Domenick Macri, Sr., MBA, MST, AEP®’s Post

We often choose our priorities early in life influenced by what those around us focus on and pass along when we are young and impressionable. One of the first questions we are asked growing up is "What do you want to be/do when you grow up?"   We are asked a version of that question multiple times as we grow up. Many are even given an aptitude test that is supposed to tell us (based on our answers) what profession we would be best suited. If you go to college, one of the first questions you get is "what is your major?" That too defines you in that environment.   What profession we choose, and what we do are important, and one of the biggest decisions we make in life. In our society, it is one of the major defining factors of our lives. What child has not wanted to be a professional athlete, firefighter, or president? And what parent did not feel a tremendous swelling of pride if their child answered, "I want to be a doctor".   But it seems to me, maybe we should focus much more attention on asking "Who will you be when you grow up", or even "How will you be when you grow up? Who you will be should go beyond your profession and define your sense of self-worth based on the person you choose and continually strive to be. Who you will be should about core values and beliefs.   Who Will I Be:   Someone who truly strives to obey the golden rule. I will treat everyone with kindness, respect, and dignity.   Give 100% to all I do and be the best I can at whatever I do.   Live with honesty and integrity.   Prioritize whatever my roles are as daughter, brother, dad, mom, aunt, friend, leader, mentor.   Give back to the community in whatever ways I can at the different stages of my life.   Make a positive difference in as many lives as I can. I will give back more than I take.   Be a glass half full person who finds the best in myself and others. Surround myself with positive people and offer as much support as I can.   Strive to improve and do things better throughout my life.   Keep an open mind and heart.   Love, laugh and think at every opportunity.   Take responsibility for myself, my choices, and my actions.   Work hard so that I (and those important to me) can be proud to answer, "who I am" even more than "what I do".   At some point in almost every life, despite all of our early dreams and hopes, we come to the realization that we will not be the next Caitlin Clark, Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, J.K. Rowling, or John Grisham. But if we focus on "who/how we will be", it really won't matter as much because we have spent more time talking about core beliefs and values. And those are the important things that define us.   The next time you find yourself asking, "what do you want to be when you grow up?", change just those three letters, What becomes Who or How. And you just may find you open a lot more doors for that person because they realize that they can control Who or How, but not always What. Our world may be a better place.   Best, Rob

You can change HER life with 30 minutes per week, or at least put HER on the path of doing so. I came across this quote: "Every one of us can make a contribution. And quite often we are looking for the big things and forget that, wherever we are, we can make a contribution. Sometimes I tell myself, I may only be planting a tree here, but just imagine what's happening if there are billions of people out there doing something. Just imagine the power of what we can do." ― Wangari Maathai And it got me thinking: → The next #iwd is 52 weeks, with only 30 minutes/week I will have dedicated 26 hours to making a difference in a girl or a woman's life. → Imagine if 10, 100, 1000, 10 000, or a Billion people did the same; we could literally change the world ONE Girl/Woman at the time. 😮 → I know I am dreaming, but if YOU are like me, keep reading!! 30 minutes per week you can: ↳ As a CEO: 1. Organize a Day in my life as a CEO with a woman in your team. 2. Help her practice her speech for the upcoming fundraising. 3. Help her find a mentor or gain clarity on her career. → Use it as a way to gain a new perspective on your role, regain inspiration etc. Trust me, it is a win-win situation, approach it as a learning experience. ↳ As a Supervisor/Colleague: 1. Teach her everything you know about your job/position and how you got where you are now. 2. Help her build essential skills needed for her next step (online courses, materials you may have). → “To teach is to learn twice over.” – Joseph Joubert ↳ As a Family Member: Help her fail FORWARD. Encourage her to try things, be bold, even if what she wants is far from what you envision for her. Let her know you will be there regardless. → “Sometimes it only takes one person to believe in you to change your life forever. Sometimes it only takes one person not believing in you to destroy it.” ― Alice Feeney The only RULE: Never do it for HER → It will overwelm you, and you will quit. → She will learn less and become dependent on you. → Your role is to guide, challenge and listen to her. ------------------------------------------------------- Get in touch, I am Passionate about: → Systems to build #resilientpeople and #resilientbusiness → #womenentrepreneurs and #leadership → Technology: #cyberresilience, #iotsecurity #robotics in #healthcareinnovation, #agriculture, #publicinstutions and #smes

