Amanda Lamb: When I grow up
What do an accomplished actress, a champion for people living with disabilities, a dancer from South Africa, an IBM executive turned etiquette coach, and a former NFL executive turned teacher have in common? They’re my guests on AGELESS: Opening Doors with Amanda Lamb this month.
When you look at the lineup, it reminds me of what adults used to ask us when we were children: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most of us had lofty answers because the only careers we knew about came from what we saw in movies, on T.V., or read about in books. We had no idea what else could possibly exist by the time we were ready to embark on our career journeys. For most of the women I interview, their journeys have not been linear. Instead, they twist and turn, sometimes taking them down paths that dead-end, and other times taking them to places they never imagined.
Actress and staunch advocate for women in the entertainment industry, Sharon Lawrence, believes that women are constantly transforming their vision of what they want to be when they grow up no matter how old they are.
“Find a way to recognize the parts of you that are evergreen, that will never change, and that bit of you that was first inspired,” Sharon said. “I’m always thrilled to see older women who are on those platforms talking about what worked for them and building community, not letting yourself get isolated, but recognizing you are part of a system that continues to change and evolve.”
Lorraine Woodward, who is confined to a wheelchair, created an online platform where families can find a variety of accessible vacation rental properties catering to a wide range of disabilities. She says she created it on a shoestring budget and a prayer.
“We hear a lot about living your best life. But are we given a chance to live our best life?” Lorraine said. “I really believe it’s my purpose for life, and all of my experiences have culminated into the work that I’m doing right now.”
Aletia Ferreira had big dreams of becoming a professional dancer when she came to the U.S. from South Africa in her twenties. After having several successful businesses, she has developed a pre-school program that helps children learn through dance-inspired play.
“You have to find one thing that you really love. Sometimes, for a lot of women, because we do so much constantly for other people, we don’t put ourselves on the list. Start putting yourself on the list,” said Aletia.
Sharon Hill struggled for years to get a college degree, but eventually finished her education and landed a successful career working her way up the ladder at IBM. But it was in teaching others social graces, specifically business etiquette, that she found her calling.
“I’m not afraid. I’m not embarrassed. I’m not so uppity that I don’t share the story. That’s why I want to make sure people know that I made a bunch of mistakes early in life,” said Sharon.
Leslie Matz worked for the Philadelphia Eagles for ten years and then was in on the ground floor when the Carolina Panthers started their NFL team in North Carolina. She loved working in the NFL, but decided to step back when her family needed her. Now, she is a tutor and a teacher, something she is passionate about.
“Each person has to have that time of meditation, sit down and know, truly your gut is going to tell you what makes you happy. What have you not done that you want to do?” Leslie said. “We’re never too old to follow our dreams. Sometimes those dreams are hidden, we don’t really know what they are. But they come out. And make themselves known. And we should never ever hesitate to do what our heart tells us.”
So, now, the answer to the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” My response: “I’ll let you know when I get there…”
