Dear Friends,

I have had the privilege of attending a Leadership Program over the past few months. My involvement has caused me to ponder the role of leadership in my own life. 

Being elected as Class President in Junior High & High School taught me that leadership brings attention and admiration; something many children seek–especially from their parents, and in my case my mother. When I wasn’t re-elected the 4th year I learned that you can’t do everything yourself. You’ve got to allow others to help and when you don’t you can be misjudged and labeled. Leadership is about delegating and leveraging.

I experienced a tragedy in college that completely changed the course of my life. Every goal, dream, and plan that seemed important at that time no longer mattered. For many years thereafter I was lost desperately trying to find my place in this world. During that time many of my friends were not there for me. Months later I asked them where they were. I was told that they didn’t know how to be there for me because I was the one that was there for everyone else. I was the “leader.” I learned that being a leader can be lonely.

As a Real Estate Professional, my heart to help others has transcended into the way I do business and I have used my influence & passion to spearhead over a dozen outreach events that collectively mobilized hundreds of volunteers.

We’ve helped seniors, foster children, natural disaster relief programs, and the under-resourced families in our own community to name a few. I learned that, as a leader, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

As a Mom to a toddler I learned that as a leader others depend on you. To an elementary-aged child I learned you lead by instruction and now as a parent to a pre-teen, I learn you lead by example. I’ve volunteered in convalescent homes and reading programs for under-resourced children and that taught me that one person can make a difference in the life of another. And that, as a leader, you can give a voice to the voiceless. I believe our tragedies along with our triumphs in life are meant to be shared – to inspire, help, and encourage others. 

For years I thought I was lost and in my wandering, I found my purpose! Connecting and helping others brings me the greatest joy and fulfillment. Thankfully my real estate business along with my involvement in the community allows me to serve that purpose of helping others.

As John Maxwell wisely stated, “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” 

May we all continue to have the courage to be vulnerable and to share our stories to influence each other! 

Love your friend,

Rica