days to land a six-figure job. I was incredibly proud of them all!

At that time, I didn't realize that I was demonstrating Tough Resilience and using Smart Agility. As their leader and role model, they too became Resilient and Agile. I wish I had this book back then; perhaps it would have led to fewer shared tears."

- Danielle Papillon-Richardson