I had the privilege of delivering a presentation on ‘Inspiring a Shared Vision’ at the Rise Leadership Boot Camp held at Greater New Birth Church in Milwaukee. The audience consisted of current and aspiring business leaders, entrepreneurs, members in leadership positions at the church, and individuals interested in leadership development.

I began by emphasizing the profound impact of motivating others and communicating a vision, as it lies at the core of effective leadership. I highlighted the importance of empathy, trust, mentorship, and pushing individuals to push the threshold of their own capabilities in order to maximize their potential.

To lay the foundation of leadership, I stressed the significance of self-awareness and the ability to effectively convey one’s identity to others. This is where I introduced the concept of StoryPathing, a transformative practice that helps individuals identify formative experiences from their lives. I explained that these can be recast as stories and classified into three types: hero, collaborative, and virtuous. By dissecting these stories and recognizing the key elements in each such as activities, settings, people, and competencies, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of what brings them satisfaction and fulfillment.

Moreover, I highlighted that StoryPathing enables individuals to become self-authored leaders who base their self-presentation on evidence and experiences rather than aspirations or imagination. By pointing to their own journey and the evidence of their personal growth, leaders can inspire others with the qualities they strive to instill.

I emphasized that the true vision we share as leaders is that of a self-authored person capable of making intelligent decisions, discerning motives, and engaging in activities aligned with their values. By sharing this vision, we empower others to become self-authored leaders themselves.

In conclusion, my presentation stressed the importance of introspection, self-awareness, and the transformative practice of StoryPathing in inspiring a shared vision. I encouraged the audience to embrace this process and unlock their potential for personal and collective growth. The presentation was met with enthusiasm, and I left the conference hopeful that the ideas shared would have a lasting impact on the attendees’ leadership journeys.