Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 02:23 AM
Do you ever wonder where you'll be five years from now? Wonder what life holds (good and bad) and if you could possibly truly imagine what it will be like?
The first time I was on my way to Rwanda in 2005 I journaled. I knew I'd be doing more as I flew home from that first trip -but never did I imagine that less than five years later I'd begin my 7th trip. I SAID in those first journal entries I knew I could do more. And while more was done, the "I" became a "we".
The time between my Women of Rwanda for World Vision event in May 2005 and my trip three weeks later in June 2005 was a world wind. After our successful event, I met within the week with two women who had heard me speak and asked if I'd consider holding a similar fundraiser when I returned.
"We'll see" I said. And see we did. That June in Rwanda, I was struck by the resilience of a people who had suffered greatly yet often were sincerely grateful for every opportunity presented to them.
The joy I felt, the acceptance and the responsibility to do what I could to help, was never a burden. It was an honor. And in these last five years, my enthusiasm has not wavered. My fierce belief in the strength of the human spirit is not lessened.
And with those two women, Karen Freelander and Bethe McChesney (and their spouses who supported them) we dared to dream that we could raise $50,000. And from that dream the Itafari Foundation was born. Now thousands more have joined us. We have raised over $350,000 and changed lives as our lives have changed through this work.
John, my husband has been my greatest supporter - my confidant, my engineer on projects in Rwanda, the voice of reason during my most unreasonable time. My most favorite traveling companion to Rwanda. No one waits more anxiously for me to return -no one more willing to step aside and let me be "Madam Itafari". He truly is the wind beneath my wings. Without him I am a grounded bird - (think platypus!)
My friendships in Rwanda are some of the sweetest of my life. I think it is the depth of character of these friends, our shared passion, their knowledge that I and Itafari are truly about Rwanda and what they want and need.
The women in Rwanda are magnificent. They know they have no time to play small - the stakes are too high -the needs too great. And someday, when their lives are over, while there might be regrets of what they couldn't do, what they did was more than most women in the US that I know could even dream of doing. It is a gift that I never would have dreamed of - that these women would become my friends and that the color of our skin would not be a distraction. And together our shared dreams, fears, doubts, and hopes could create something we never could have imagined creating apart.
The men in Rwanda with whom I work, partner, laugh and share lifelong friendships are equally as impressive. I am amazed at how hard everyone in Rwanda works. And no one with whom I work, from leaders in government to the poorest of microloan recipients is waiting to have someone else make a difference in their lives. They are determined to do it - and to be even a small part of their dreams is humbling and daunting (a good day for a friend and coach!)
The children of Rwanda have made me value my kids and grandkids even more. I see in my grandchildren only possibility. I don't know what they will do in their lives - but I believe they will live with great compassion and purpose.
My sons were forced to endure me and my ideas from the time I met them in 1980. Sometimes I would pack the holiday table with so many clients (from my days as a conservator/guardian for seniors) they would look at me - roll their eyes, and then be incredibly kind because I asked them to be. And my daughter Tara? I couldn't ask for a more loving daughter. We met when she was 17 and I was 23 - can you imagine?! How do you thank people in your life who let you just be you? In my case, it's by loving them every day and never forgetting the gift they gave, and continue to give to me of their support and love.
All of this comes to mind on my 7th journey to Rwanda. This 2nd leg, Newark to Brussels has such context of its greater purpose. I love the adventure of travel. Only anger and unkindness ruffle my feathers. Delays, cramped quarters, solving the impossible, tiredness, etc., are just signs I'm out of my comfort zone. And when did being in my comfort zone ever feel so comfortable to me?
I thank God for this crazy life I lead. I'm not pulled in a thousand directions, but I'm swept along in the directions I choose to go. It's a wonderful life - full of trials and tribulations, exceeded expectations and lost opportunities. Lessons, love and laughter. Works for me.
And from all of that comes a huge amount of accomplishment and satisfaction. It is about a life well lived - one of success and significance. And each of us get to define what those terms mean in our own lives.