Hello LinkedIn folks, 😊 🧕 Here we are, navigating through the chapters of our lives, each page a step in our learning journey. Today, I'm taking a moment to share my reflections on juggling life as a mom to two beautiful children, while living miles away from home, diving deep into my PhD, and balancing a part-time job. A shout-out to all the amazing #women considering this path: take a deep breath, think it over, and then decide if the blend of living abroad with your children and chasing a PhD dream is for you. It's a journey that's as rewarding as it is challenging. Yes, every sacrifice along the way is worth it, but let's not gloss over the sheer exhaustion and the stack of responsibilities that come with it – from managing finances, to keeping up with household chores, attending school meetings, tackling health scares, to dealing with the stress that just seems to pile on. But here's the thing – I'm not saying this to scare you off. There's a big difference, trust me. If you're already on this rollercoaster, feeling the pressure, let me tell you, it's not the time to think about dropping out. This phase will pass. Lean on your friends for support, take that well-deserved day off, catch up on sleep, binge-watch your favorite series, take a quick trip somewhere nice, and come back stronger. As we weave through these experiences, we're not just surviving; we're thriving, learning to balance the scales of personal aspirations and familial duties. It's a testament to our strength, a badge of honor we wear with pride. So, to those in the thick of it, remember that each challenge is a lesson, each setback a chance to rise even stronger. Embrace the chaos, for within it lies the opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Let's champion each other, sharing our stories and solutions, for together, we are an unstoppable force. Through the highs and the lows, let's keep pushing forward, ever inspired, ever hopeful, and eternally resilient. #Empowerment #StrengthInUnity #ChallengeAccepted #ThriveNotJustSurvive #UnstoppableForce #PersonalGrowth #LifeJourney #Learning #Motherhood #PhDLife #LivingAbroad #Resilience #Support #SelfCare #Reflections 

Day 1 of 7 Rediscovering myself -seeking purpose, joy to realign Diving into period of transformation, I’m at the turning point in my journey of life ready to embark on a journey of deep self-discovery and growth. After years of chasing career milestones and following conventional path I’ve realized that true fulfillment comes from pausing, reflecting and reconnecting with what truly matters. Growing up as millennial, there was a strong belief among middle class families that education is golden ticket to financial success. I dedicated myself to my studies, coming from a non-commerce background became a Chartered Accountant and built a career that promised stability. I followed expected path achieving what was deemed necessary for success. Yet, as I juggled a demanding job and responsibilities of raising two kids, I began to see that there’s more to life than just climbing corporate ladder and 9-5 anymore. Challenge of balancing work, pandemic and family was eye-opening. Late nights, early mornings and endless to-do lists pushed me to my limits and forced me to reevaluate my priorities. It became clear that I needed work that truly resonated with my passions and values, not just a role that provided financial security. Motherhood has been my greatest teacher. It’s shown me the value of slowing down and cherishing life’s messy, imperfect moments. It’s highlighted the importance of self-care, gratitude and finding joy in everyday chaos. This experience has shifted my focus from merely seeking job to working on which is deeply meaningful and aligned with who I am. As I step into this new chapter, I’m redefining success. It’s no longer about a title or a paycheck but about finding joy, authenticity and true satisfaction in my work and life. I’m excited to explore new opportunities, embrace the journey with open arms. The best is yet to come and I'm ready for it. #transformation# #selfdiscovery# #findingfulfillment#

