Hello friend, I’m so excited because I received my first response to my interview questions, and I will be sharing the interview in the very next edition of this newsletter!
I’m also excited to bring another addition to this newsletter, Sunday Snapshots. I’ll be adding them to the bottom of these newsletters as peek into my world.
Finally, if you’re enjoying this content, please consider sharing it with a friend, colleague, or aspiring leader or creator.
Impactful Leaders Who Shaped My Journey
In today's newsletter, I want to share personal stories about two exceptional leaders who have significantly influenced my leadership style and journey. Their insights have been invaluable, and I hope their stories resonate with you too.
Phyllis Moncriffe: Nurturing Potential
Mrs. Moncriffe stands as one of the most influential teachers I've encountered. My connection with her began in the 5th grade, a time that marked a turning point in my life. She wasn't just an educator; she was a mentor who challenged me academically, believed in my dreams, and took a genuine interest in my life. Mrs. Moncriffe redefined what a teacher could be – a guide and a supporter beyond the classroom.
Her impact was so profound that when my school shut down my 7th-grade year, she opened her home to continue educating several of her students. Her visionary leadership, exemplified by this solution-oriented approach, reshaped my perspective on education and educators.
Back in those days, my goal was to become a writer. I still have a letter from Mrs. Moncriffe that I received one summer stating her belief that I could become a writer, and that she would be looking forward to my work. She nurtured my dream, and her words of encouragement continue to inspire me today.
Kim Walker: Authentic Leadership
Meeting Kim at 20 during an internship search marked another pivotal moment. Kim and her husband Brian, who co-ran 5 Stones Media, demonstrated authentic leadership. They didn't shy away from sharing their failures and challenges. This transparency left a lasting impression on me – the power of owning your journey, no matter the hurdles.
Kim's dedication to leadership and giving back was evident through an event called Leadercast, which they passionately promoted. My internship turned into a full-time digital marketing role, and Kim's investment in my growth continued. She provided mentorship, connected me with influential figures, and exposed me to a broader perspective on leadership. I will forever be grateful to Kim and Brian for taking a chance on me in the internship, launching my career in digital marketing, and remaining a positive voice in the leadership space.
As I reflect on these two impactful leaders, I encourage you to consider the mentors who have shaped your journey. If you have leaders in mind whose stories I should uncover through interviews, I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment or reply to this email with your suggestions.
Sunday Snapshots
I’m not only a leader, but also a photographer. My Sunday Snapshot series was created as an attempt to document the world around me and train my eye and editing skills to elevate beyond average. Each week I share 10 photos that were shot horizontally. They have to be taken on a Sunday to count.
This week I started my day at a coffee shop to do some writing and brief content creation and then I took a short walk around Denver’s RiNo district.
As always thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I hope it was valuable to you. Let’s go be better together.
All the best,
Larry G.