On this episode of the Ignite podcast with Rob Followell, Rob features guest Dr. Doris Wesley. Dr. Wesley is the founder of the Gem Daughters Network, an organization devoted to women and girls with dysfunctional father/daughter relationships. But more than that, Dr. Wesley is human. She definitely wants that established before her interesting conversation with Rob begins. Acknowledging her humanity is a way to make a deep connection with others, rooted in commonality.
Dr. Wesley’s focus is on creating a more peaceful world, a mission brief that finds her talking to victims of war and traveling to conflict zones. Wherever she travels, her objective is the same: teaching skills to reduce and resolve conflict, whether among people or organizations. For that reason, it is not surprising she would choose “impact” to describe her aspiration. Helping others, bringing peace and healing to communities, working to identify where all make a difference. As Dr. Wesley says on the podcast, “I aspire to … actually transform lives.”
Rob shares that by working on our strengths, we can develop them into superpowers. He suggests that leadership comes from applying our superpowers in leading others. Dr. Wesley states that her superpower is compassion. Compassion facilitates connection, which leaders can use to construct tightly knit teams. Her compassion clearly comes through in what she would say to her younger self to relieve the anxiety she suffered back then: “Everything is going to be okay.” Having faith in oneself and one’s circumstances is the message she would give to young people in general.
Dr. Wesley considers her legacy as still in progress. She is working to develop a test to help young women “discover some of the hidden wounds, emotional triggers, and behavioral patterns that keep them stuck.” Dr. Wesley has built a strong foundation for her life, and her thoughts can help you build a strong foundation for yourself as well, so that you can leave a powerful legacy—one with impact.
Listen to Rob’s powerful conversation with Dr. Doris Wesley here.