We Are Products of Our Past, But We Don’t Have To be Prisoners of It Today’s title may sound familiar. It’s taken from Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life. I’ve chosen it because it speaks to the importance of understanding how our past influences our behaviours, attitudes, and career choices. From an early age, our family, education, and social environment significantly impact our career paths. For instance, parents often influence our ambitions and expectations, subtly steering us towards specific professions, even though we may have no interest (or talent) in those areas. If you grew up in a household where education was highly valued, you might be inclined to pursue a career that demands rigorous academic qualifications. Conversely, socioeconomic constraints can limit our perceived opportunities, shaping our career choices. Our early experiences also mould our work behaviours and attitudes. I recall several years ago coaching an entrepreneur, Brian, who worked in the service industry and, by all external measures, was highly successful. However, despite his outward success, Brian was unhappy about how his long work hours impacted his family and health. The problem was that he couldn’t say ‘no’ to work. Every time he tried to reduce his hours, he failed. To figure this out, I asked Brian to write his life story. Only then did Brian begin to recognize how his past had influenced his attitude toward work. Brian grew up in a rural community where work was scarce. His father, the main breadwinner in the house, had a strong work ethic, but there just wasn’t enough work around to support a large family. So, he would never turn down work when it was offered. It didn’t take Brian long to figure out that he had developed that same attitude, even though work was abundant for Brian. He told me he recalled feeling a surge of pride when he would tell his father about his own long work hours—as if this was a badge of honour. But the reality was that his behaviour—influenced by his father’s attitude—was affecting his life. Here are some of the questions I asked Brian to answer when drafting his life story. It’s an exercise you might consider doing. Hopefully, you can see that while our past shapes us, it should not confine us. You have the power to shape your future, regardless of where you come from. Where were you born? Describe your upbringing. What were your parents like? What did they do? What beliefs did they hold? Describe what your siblings and sisters were like. Who were your best friends, and how did they influence you? What were your hobbies and interests? What subjects interested you in school? Who were your childhood heroes? Who are – or were – your models? Why did you select them? What are some highlights from your school years?  Why did you pursue your chosen courses of study in college or university? What experiences in life have been most gratifying for you? What experiences have been most difficult for you?

𝗜𝘀 𝗜𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲? After graduating with a master’s degree, I found myself completely lost. My major wasn’t something I truly liked, and the working environment was oppressive. Eventually, I quit my job and started creating content. Although I achieved some small milestones, I still couldn’t figure out what I genuinely wanted to do. My life felt aimless—there was no "main quest," not even "side quests" to keep me going. Each day was just about surviving, and I didn’t even know what I had accomplished by the end of it. I faced constant setbacks, lacked motivation for anything—even something as simple as eating. I was alive, but that was it. Compared to my peers, my work skills, social abilities, physical health, and mental state were all far behind. At first, I thought my struggles were because of my lack of ability or intelligence. But over time, I realized the truth:   𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. The first shift in my mindset came from hearing one simple sentence: 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. If you choose to spend an hour on entertainment, you’ll feel relaxed and carefree. But if you choose to spend that same hour learning, you’ll gain new knowledge or skills. And when you choose entertainment, you must accept that no skill was improved during that time. In the future, if an opportunity arises that requires a specific skill, you’ll need to face the fact that you won’t be considered—because you made the choice not to prepare for it. Every decision is yours to make, and only you can take responsibility for the outcome. Expecting someone else to step in and take responsibility for your choices is unrealistic. Even if someone helps you once, can they really carry the weight of your entire life? Deep down, I knew the answer was no. 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁. Taking control of my life isn’t easy, but it’s essential—and it all starts with recognizing the power of my own choices. #PersonalGrowth #LifeChoices #CareerChange #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfMotivation #Resilience #SelfResponsibility

