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Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?

We have had the good fortunate of connecting with Nobel Laureates, titans of industry, rockstars and rising stars across dozens of industries and we have always found their stories about who they were early on to be most fascinating. Below, you’ll find members of the community sharing their responses to this key aspect of their stories.

LADONIA SPENCE

Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a dreamer with a servant’s heart. As a little girl, I didn’t think in terms of titles or status—I thought in terms of kindness, connection, and making people feel cared for. Read More>>

Fannie Austin

Before the world gave me titles or expectations, I was a curious problem-solver with a habit of turning ideas into experiences. I saw patterns before I had the language to name them, and I found joy in bringing people together around something meaningful. That core part of me has never changed. Read More>>

Shannon Stevens

Growing up Shannon was a quiet reserved little person, who barely talked. A observer that rolled with the punches and never questioned anything wrong or right. Growing out of my quiet shell and going through major events in life helped me to see that quietness wasn’t a choice but more of something I was assigned to do. Read More>>

Double G

To be honest, the world never got the chance to tell me who I had to be. I have spent my whole life fighting to define that for myself. I grew up in a household that came with its share of challenges, and I had to figure out who I was without a clear path in front of me. Read More>>

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