Unit 2 Inspiration: Leader Identity Narrative

Vanessa Pecly
Arizona State University
OGL 482-Unit Two
March 31st, 2024
 Turning points

What are they exactly? Think of them as critical junctures in our lives where important

choices and changes are required. These are not insignificant events that pass by quickly; rather,

they are life-changing experiences that impart priceless knowledge. These teachings have a

profound effect on us and how we mentor and affect others. Turning moments sculpt our inner

leaders, whether it's the excitement of a promotion or the learning from a difficult error. Not only

is it a good workout, but keeping a journal and thinking back on these times may be a really

effective way to learn about yourself and get better. "Reflecting on your past can help you chart a

course for your future," as Harrington & Hall stated (Harrington & Hall, 2007). This essay will

examine pivotal events in my life that have greatly influenced the leader I want to be.

Big Sister in Two Worlds

Growing up as the eldest of five siblings in Colombia heavily influenced who I am today.

Being an older sister wasn't just a title; it came with a strong sense of responsibility. Maybe it

stemmed from my natural love for my siblings, or maybe because at 13, our family immigrated

to the United States, placing an even greater emphasis on me stepping up.

Even before the move, I remember my parents entrusting me with my younger brothers

and sister whenever they weren't around. It wasn't a chore, but a duty I took seriously. Perhaps I

wanted to show them they could depend on me, especially during a time of big change for our

family.

This responsibility pushed me to excel. While my younger siblings sometimes struggled

academically or with behavior, I thrived. My parents never had to worry about my grades or
conduct at school. In contrast, I often found myself picking up a sibling after a meeting with a

disappointed teacher.

This experience not only made me responsible, but it also matured me faster. Leading by

example became second nature, as did taking accountability for my actions. These are valuable

traits for any leader, and being a big sister in two very different environments definitely shaped

me into the person I am today.

Production Manager

Eighth grade was a pivotal year for me. I wasn't just an actor in the school play anymore;

I was chosen as the production manager. It was a whirlwind of responsibility, but the excitement

was undeniable. I felt like I was the conductor of a complex orchestra, ensuring every

department – lights, sound, costumes – played their part in bringing the story to life.

The initial thrill was quickly tempered by the weight of the role. It wasn't just about

delegating tasks; it was about bridging the gap between the writer's vision, the director's

interpretation, and the final production. As someone who had just arrived in the US, the

language barrier added another layer of challenge. But I was determined to succeed.

Communication became my superpower. I had to learn to clearly explain my vision to

each team, even if it meant using gestures and drawings to supplement my fledgling English. It

wasn't always easy, but the dedication of everyone involved fueled my spirit.

There were moments of doubt. Juggling rehearsals, coordinating schedules, and

managing occasional conflicts between departments felt overwhelming. But facing these

challenges head-on built my confidence. I learned that true leadership wasn't about barking
orders; it was about inspiring cooperation and fostering a positive environment where everyone

felt valued.

The play's triumphant opening night was a testament to the hard work and dedication of

the entire team. Seeing the audience captivated by the story we brought to life was incredibly

rewarding. Looking back, the experience wasn't just about putting on a play; it was about

stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing responsibility, and discovering the leader within

myself.

Stepping Up at Home

My teenage years were marked by a turning point – my parents' divorce. My father

returned to Colombia, leaving my mother, who had never worked before, to care for me and my

siblings. Witnessing her struggle fueled a fire within me – I had to help.

My first job wasn't a typical teenage gig at a fast-food joint. It was a lifeline for my

family. Long hours after school and on weekends were spent at the restaurant, every cent of my

paycheck going towards our household. This became my routine until graduation, and then my

earnings shifted to cover my own college expenses.

This challenging experience shaped me as a leader in profound ways. Firstly, it instilled

the importance of crisis preparedness. While fortunate that my mother had saved, facing an

unforeseen event highlighted the need to anticipate risks and develop solutions. As a leader, I

now prioritize crisis management, actively considering potential problems and formulating

contingency plans.
 Secondly, this experience shattered my fear of mistakes. The fast-paced, multitasking

environment was a breeding ground for errors. Taking orders, calculating change, and juggling

multiple customers simultaneously was overwhelming at first. But I learned a crucial lesson:

mistakes are often stepping stones to growth. They provide valuable learning opportunities,

leading to better decision-making and improved skills.

Those years working long hours weren't just about earning money; they were about

taking responsibility, overcoming challenges, and ultimately, discovering the leader within

myself.

Tutoring Triumphs

My academic journey has always been fueled by a passion for learning. Maintaining a 4.0

GPA throughout college reflects that dedication. But in my first year, I discovered a new side to

academic success – helping others achieve their goals.

The tutoring center became my second home. Many of the students I tutored were

immigrants facing language barriers, particularly in English. This resonated with me, and I also

offered Spanish and math tutoring.

One student, however, presented a unique challenge. Her struggles stemmed not just from

language, but a long-held disinterest in school. Unlike me, her family prioritized simply

graduating, not academic excellence. This value clash made motivation difficult.

