“Make it Count”
This story is claimed
Log in to edit your story.
A few years ago, I was challenged to define my personal and professional 'oath'. Three words that represent my outlook on both personal life and business. What began as a simple phrase (which candidly, was not simple at all to define - there is SO much to unpack in an oath), gradually became the lens through which I make decisions, lead teams, and navigate life. This is my story of why I "Make it Count." Life has given me the privilege of playing many roles: executive, leader, mother, mentor, daughter, sister, and friend. Each role comes with responsibilities, opportunities, and choices. There are seasons when one role demands more than the others, and moments when balance not only feels impossible, but practically requires very real tradeoffs and the support of a massive system I'm fortunate to have. Over time, I've come to learn that meaning and impact is not about doing everything perfectly, despite my internal push to try. It's about being intentional about what matters most. "Make It Count" reminds me to be fully present wherever I am, and to be thoughtful and committed to the choices I make. To me, making it count means that I should... Make the tough decisions that leadership requires. Pursue excellence in my career. Show up for the people I love. Invest in experiences so I can appreciate life and explore the world. Have the hard conversations, take the risks worth taking, and extend grace when things don't go according to plan. My oath also shapes how I lead. Leadership is not measured by authority, titles, or the number of people who report to us. It is measured by the impact we have on others, the teams we build, the opportunities we create, the confidence we instill, and the problems we help solve. If my work helps someone grow, succeed, or see more potential in themselves than they did before, then it has counted. Most importantly, this oath reminds me that time is not guaranteed. The older I get, the less I believe life is measured by titles, achievements, or milestones alone. Those things matter, of course, as they reflect effort, growth, and contribution. But they are far from the whole story. One day, the people who know and love me won't remember the meetings I attended or the goals I achieved. They will remember whether I was present. Whether I listened. Whether I showed up when it mattered. Whether I loved deeply, led with integrity, and lived with purpose. That's what these three words mean to me. Not simply to be busier. Not simply to achieve more. But to be intentional about how I spend my time, how I treat people, and how I live this one life I've been given. To make it count.