If you know me well, you know I challenge you to keep your eyes on your own paper - to do NOW what you want to do. Build and sail that ship at the same time!!! (Beats sitting on an island waiting for someone to rescue you.)
Less self indulgent reading can be found on the Itafari website - it's good work - join us if you can. But most importantly, run with your dreams. If you need a rudder for the journey, coaching could be for you-I can provide it or give you some referrals. But most importantly, never give up. You matter, your dreams matter, and you can create something that will take your breath away.
Bon Voyage, and safe travels.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Fri, Jul 03, 2009 @ 06:45 PM
You cannot bring about prosperity
by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the
strong. You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage
payer. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class
hatred. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot
keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot
build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and
independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they
could and should do for themselves. Abraham Lincoln
Do you lead from strength, courage, integrity
and insight? If so, continue on.
If not so much, reread what was written well
over 100 years ago. It's no less relevant, no less true, no less
important now than it was then.
Behavior matters. Make your behavior
matter in a way that matters to you. And even, dare I say it:
change the world. Happy 4th.
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Mon, Jun 29, 2009 @ 11:34 PM
This second blog in a 3 part series is
about being profitable. The business
of your business. As an entrepreneur,
you’re full of great ideas, know how to implement them but can lose sight of
the day to day need to stay profitable.
The first article was about PEOPLE.
Now we move on to PROFITABILITY.
Give the following some thought:
Leaving a paycheck is never easy. Yet
the thought of owning your own business can be very tempting. It’s important to
know what your business model looks like and how long it will take you to be
profitable. Do you have financial
reserves as you build your business? Can you afford to be a professional
business person (website, business cards, marketing and advertising, office
space, etc.)? You will attract business as you become a business.
Don’t underestimate
the importance of the desire and need to be profitable. This is not magic, but
a well planned strategy to turn your passion into a career. And do not give
away your product or services. Good intentions do not pay the bills! If you
haven’t read Think and Grow Rich
by Napoleon Hill, do so.
Good work that is
honored through revenue, pays the bills. So begin with the desire to make a
life through the work you do, and be paid to do it. Great businesses fail less.
And if the stress of making money is so great that you can’t survive slower times
and a tough economy, proceed with caution.
Profitability is about running a business that
sustains itself and brings a profit to you.
ACTION ITEM: What will I do
today to become more profitable, personally and professionally? What do I believe about being profitable and
what model am I working from or creating?
What people will I connect with to advance my goals? Do I need a
coach to play my best business game?
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Fri, Jun 26, 2009 @ 06:36 AM
At the end of June
2003, I chose to leave a very secure job in banking to start over as an
executive coach. I’d been in business for myself prior to joining the
bank but it had been almost five years back in corporate. I had the
privilege of working with the best of the best – a team who cared deeply for
their clients and believed in the direction we were heading.
But it wasn’t enough
for me and I knew it was time to become a full time executive coach. I
leapt from the security of a regular paycheck – days dictated by a strict
culture with high stress and expectations, back to the unknown and a new
business.
As I told my team,
it’s not that I wanted to go; it’s that I couldn’t stay. I had to try
this. The opportunity to work with individuals who wanted more success,
more ease, more greatness and control in their own lives. And my clients
find it whether they are in corporate or working on their own.
This first blog is
about one of 3 things I know each of us must focus on every day, especially in
the role of an entrepreneur.
The first is
PEOPLE. And PEOPLE includes you. Give the following some thought:
Are you the kind of person who enjoys playing the role of
entrepreneur? Do you love the thrill of victory and can you handle the agony of
defeat. And in both cases, will you try again?
Many businesses exist, but yours must reflect you to
be truly successful. Can you connect with your defined ideal client and tell
the story of your business in a way that is powerful for both you and the
listener?
Who is on your team of experts to help you in your role as
an entrepreneur? Who is your coach? People is about you, those you
serve, and those who make you successful.
ACTION ITEM:
What will I do today to become more successful – what people will I connect
with to advance my goals? Do I need a coach to play my best business
game?