ADMITTING TO YOURSELF AND GROWING FROM IT A while ago, I had to admit something difficult to myself: I was broke—not because I’m lazy, but because I didn’t achieve 50% of what I wanted to financially this year. It wasn’t easy, but acknowledging it was the first step in my growth. I’m not one to dwell on failure, but instead, I sit down, reassess, and plan my next move. When I share my story, I want you to see it as a lesson in overcoming negativity. I know how it feels to doubt yourself and wonder if you’re on the right path. But I also know this: admitting that things aren’t working isn’t failure; it’s evolution. There are moments when my thoughts start to overwhelm me—times when everything feels off. But I’ve learned that instead of staying in those dark moments, I shift my mindset. Whether it’s taking a bath, leaving the house, or chatting with someone who uplifts me, I’ve found ways to cope. This year, I also faced health challenges. I was diagnosed with low blood pressure, which has taught me the importance of taking care of myself—physically and mentally. Through it all, I’ve learned to embrace the lessons life throws at me, rather than letting them define me. One of my biggest struggles has always been providing for my family. It’s hard to concentrate on anything when you’re worried about whether there’s food on the table for your children. But this is exactly why I keep pushing forward—I can’t afford to give up, not when my children depend on me. I remember a defining moment when I came home one day and found my partner had left. It was a turning point. I had to become intentional about my life, for myself and my kids. It was tough, but I turned that pain into motivation to keep going and keep growing. Admitting that I needed help and that my current approach wasn’t working was part of my evolution. This is NOT FAILURE—it’s the process of recognizing when you need to change. So I adapted, I grew, and that led to the creation of The Impactful LIFE Academy (TILA). At TILA, we are a community focused on personal growth, professional development, and supporting one another. I’ve realized that my biggest asset is my voice. That’s why I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and shared it. I want to connect with people who are ready to grow, evolve, and make their lives better. If you’re ready to join this journey, come join our community at TILA. Remember: It’s okay to admit you need help, and it’s okay to evolve. Join us today, and let’s walk this path together. Want to join The Impactful LIFE Academy (TILA)? Subscription is pay-what-you-can-afford for one year. Pay via: TILA Human Resources Solutions Sterling Bank: 0099264913 Prefer Paystack? The link is in my bio. Once you’ve made your payment, confirm via WhatsApp at +2349133359641. I’m rooting for you—let’s grow together! TILA. We care. #florenceukamakaorjika #theimpactfullifeacademy #tila

Back then I thought that I would need at least another 10 lifetimes to re-create my life anew and  …   ·      To change who I was ·      To let go of a secure job and start a business ·      To figure things out during a life crisis ·      To enjoy my children without compromising time with them for crazy hour calls ·      Be calm and composed knowing there is always a way ·      To not get triggered and feeling I was never doing enough ·      To base my self-woth on other people’s evaluations ·      To learn new skills and start fresh ·      To get clients and do sales ·      To get back on my feet again ·      To have a career built on my passion ·      To enjoy my life   This is what I felt 8 years  ago when  I was seeing a therapist and everything went veeeeery s l o o o w l y. I was losing hope as I could not see any light at the end of the tunnel. Until one day, when I came across something that changed all of that forever. It allowed me to jump literally from one level unto another.   Making me understand: ·      You can change really fast any time when you look inside of you ·      Empty your cup first; you cannot pour tea in a cup that is already full ·      Ingurgitating information is simply that; it doesn’t mean you have changed ·      When things don’t work the way they used to, no point in going back. Because the sign says: there is no going back ·      Become friends with the unknown. This is how you will eventually know ·      Drop the perfectionist and the critic voices in your head; make peace with them otherwise they will slow you down ·      Be childlike all the time: experiment, fail, try something different ·      Enjoying every bit of it ·      Give yourself valuable feedback all the time that supports your growth ·      Learn to ask yourself questions that will lead you on your path ·      Become a great observer of yourself ·      Know that there is always a way and that you are supported in ways you cannot always understand or explain   Now I know there is always enough time and resources to get you anywhere you want. When you know what you want!   And as they say, never waste a good crisis because it comes with new understandings. New levels in your life and in your career. Because there is never a going back once you go all in.     That's why I now help leaders successfully transition through careers and life. To enjoy their journey fully. To look back one day and say: it was all worth it!   ♻️Share if you liked this and think others could benefit from it too. #nlp #leadership #change #lifecrisis #careertransition #refresh

