Nov 19, 2019
Welcome to She Leads Podcast Season 5, Episode 12! This episode of She Leads Podcast features Shareen Rivera founder of Rising Above Writing Services. Shareen Rivera is an Author, Speaker, and TV Host who leads her life like the Boss she is. To hear Shareen’s take on leadership, listen to her interview as she discusses the importance of leading with vulnerability, letting go, and being a living testament of your message.
Shareen Rivera Bio
Since birth, Poet, Shareen Rivera, has had to overcome hurdles that have tested her strength, both physically and mentally. She was born to homeless, mentally ill and addicted parents. Thankfully, God’s undying mercy came forth in her life, and with it, Shareen’s grandparents were given the strength to raise her in a home of love. Although she was safe with her grandparents, life still had more heartache to throw on her path.
Shareen married young into an abusive marriage, and not long after the abuse escalated. The births of her two children, however, was more than enough encouragement to end her marriage and start a new life. For years, Shareen felt like her vulnerability was her greatest weakness. However, through bringing all of her insecurities, fears, and doubts to the surface, she has not only grown as a woman and mother but has also helped other women to do the same through her poetry, writing and story of survival. Shareen is on a never-ending mission to show other women who have faced similar trouble that they are not alone. It is possible to start anew, just as she has done.
Nicole Walker’s Interview Commentary
I really enjoyed this interview with Shareen and I hope you did as well.
I agree with Shareen’s suggestion to release control and seek the help we need to achieve our goals. As Shareen mentioned, this can be difficult to let go especially when we know what we want and how we want it. However, if we desire to achieve more we must place our focus on the things we do best, outsource the rest. Having the ability to accomplish a task, does not mean this is where we should be putting our efforts. Understanding what’s really important, making the necessary decisions to let go where needed, and choosing to focus on our gifts and passions is how we can live a fulfilled life. A quote by Naval Ravikant reads, “Most of life is a search for who and what needs you the most.”
I admire Shareen’s decision to add an element of social entrepreneurship into her business by hiring other women who have overcome domestic violence. Shareen’s choice to use her business as a platform to elevate other women is a selfless act. Leaders reach back and pull others up, and Shareen is definitely exhibiting her leadership skills by doing just that. Shareen discussed how times are changing and women are supporting each other like never before, which is awesome to see and amazing to be a part of! A quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reads, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others’?”
I can relate Shareen’s experience with loosing herself in her marriage and forgetting who she was, as I experienced the same. What I find most interesting about losing myself, is that I didn’t realize I lost myself until I started to find myself again. Love can be a beautiful thing in a nurturing environment, then unfortunately it can be dangerous when broken people decide to connect. It is extremely important that we continue to love and nurture ourselves while also loving those around us. IF we forget to include ourselves in the equation THEN we allow ourselves to live unhealthy lives. A quote by Ernest Hemingway reads, “The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too”.
Nicole Walker’s Takeaway of the Week
Shareen mentioned how being vulnerable makes us better leaders. Accepting the fact that we will never please everyone, provides the courage we need to be our unapologetic selves. We must focus on our intentions and follow our hearts, and avoid trying to fit into a mold that does not suit us. This is how we live our best lives!
I will make it my business to not worry about what others think, because I want to attract the people that love me for me. I aim to live a life of freedom while having genuine connections with those around me, and I will continue to remind myself that being vulnerable is how I can make this happen.
A quote by Michelle Obama reads, “I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values – and follow my own moral compass – then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own.”
Nicole Walker’s Leadership Challenge
My leadership challenge for you would be to think about the one thing you can take away from this episode and adopt into your life. I know it’s hard to absorb too much information at one time and it’s even harder to try and implement too many changes at once. When I attend a training or listen to podcasts I aim to walk away with a least one thing that stuck out to me and one way that I can change as a result. I challenge you to do the same!
Don’t forget to subscribe to She Leads Podcast for first access to future episodes. And also, like and share this episode of She Leads Podcast entitled “Embody Your Message with Shareen Rivera”.
Thanks and until next time “Be Empowered and Empower On”!