Our origin stories shape us. They’re not just chapters in our history; they’re the foundation for everything we build. Origin stories also can fuel our confidence to overcome anxiety or fears and embrace our potential.
My professional journey began in the warehouse of the S&H Green Stamp Company. Remembering where it all started has been a source of regular inspiration over the years since I find myself journaling about my gratitude almost weekly.
It all began at a time when Green Stamps was a household name and the key to unlocking coveted toasters or dream vacations. For me, it is more than a nostalgic blast from the past—it was my first job out of college and a crash course in understanding people. I worked in marketing communications and quickly discovered the challenges of siloed teams, unresolved tension, and missed opportunities for collaboration. What started as a self-serving need to meet my own deadlines by bringing feuding departments together turned into something much bigger—a calling I never expected.
It was the early ’90s, and workplace culture wasn’t yet a buzzword. Books hadn’t been written, frameworks weren’t in place, and terms like “chief culture officer” were virtually unheard of. But our CEO, Stuart Harris, saw something in me. He recognized that my natural ability to foster communication and resolve conflict wasn’t just a skill—it was a gift. “You’re already doing it,” he said when he asked me to take on the role of the company’s first culture leader.
That job changed everything for me. It blended strategy and heart to create environments where teams could thrive. I loved it and thought I’d retire from that company. But when Stuart made the difficult decision to sell the company to spend his last days with his family, I found myself at a crossroads. I was heartbroken and unsure of what was next. That’s when Stuart and his family approached me with an incredible opportunity. They believed in my potential and encouraged me to take my skills beyond our company and into the world. They even offered to mentor me and invest in my new business.
I was terrified, but I said yes—on one condition. My parents had instilled in me the value of always paying my debts, so I committed to repaying the family’s investment, even though I didn’t know how or when. I started small, sending twenty or one hundred dollars when I could, and slowly but surely, I paid them back in full. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about honoring the trust they placed in me and the values my parents had taught me.
That leap of faith turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Hard to believe it was twenty-five years ago this February. Here I am, still doing what I love—helping organizations design safe spaces for healthy conflict, open communication, and transformative teamwork. I can’t imagine doing anything else, and I’ll forever be grateful to Stuart and his family for seeing something in me that I couldn’t see in myself.
Today I try to honor the Harrises by looking for the potential in others and willing them to take a chance on their teammates and a shared culture. The lessons I learned in that Green Stamp warehouse, the encouragement of a visionary CEO, the life-changing mentorship and financial support from David Harris, and the values of my parents all came together to shape a mission-driven career.
Team Exercise
I recently had the privilege of hearing speaker and coach Ryan Leak at a leadership meeting I attend annually with my client. He had twelve questions to ask yourself to reflect on the intentionality of your leadership. One of them was “How did I get in this room?” I loved this question because he shared a memorable breadcrumb analogy.
A trail of breadcrumbs represents all of the people who supported him and led him to where he is today. It started with a teacher. Fast forward to today and ten people later, he’s standing on stage speaking to senior leaders in a Fortune 100 company. His trail of “breadcrumbs” is a great reminder that we need each other to get where we are, and it’s a great exercise to do with your team. I encourage you to have a “breadcrumb conversation” with your colleagues. It’s a terrific opportunity to better understand each other and connect on a deeper level.
Closing Thoughts
As I reflect on my journey, I encourage you to think about your own. What’s your origin story? What moments or mentors shaped the leader you are today? If they helped you find your confidence, they’re worth revisiting regularly.
Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or navigating your career, remembering where you came from isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a compass pointing you toward your purpose and a reminder to ignore the inner critic.
Free Resource
Want to reflect on your origin story? Check out this list of reflection questions on my Resources page.
