Perseverance

"Each time I tried to choose just one area to focus on, I felt like I was cutting out a piece of my soul…I finally said screw conventional wisdom and let myself pursue all my passions at once…clarity comes from engagement, not thought." — Marie Forleo

Albertina (Mama) Zuma ON Perseverance

Community Leader, Zimele Community

Q: Is there an example in your life of a time when others were against you or your dream, yet you persevered?

A: Living through the apartheid years, we were forced to move out of our homes and relocate to the rural communities. We faced oppositions that went against our dreams and livelihood. We persevered because we never stopped hoping. We kept taking steps forward to a better life no matter how dark our circumstances. We kept moving towards something more even in ... READ MORE »

Joya Dass ON Perseverance

TV Anchor & Producer, Avenue Media

Q: Is there an example in your life of a time when others were against you or your dream, yet you persevered?

A: YES. When I started at Bloomberg, I was hired as a producer understudy. Business news came with a whole vocabulary and phrasing that needed learning. All the reports were also ad libbed. No scripts. This time would be my ‘on the job MBA.’ Daily, 7 am to 7 pm, I produced reports for the anchors who delivered hourly from the ... READ MORE »

Loren Ridinger ON Perseverance

Senior Vice President, Market America & Shop.com

Q: Is there an example in your life of a time when others were against you or your dream, yet you persevered?

A: Yes, my mom passed away when I was only 22, and my daughter Amber was just a newborn. My family and I didn’t have much money and I became responsible for my other siblings. Our business was just starting and we had to figure out how to make ends meet every week. I knew that I had to do whatever ... READ MORE »

Obstacles Create Opportunities

claudia ON Perseverance

Defined as something that “holds up progress” or “stands in the way of” – obstacles will always weave in and out of our lives – no matter how wise, rich or lucky one is. A few years ago though, I realized that the best opportunities I have taken advantage of in my life have been READ MORE »

Alyse Nelson ON Perseverance

President & CEO, Vital Voices Global Partnership

Q: Who or what in your life gives you the strength to persevere?

A: In the last year, we have seen women in the Middle East and North Africa advocate for phenomenal, unprecedented shifts — shifts in civic engagement, in politics, in cultural perception and social interaction — shifts in the very language and means we use to communicate. While we all know that change takes time, these women and the movements that they ... READ MORE »

Elizabeth Gore ON Perseverance

Resident Entrepreneur, UN Foundation

Q: Is there an example in your life of a time when others were against you or your dream, yet you persevered?

A: I wanted to launch the Nothing But Nets campaign so badly. It was very difficult to get off of the ground for many reasons. I had to fight and work incredibly hard. At any moment we could have backed off and not done it, but the need in Africa was so great, I was determined. I am proud to say ... READ MORE »