Here, my leadership skills came into play. Effective leaders understand the power of

shared vision. I needed to inspire her to see the bigger picture, the long-term impact of her

current choices. Leading by example became my strategy. Spending extra time with her, we

formed a strong friendship. She saw firsthand that academic success was achievable, and it
sparked a change in her. The journey wasn't easy, but her transformation was remarkable. From

facing possible graduation failure, she progressed to the point of helping me grasp concepts in

Physics!

This experience underscored a valuable lesson – a person's core values significantly

influence their decisions. In any organization, employee alignment with company values is

paramount for success. My role as a tutor wasn't just about imparting knowledge; it was about

fostering a shared vision for the future..

From Starting Strong to Starting Over

My academic path hasn't always been linear. Right out of high school, I enrolled at a

community college, determined to pay my way without loans. Journalism was my dream, and I

earned my Associate's degree. But juggling work, family needs, and adapting to a new

environment proved overwhelming.

College life demanded new experiences, and frankly, I was scared. Raised in a sheltered

environment, I lacked the social exposure to navigate this new world. Fear kept me from

branching out and, ultimately, from pursuing a four-year degree at the time.

This was a turning point. The experience underscored the importance of embracing

change, not fearing it. As a leader, I now understand that growth hinges on adaptation.

Organizations that resist change stagnate.

Returning to school at the community college, I initially found comfort in the familiar.

However, this comfort zone also created a lack of direction. The dream of transferring to a

university remained unrealized. Seeking a different path, I pursued a Business Administration

certification, driven by a love for business. While I completed the program, life threw another

curveball – motherhood. Priorities shifted, and a career in veterinary medicine went on hold.

These detours, however, weren't failures; they were valuable lessons. Doubt and a lack

of self-confidence threatened to derail me. But leaders need to be confident, taking calculated

risks and venturing into the unknown.

Now, at 36, I'm finishing my bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership at ASU. This

journey has instilled a deep appreciation for resilience and the power of self-belief. It's a leader's

story, one that started strong, took a detour, and is now reaching its destination, stronger and

wiser.

Love, Marriage, and Motherhood

Life took an unexpected turn when I met my husband, Bruno. We fell in love, married

quickly, and soon after, I discovered I was pregnant. It wasn't planned – PCOS made me

believe children weren't in the cards. While overjoyed, the reality was daunting.

Juggling multiple jobs, helping my mom, and navigating a new marriage – all while

pregnant – pushed me to my limits. Bruno, new to this country, couldn't offer the traditional

support system. Becoming a parent felt overwhelming, a constant tightrope walk between

providing, nurturing our relationship, and battling guilt.

But through the sleepless nights and endless challenges, a profound leadership lesson

emerged. Our daughter, and later her sister, forced me to confront my own values and biases.

They weren't born with these, they learned them from us, from our environment.
 Instilling values takes patience, repetition, and a willingness to see the world from their

perspective. Witnessing their mistakes, their unique viewpoints, opened my eyes to the power of

experience in shaping behavior. This realization transformed how I approach leadership.

Effective leaders understand that people come from diverse backgrounds, shaped by their

own journeys. It's about recognizing how values and perspectives influence decision-making.

Self-awareness, in turn, fosters open communication, where differing ideas are valued. This

creates a breeding ground for creativity, the lifeblood of any organization that wants to stay

competitive and thrive.

Our story isn't about a perfect path; it's about unexpected turns, resilience, and the

profound lessons learned on the way. Being a parent, a wife, a leader – it's all a continuous

journey of growth, fueled by love and a deep appreciation for the power of perspective.

Building a Business on Shared Journeys

My path to co-founding My Body by Design with my lifelong friend Laura was inspired

not by corporate strategies but by our personal transformations. Our medical tourism agency was

created to make medical and dental procedures more accessible to those in need. Laura’s journey

to body confidence after motherhood, finding exceptional care in Colombia, was a beacon for

me. Facing my own challenges, including weight, fear, and financial barriers, Laura’s support

was pivotal. Together, we overcame these obstacles and achieved our health goals.
 This transformation led us to establish My Body by Design, aiming to empower others to

pursue their body design dreams. Drawing from our experiences, we offer support and guidance,

fostering a community where everyone’s journey is valued.

As leaders, we champion a team-oriented culture that encourages decision-making and

embraces risks. Our journey underscores the importance of friendship, shared dreams, and the

bravery to chase them. My Body by Design isn’t just a business; it’s a movement of empowered

individuals on a mission to reshape their lives.

This venture reinforced my self-belief, showing me the value of pursuing my ambitions,

like returning to school to complete my degree. Despite the long journey, the support and

freedom to make decisions have been crucial. These experiences have taught me the power of

embracing risks and learning from mistakes.

The challenges I’ve faced have been instrumental in shaping my leadership philosophy.

Understanding the impact of low points on my confidence has driven me to be a transformational

leader. I aim to use my journey, especially my failures, to inspire and motivate my team, offering

them the autonomy they need to thrive within our organization.

 References

Black, S., Grönqvist, E., & Öckert, B. (2017). Born to lead? the effect of birth order on non-
cognitive abilities. https://doi.org/10.3386/w23393

Harrington, B., & Hall, D. T. (2007). Career Management & Work-Life Integration: Using Self-

Assessment to Navigate Contemporary Careers. SAGE Publications, Inc. (US).

https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781452278940