Meet the Council – Lizabeth Phelps

Lizabeth Phelps President Inspired Leaders’ Academy

Executive Council Member Lizabeth Phelps, President of Inspired Leaders’ Academy, shares what she wish she knew in college given her experience today.

When I was in college, I wish I’d known that my life and career would *never* be straight lines. That there, in fact, was not a “best path to success”—and certainly that what is billed as the best path was done so by those too afraid of coloring outside of the lines. I wish I had been told that there is no shame in failing—not once, not dozens of times. Those who innovate will inevitably fail because they’re trying something new. I wish I’d been told that having my own business was not just viable, but the best route for me, given my talents and constitution. But most of all, I wish I’d been told that my value is not based on how much I perform or what I produce—my value is a given because I’m walking around on Earth: that’s enough. Since you *are* in college still, I will tell you: don’t get caught in that trap. No one cares about what you produce, only you. So relax on super-achieving and listen to the still, small voice in you that will, only when you listen, get you where you *really* want to go.

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