Maximizing Your God-Given Potential
By Tanya Bell
President & CEO, Indiana Black Expo, Inc.
An individual’s perspective on leadership stems from his or her life experiences that ultimately shape his or her values. As an African-American, a woman, a young professional, a first generation college student, and a former child that grew up without a father, my script on life is different from other leaders that have shared their views. That is why having a rich and diverse community of leaders is so valuable.
I grew up in a single-parent household with two older brothers. When I reflect on how my mother managed to raise three children without the support of their father and on an income below poverty, I am thankful for her courage and strength to play the cards that she was dealt rather than simply folding her hand and giving up. I have listened to instructors and sociologists refer to examples like my upbringing as marginalization. However, I thank God that regardless of a person’s family dynamics, environment or circumstances, predestination always trumps the odds.
At the age of 34, I am blessed to serve as the President and CEO of a 39 year-old nonprofit organization that is not only a pillar in the community, but is known world-wide for two of the largest cultural events in the country. Some individuals have indicated that I seem too young for such a responsibility; but with leadership, age does not matter. The key is staying focused and maximizing every opportunity that presents itself in life. I have had the fortunate opportunity to practice law for seven years at the best law firms, serve as an adjunct law professor, meet and work with people that I would have never imagined I would be around, and more importantly, learn from many talented individuals that have mentored and supported me along the way and share my gifts, talents, and blessings with others.
So how do I view effective leadership out of my own lens?
An effective leader is confident in her abilities and refuses to allow anyone to define who she is because she is well aware of her identity and that she has a purpose in life.
Although a leader is confident, he understands the importance of constructive criticism and receives it as an opportunity to develop.
Effective leadership is not based on a title or pay grade – we all have a gift and are leaders in our own right. We all impact and shape the world around us by our actions and often our inactions. Through my life experiences, I am thankful for humility and gratitude because I know what it is like to have and not to have.
An effective leader understands that she will have to take a stance that is unpopular – that is why she is a leader. She makes an informed decision and lives with it. Although she listens and respects opposing opinions, she refuses to be distracted or demobilized by them.
An effective leader is compassionate and empathetic to others. He understands that his assignment is not about him; it is about people and community.
Tanya Bell is the President and CEO of Indiana Black Expo, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) statewide organization that has been a pillar of the African-American community since 1971.
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