Six years ago, I began volunteering for The Minerva Foundation. In the first year, I was responsible for the site logistics, so I made a lot of lists and spreadsheets. It wasn’t until I received my Insights report at the conference that I understood how my own personal abilities matched my role. Looking at my fellow volunteers, I noticed that each of them also seemed to be in exactly the right role for her abilities. Previously, I had scoffed when told I was a ‘natural leader’, because my only image of leadership was authoritarian and individualistic. The first Learning to Lead committee taught me otherwise: there are no leaders without teams, and leaders working together make the best teams.
Over the subsequent years, Learning to Lead has inspired me to think of leadership in new ways. The workshop “Mission: Possible” awoke in me a strong sense of purpose and meaning. Over the years, the Insights reports have encouraged me to value my own abilities, and develop appreciation for complementary strengths. However, it is the updates from past participants, especially the younger leaders, which give me the greatest joy and pride. Please write! Learning to Lead has truly been a life-changing experience for me, and I am deeply grateful to the Minerva Foundation and all the wonderful women who have been a part of Learning to Lead.
Olivia Gomez