UNEDUCATED CONJECTURING! : November 2015

JOIN US IN CLOSING THE ADULT SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND OPPORTUNITIES GAP

In my late thirties, I made an uneducated conjecture [guess] in selecting a career change and re-entered the university to complete my education. In my past were multiple hits and misses to gain economic advantages with a quick certificate or continuing education course. The realization hit me while on a work furlough that I needed to select a career path and develop the full range of skills and education to advance on that path. Information Technology was my career choice; however there were multiple directions I could have taken in the medical, teaching and financial fields. Through uneducated conjecturing I made a decision and stayed with it.

What is "Uneducated Conjecturing"? The act of making a decision based on a hunch and without sufficient proof of a favorable outcome, but having a strong belief whatever the direction it would be positive.

As an adult learner, I developed tools that gave me the courage to take action even when there was not any hard evidence that my choice was the best action to take. The payoff was remarkable!

Through uneducated conjecturing I not only found the perfect career for me but I also developed behaviors to overcome perceived obstacles in both my personal and professional lives.

There is an opportunities gap in our nation that needs to be bridged. Our team is devoted to mentoring adult learners seeking to improve their employability or make a career change. You will find valuable resources for any middle-aged and older adults seeking to complete undergraduate studies or enter into a skills program to advance in a new career field.

The consortium is teaming with like-minded adults to address wage inequality through continuously learning, mentoring and positioning adult learners for the opportunities that are left on the table due to a lag in skills or education in our communities. Join us!

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. –Booker T. Washington

***Mentoring Group Update***
The Genius Tribe participated in the Sister Talk Conference on 10/14 at The Georgia Convention Center. Judge Penny Brown-Reynolds facilitated an inspiring session. Judge Penny emphatically stated, "No one has the right to tell you not to dream!" and then every session in the event provided stories and people and resources to show you how.

Our next monthly meeting will be held in January 2016. Email me if you would like to join.

The Genius Tribe...Women who mean Business!

Monday, November 16, 2015

Managing Obstacles!

While on the panel at Spelman’s Geek Week, one of the students inquired on how we handled work that we did not like. I shared that in college, work and life, I learned two things. First, expect the unexpected. Some situations may not unfold as we planned. Secondly, in all the assignments that I received over the course of the twenty+ years, I always walked away with invaluable knowledge in an unfamiliar business area, technology or process. My experience is all experience provides room for growth.

This morning I read an article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, “21 Thoughts for a Rich, More Purposeful Life” that sums it up! http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/how-to/growth-strategies/2015/11/21-thoughts-for-a-richer-more-purposeful-life.html

Here is the list of 21 thoughts that I thought would be helpful to read and revisit when faced with an obstacle or situation (Midterms, holidays, etc.) that is being perceived as insurmountable.

The most destructive habit: Worry.
The greatest joy: Giving.
The greatest loss: Loss of self-respect.
The most satisfying work: Helping others.
The ugliest personality trait: Selfishness.
The most endangered species: Dedicated leaders.
Our greatest natural resource: Our youth.
The greatest “shot in the arm”: Encouragement.
The greatest problem to overcome: Fear.
The most effective sleeping pill: Peace of mind.
The most crippling disease: Excuses.
The most powerful force in life: Love.
The most incredible computer: The brain.
The worst thing to be without: Hope.
The deadliest weapon: The tongue.
The two most power-filled words: I can.
The greatest asset: Faith.
The most worthless emotion: Self-pity.
The most beautiful attire: A smile.
The most prized possession: Integrity.
The most contagious spirit: Enthusiasm.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Keep It Moving!

This past week I had meetings scheduled to obtain decisions on my manuscript at the Atlanta Writers Conference and for the business proposals submitted for the Advocacy Program. I was pleased to obtain prompt decisions to aid me in future planning for these initiatives.

The literary agent provided invaluable feedback and direction for me to take in getting the manuscript ready to publish. Her publishing house was unable to take on my small project. After she heard my pitch, she was clear on why it was the best direction for me. I now have other sources to submit the manuscript when I am ready to move forward. I set a personal deadline for March 2016.

My business proposal did not get the approvals that were needed to move forward. I do not consider this as rejection. Why? I was able to discuss my ideas with leaders in the Adult Learning space. The opportunity to talk with them for a full hour was priceless. My passion for this program kept them listening until I completed my presentation. While the timing was not right for this fiscal period, I am optimistic about the potential for future collaborations with these leaders. In the meantime, I will continue to use my words to encourage adult learners at Georgia institutions, as opportunities to talk become available.

This past year I learned the message in my talks is needed. I have seen how I can help inspire and coach others through the challenges that I experienced as an adult student. I hear others in the business community being inspired by our Adult Learning Advocacy mission. We are making strides in bridging the educational, skills, and opportunities gap.

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