Permission Granted

have spent over half my life in tech and cyber security. My life's journey took me from my first job working in a dry cleaners in high school all the way to working in some of the largest firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and next to working for the federal government. 

I rapidly climbed the academic ladder which helped me become an expert in my field. I even completed my masters in 9 months. I made a ton of money at a very young age. When others in their mid 20’s were trying to break even and lived at home with their parents I was making well over six figures and had a home and any car I wanted. With each year that passed I quickly realized that I wasn't actually happy. I felt trapped and that I didn't have permission to pursue what made me happy. Perhaps it was because I had a deep sense of duty to provide for my family that led me to feel that permission was a luxury not available to me.

If you feel like you are holding yourself back from pursuing a new idea or business because you feel like you need someone else's, or for the perfect moment… trust me that perfect moment does not exist. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders fall into this trap of waiting for permission before striving for greatness. I'm here to tell you to stop doing that!

No one is going to offer you permission so stop waiting for it. The world doesn't work that way, unfortunately. So rather than twiddling your thumbs waiting for the green light from your boss, peers, or some arbitrary external entity, I encourage you to give yourself permission first.

Lean in and set audacious goals for yourself. You don't need a thumbs up to implement that cutting-edge marketing strategy or to launch that podcast you have been pondering over the last few years. As I write this blog I am actually speaking to my own delay in even launching my own website and podcast. 

If you know in your heart you are built for something great, then grant yourself the permission to make it happen today. Fortune favors the bold in the business world, not those who nervously ask, "Mother may I?" at every turn.

Now, I'm not advocating for you to go rogue and do whatever reckless thing pops into your head. Permission doesn't equate to lack of planning or forethought. But it does mean trusting in yourself enough to confidently move forward with the promising growth opportunities you want to pursue.

You already have all the permission you need.

Remember…Legends Lean In. Go be Great!