My Journey
My journey began as a small child waving hello to people from the window of my first- floor apartment on Estes Avenue in Chicago. I loved seeing people smile up at me as they were on their way to work. My journey continued as I practiced, practiced, practiced until I could be one of the first chosen by the boys to play softball, football or pinners –took my lemonade stand to the ballpark where people were thirsty – ran the soda fountain and cigar counter at the corner drug store (called people by name when they entered and knew the favorite brands of regular customers) –used my passion and athletic skills to win a spot on our high school cheerleading team, played on the University of Illinois volleyball team- became a leader in school and in the community for things that made a difference (Make A Wish Foundation – HUNGER – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – RACISM –Food Safety Dates – INSPIRING KIDS TO READ+LEAD)- playing amazing roles in theater, being loved as an educator in the CPS (first bi-lingual teacher in the Gateway community AND working for a passionate forward-thinking principal, Barbara Sizemore at Anton Dvorak school).
Giving back to help kids believe in themselves has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The Read to Lead sessions and the Fear-Pride-Possibility workshops I created awakened the drive inside students to think and act with courage and conviction.
Being trained by XEROX to be one of their top new sales representatives paved the way to being recruited as a consultant for Jostens Recognition Division in 1978 to create Custom Recognition Programs for Fortune 500 and various organizations in Toledo, Ohio. The phenomenal artists on my team helped me bring to life the ideas I created through detailed information gathered from clients and a thorough approach to researching the best solutions to create unforgettable moments of a lifetime.
Imagine how it felt when Hearst Corporation leaders described their program as the most creative in the history of the company- or the experience of the leader of one agency being brought to tears of joy when he saw the symbol of excellence we created to honor his high achievers. Helping the bottom line, developing ways to maximize performance, increasing alignment with company cultures and visions, and spreading joy has been fulfilling.
Training programs such as Tom Peters Leadership, Style Analysis, Advocacy, FISH, SAFETY EXPERT (State of Ohio) plus continuous research and experiences in Leadership, Culture, Engagement practices, Integrity Selling, INTERNAL Customer Service (the Deming model), and the financial benefits of Effective Recognition and Communication Programs support my passion to help people be the best they can be. The GAME is never over! Nobody does it alone.
Over more than a 20 year period of creating and conducting a tailor-made training program to help agents succeed at NEF, Fern repeatedly, year after year received the best-surveyed feedback of any of the speakers that addressed the group. The director of schools said it was the EXPERIENCE with Fern that impacted the success of thousands of professional agents. After almost 20 years of delivering her program, one of the VP’s took me to lunch for my birthday and gave me the word ANTHROPOMAXIMOLOGIST as my gift. He said, “You’ve been doing this for 20 years and don’t even know it!!!”
We have all gone through life’s ups and downs. Many of us have received negative messages from relatives, teachers, managers, and peers that penetrated our minds and hearts. During those dark times, I was fortunate to have my pink baby book, written in artful calligraphy by my aunt Ruth. One of the entries was “There’s something special about little Fernie. She is like the Pied Piper…everyone follows her lead.” Part of life is discovering our own power and belief in what matters. There are times when we will stand alone and make the choice to see what’s possible and not be deferred. I will always be someone who helps people see their greatness and live it.
MINDSET, from my experience, is a major factor in leadership effectiveness or any role we decide to take on in life to make a difference. As an athlete, I used to see myself contributing to my team with the exceptional skills and passion I had to win. As a young person, I used to see myself on stage uplifting people as a speaker or performer in musical comedy. (I am pleased to say both dreams came true). In 1980 I took a class in Personal Dynamics and learned how to Visualize at a deep level. That mindset transferred to everything I did as a leader, educator, professional salesperson, speaker, and trainer. Before every speech or training program, I visualized the outcome. I took myself out of the room and became the high purpose of serving every person there. I continue to prepare for programs so the experience is part of me…not just words on a page.
Becoming the best that we can be takes skills and mindset. One without the other leaves a huge gap in what is possible.
Great LEADERS, ATHLETES, and HUMANS BEING inspired me throughout my life.
One of my favorite examples of what’s possible is Mugsie Bogues (the shortest man ever to play professional basketball – 5’3”). He is an example of what’s possible when you develop the SKILLS – use your strengths on the floor – SEE IT- BELIEVE IT – LOVE IT and have a DEEP DESIRE TO PLAY THE GAME BIG!!!! Anything is possible with that BIG “D”.
Look at the photo of Mugsie and Manute Bols. What are the odds of someone 5’3” playing professional basketball?
Visit GET Inspired for experiences and research to help you stay focused on what’s possible.
For who you are and what you stand for.”