It's true what they say: "What you are seeking is seeking you. Once the #weekends became highly anticipated, and #Monday mornings were filled with dread and reluctance. During working hours, I felt drained and demotivated. I felt disheartened and began working without #enthusiasm, creating discord around me and holding frustration in my heart. I constantly felt tired, exhausted, and attached to outcomes. Instead of being content, I was plagued by unfulfilled desires and a sense of emptiness And when I have found it,The weekends are not much awaited, Monday mornings are full of excitement and Joy, during working hours I feel extremely charged up. I feel enlightened and began working with #passion, creating #harmony around me and holding joy in my #heart. I no longer felt tired, exhausted, or attached to outcomes. Instead, I became content and free from unfulfilled desires. During my youth, when I wanted to choose commerce stream subjects, my parents felt I should go for Science to become a doctor.🎗️😇 I somehow completed my senior secondary education and, as a process, did my bachelor's in the same subjects. I then pursued a master's in #Genetics , as I couldn't get through the competitive exams for #MBBS. With a good #opportunity, my parents proposed a match, and I got married while completing my master's degree. My spouse's transferrable profession made a teaching job the best option for me, so I obtained a bachelor's degree in education. I worked in several schools but felt like I was struggling to project my innate strengths. Despite my #hardwork, I never received the #visibility or #acknowledgment I sought. This internal #battle to prove myself to the world lasted more than a decade and a half. Eventually, I realized I needed to find my #purpose to live my fullest life. It's true what they say: "What you are seeking is seeking you." And the right #mentor came to me who taught me how to #discover my purpose. Finding your purpose makes #life valuable and meaningful, transforming your entire aura. You stop #seeking visibility because your presence becomes #unignorable, like a shining star. If you are facing challenges similar to mine and are searching for #clarity and purpose in your life, I am here to help. Allow me to guide you towards #discovering your purpose, just as my mentor did for me. Together, we can unlock your potential and create a life filled with passion, harmony, and joy. Reach out to me, and let's embark on this journey to enlightenment together. #CareerGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #ProfessionalDevelopment #MentalHealthMatters

Update: Life After 6 Months Out of the Corporate World It's been 6 months since I stepped away from the corporate world to pursue a path focused on finding purpose while being the primary caregiver for our two young children. This journey has been both fun and challenging 🙂 Sometimes, being in the office feels like a breeze in comparison! Taking care of my kids before and after school is a privilege that many of us forgo to meet life's demands. I've spent more time with my children in the last six months than I have in their entire lives, for which I'm incredibly grateful. However, it’s also draining due to the constant attention and being mentally present for their development. It's a continuous learning and balancing act for all of us. Focusing on our family's long-term trajectory is essential and will be immensely more rewarding than short-term gains. "Long-term gain vs. short-term pain." Here are some key insights from my journey so far: 1. Better Understanding of Oneself (Values, Purposes, Missions): Core Values Identification: Reflecting on significant life experiences can help identify your core values. I've identified mine as self-actualization, connection, well-being, exploration, and purpose. These serve as my life compass. Purposes/Missions: Instead of asking, "What is my purpose?" I ask, "How would I like to present myself to a stranger in five years?" Then, it's about planning to achieve those goals. Simplicity is key. 2. The Value of Time & Money: Time passes even more quickly now, underscoring the importance of managing it well. In self-employment, you control your destiny, which requires mastering skills like time management, goal setting, powerful habits, a positive mindset, and determination. Learning to save and invest wisely is crucial. Ideally, you want your money working for you through balanced investments. Often, with increasing pay comes an increasing lifestyle, making you dependent on a paycheck. Exploring ways to generate passive income, like REITs or real estate, has been particularly interesting. 3. Being Curious, Putting Yourself Out There, and Building Your Network: This journey has taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone to grow and develop. Life is too short to hide. Reading about personal development, listening to podcasts, and more importantly connecting with inspiring people is motivating and elevating. Six months may seem long, but in the grand scheme, it's not. Some days, I envy the security of my previous life. Other days, I look forward with pride and excitement for the future. This process can be messy and mentally draining, but I truly believe we learn through hardship and by taking measured risks 🙂 Happy to hear about your own experiences!