BONUS EPISODE: Marsha Haygood: Designing Your Strategy for Success

Marsha Haygood, CEO of Stepwise Associates says finding success starts with three essential questions; What do you want? Why do you want it? And what are you willing to sacrifice to make it happen? Marsha Haygood is a renowned leadership expert, captivating speaker, and accomplished author with a remarkable career dedicated to empowering individuals, especially women, to unlock their full potential and achieve success.   With over three decades of professional experience, Marsha has become a leading voice in leadership development, career advancement, and personal growth.   As the co-author of "The Little Black Book of Success" and its companion workbook, Marsha offers invaluable insights and strategies to help individuals navigate the complexities of the corporate world and achieve their career aspirations.   Her guidance is particularly empowering for women of color, who often face unique challenges in their professional journeys.   Marsha's wisdom is grounded in her extensive background in human resources, where she honed her skills in talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational management.   She draws from her rich career experience to provide practical advice and actionable steps for her audience, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, effective networking, and strategic thinking.   With a mission to foster happiness and success, Marsha Haygood is a trusted mentor and guide, dedicated to empowering individuals to live their best lives.   Her words of wisdom, practical advice, and unwavering support have transformed the lives of countless individuals, making her a revered figure in the world of leadership and personal development.   Connect with Marsha Haygood on LinkedIn, or follow her on Instagram @AskMarciaH, where she maintains an active online presence, sharing valuable tips and strategies for her followers.   Key Takeaways   1. Self-Reflection and Goal Setting: Marsha emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and setting clear goals. To achieve success, it's crucial to know what you want and why you want it.   2. Networking and Building Relationships: Building a strong network is essential. Marsha advises nurturing authentic relationships with people who genuinely support your goals.   3. The Power of Mentorship: Seek mentors who can guide you and provide valuable insights. Marsha suggests approaching potential mentors with a clear understanding of what you need and how they can assist you.   4. Taking Prudent Risks: Success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking calculated risks. Be willing to explore new opportunities and don't be afraid of failure.   5. Self-Care and Happiness: Prioritize self-care and happiness. Success should not come at the expense of your well-being.   6. Delegation and Focus: Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Delegate tasks that are outside your zone of competence and concentrate on what you do best.   7. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Be proactive in updating your skills and knowledge to stay relevant and open to new opportunities.   Timestamps   1. [00:08:05] Marsha talks about the challenges she faced when transitioning to entrepreneurship, including letting go of her corporate perks and learning to delegate.   2. [00:14:00] Exploring the concept of living your best life and how to redefine success by finding happiness and joy in your pursuits.   3. [00:22:30] Marsha shares practical tips for approaching a job shift or career pivot, emphasizing the importance of research and proactive networking.   4. [00:32:18] Marsha introduces the concept of "do it, dump it, or delegate it" as a decision-making framework for career and life choices.   5. [00:36:18] Marsha provides practical advice on approaching a job shift, including researching and applying to companies you want to work for before job openings become available.   6. [00:38:05] Discussion on the importance of taking risks and being willing to make sacrifices to achieve your goals and desired career path.   7. [00:41:11] Marsha emphasizes the importance of happiness and self-care as essential components of success and living your best life.     Quotes   1. "You cannot give from an empty cup. You can't, you don't have it. So you wanna think about those things that bring you joy." - Marsha Haygood   2. "If you really have the desire, you know that's your why, then I say go for it. Try it. And guess what? Even if you fail, you'll learn something from it." - Marsha Haygood   3. "Take prudent risk to be successful." - Marsha Haygood