It is so hard to believe that I am celebrating five years as CEO of AME this week! I have said many times that I am grateful and humbled to be in this position, working alongside the most amazing group of leaders and subject matter experts. There are times I feel as if I am walking into my textbooks as I meet world-class authors and people I’ve studied throughout my career. This 5-year journey has been such a learning opportunity, and I am filled with gratitude to all of you for trusting me to serve you.
I was asked to name five lessons learned during my five years as AME CEO. I have learned so much from all of you, and it is difficult to narrow this down to only a few.
The first lesson that stands out is to embrace change eagerly and enthusiastically. These past five years have taught us that adapting to change is not optional. We face each challenge with a plan and pivot as necessary. We learn to be curious and open to all opportunities and changes, even if it doesn’t align with our initial plans.
Lesson two is that we must always celebrate the wins. We have faced the most significant changes in the last five years. I started my role with AME one month before COVID-19, moving from Virginia to Illinois with great plans and ideas. My 90-day plan was quickly thwarted when, one month later, the world as we knew it shut down. Every step after was a science project — were we doing the right thing, making the right choices, taking the right risks? Where was the data to prove that? Many times, we just trusted our instincts. We made the best choices we could and celebrated those small wins along the way. Since this time, AME has learned we do not need a physical office, and we have successfully worked virtually since then. This enabled us to hire the best people, with no borders to limit us. Along this journey, we continue to celebrate the wins!
The third lesson learned is we are in this world together — we are never alone. Everything we do is through teamwork, and this is where AME shines. Our members and volunteers show respect for people in every way. We can do things alone, but why would we? Teams bring together diverse skills, perspectives and experiences, creating solutions that no single person could achieve alone. Collaboration fosters innovation, resilience and shared accountability.
Next, we need to keep dreaming — keep envisioning the future. AME is the best-kept secret, and we have all heard from our AME Board chair, Billy Taylor, that you cannot manage a secret. We need to respect the past, accept the present and embrace the future. The world is changing rapidly, and we mustn’t be afraid. Let’s stay curious and keep dreaming.
Finally, the fifth lesson learned as AME CEO is to lead from a grateful heart and appreciate those around you while not being afraid to take a stand when necessary. It’s also very okay not to have all the answers. Leadership is about asking the right questions and surrounding yourself with people who both challenge and support you. I appreciate you all for your insight, support and push during these past five years.
I am enjoying this journey and all the moments over the past five years that have shaped who we are today. I am so grateful to all of you for giving me this opportunity and for your support, encouragement and guidance along the way. I have made so many wonderful friends I will cherish forever.
As I look to the future, I am more optimistic than ever. The past five years have laid a solid foundation, but I know our best days are still ahead. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next chapter — together.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
