Today’s blog comes from Alexis Adauto Ferguson. Alexis made a name for herself early, becoming president of Austin Advertising Federation at only 27, and has taken on leadership roles ever since. A 21 year veteran by the age of 41, she left the fast-paced world of advertising to reinvent herself and define her true purpose. Now, she helps other women (and men) chase the dream of entrepreneurship through her direct selling venture with Rodan + Fields. She also puts her passion to work as a board member of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas – Austin Chapter and a volunteer with Con Mi Madre. Both organizations align with her mission of empowering women of all ages to be their best selves. Since adopting two amazing little boys, she feels like her best self when she’s spending time in her biggest leadership role yet – Mom.
I joined Gr8 Women leaders in February 2014. I love sharing how this amazing group and program is helping me live and lead and Gr8 life.
At the end of 2013 I was beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. You see, that December I was just getting four months of being a mom to my then 8 and 5 year old sons under my belt (Note: we were in the foster to adopt program at the time). I was also still healing from the layoff that occurred 10 months earlier. I was closing out the year of biggest and best changes in my life. My whole world had changed in 12 short months and honestly, I was exhausted and needed something to reignite the spark I had inside. I didn’t really realize what I needed, but when I walked into the Leading Ladies’ event that cold December night, I knew I had found it.
The buzz in the room that night was amazing. It reminded me of the buzz I felt when I was with my business partners at our conventions. It was electric and you wanted to plug into that as often as possible. I knew right then I needed to get in Gr8 Women Leaders program and fast!
The first thing we did was our DISC assessment and holy cow…the revelation of who I am and what kind of leader I can be blew me away! That alone was worth the investment in the program. I had a place to start and for the first time, I felt like I would be able to be my very best without hesitation.
It’s funny, but at 42 I didn’t have a clue who I was anymore. One day I was an advertising exec, a DINK (double income, no kids) and life was good. Then I added MOM to my wife status AND I was an entrepreneur, not an employee anymore. BIG, monster changes happened seemingly overnight. The support and the tools Gr8 Women Leaders provided was invaluable. My group and my two amazing leaders – Amber Fogarty and Darlene Templeton – made all the difference. With their help, I got that spark back.
I think finally understanding myself is the key to my happiness. I’m a better mom, wife, friend, business partner and LEADER because I’ve been able to assess who I am, what I bring to the table and what I can do to make things happen. I can still get stuck – though now I have the tools and the support I need to adjust the sails faster and keep pushing forward. I’m a firm believer that this program is responsible for my clarity and ability to be and give my best. I’m so thankful I found it when I did. I can’t wait to see what the future brings because Gr8 things are ahead for this girl and all those around me.