One of my must-see programs at the I.C.E. Exchange — held Nov. 17-20 in Miami Beach, Florida, this year — is the IGNITE session at the I.C.E. Awards Luncheon. IGNITE highlights the various careers of credentialing professionals with stories that evoke emotions and inspire attendees, and this year’s program will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

IGNITE reminds me how uniquely different our backgrounds and experiences are — yet, as I.C.E. members, we are connected through our passion for continuous learning and credentialing.

So, what’s my story?

People often ask me about my career journey: how I became a CEO and the important lessons I’ve learned along the way. I will share with you a snapshot of my journey and hope that sharing my experiences will provide you with helpful perspective, reassurance or inspiration to confidently pursue your own ambitions and goals. 

My Roots in the Industry

When I was a young college graduate wondering what I was going to do with my life, I recall considering my options those last few weeks before graduation: head back to my parent's home until I figured things out or dive headfirst into the workforce and see what happened.

Fortunately, I chose the latter. It's been quite a journey so far, filled with unexpected opportunities and challenges I would not trade for anything in the world. My first job was in association management as an assistant conference manager. Although I didn't initially foresee it, this role laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the association and credentialing communities.

I have an insatiable appetite for learning, a trait that has also been with me since childhood. While I got my professional bearings in a small-size association of 12 employees, I took every opportunity to learn about various aspects of the business. I was able to expand my skill set, have greater responsibility and become more deeply involved in day-to-day operations. It was here that I learned about the importance of education and certification in upholding the highest standards of excellence.

Eventually, this newfound knowledge paved the way for me to transition to a role in certification. And a couple of years later, I used the skills and experience I acquired in that role to work for an organization that improved the quality of care delivered to heart rhythm patients through competency certification.

From that first job held over 25 years ago, I went on to become a conference manager, senior manager, director of certification, senior director of education and certification, and executive director. Since then I have also held two CEO positions.  

As IGNITE informs us, every career path is unique and deeply personal. What worked for me may not necessarily work for you. But it underscores the fact that there are countless roads to the destination we know as credentialing. Even so, I think the strategies I have learned throughout my career will help those at the beginning of their journeys.

Read on for a few of those tips. I hope they are helpful to you or a colleague burgeoning into the industry.

5 Pieces of Advice for the New Credentialing Professional

1. Integrate the perspectives of everyone you interact with.
   I’ve benefitted from the diverse perspectives of the many wonderful people I have interacted with in my life. Their varied experiences have shaped my thinking on everything from innovative problem-solving to navigating complex situations. They have advised me on maintaining work-life balance, seeking assistance when needed and maintaining a firm hold of my values and principles. Their insights were immensely beneficial and provided me with guidance on how to approach my quest for the leadership role I desired. By integrating these perspectives, I developed my own strategy with actionable steps.
2. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage your growth and provide constructive feedback.
   Joining and volunteering for I.C.E. is an excellent strategic investment in your career growth. I.C.E. provides access to a diverse group of credentialing experts, peers and industry leaders ready to share insights, experiences and best practices to help you achieve your goals.
3. Home in on what you love.
   At the heart of a successful career lies an understanding of your passions, values, strengths and weaknesses. This understanding deepens as you journey through life. Take the opportunity to reflect on what energizes and inspires you. Part of your journey is discovering what you’re good at, what you love and what you dislike.
   
   One aspect of myself I've always embraced is my passion for leadership. Leading an organization allows me to inspire and motivate individuals to achieve greatness — both in advancing an organization's mission and in pursuing their personal goals. I've found this to be the most effective way to channel my passion for making a difference. I lead with the belief that everyone has exceptional gifts and talents and an engrained ability to succeed in whatever they desire. Growing up I was inspired by my parents’ sense of gratitude, optimism and extraordinarily strong principles. They were resilient, hardworking individuals with a steadfast belief in the inherent goodness of people. These principles guide my leadership approach and my commitment to building authentic, supportive, human-centric organizational cultures — workplaces that are diverse, equitable and inclusive, and where all individuals are valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
4. Challenge yourself.
   I learned the importance of challenging myself from my boss at my first job out of college, more than 25 years ago. He was demanding and had high expectations. He corrected me when I was wrong and commended me when I did well. Above all, he encouraged, pushed and challenged me every step of the way. I came to appreciate all aspects of his leadership. As a 22-year-old kid fresh out of school, he was exactly the discipline I needed. He pushed me in ways that developed my ability to make decisions and lead teams and projects. He assigned challenging tasks to me despite my lack of experience. 
   
   Each time, he would just smile and say: “You’ll be fine. You can handle it.” And handle it I did. New opportunities hold the potential to advance our careers, so be ready to seize them. That means staying on top of industry trends, acquiring new skills, networking, attending industry events, remaining flexible, embracing change and adapting to new experiences. It also involves taking calculated risks. When the opportunity presents itself, take that leap of faith in yourself. 
5. Be self-aware yet confident.
   You are your best advocate. Your goals are within reach. Learning never gets old because learning, in all its forms, is an investment in yourself that will yield positive returns your entire life. And thankfully, your brain has a surprising ability to learn and master new skills at any age. Invaluable to your development will be the ability to navigate uncertainty, handle setbacks and bounce back stronger and wiser from failures.
   
   Self-awareness and confidence in your abilities are important first steps in navigating a fulfilling career. Conversely, self-doubt won’t do you or your career any favors. Challenge negative thinking with logical, positive affirmations. Stop anticipating failure and just dare to be better. Not perfect, but better. The role of CEO is exhilarating, rewarding and uplifting. But it can also be all-consuming, frustrating and lonely. It’s a double-edged sword — or what I like to refer to as a delicate challenge — and a role where you continually walk a fine line between success and failure. While you may not always have all the answers, do not succumb to self-doubt, which could otherwise prevent you from taking necessary action.

There are many pathways and numerous resources out there to guide you along the way, and what worked for me may not work for you. Nevertheless, the principles I shared have guided me through a fulfilling journey thus far, and I trust they will illuminate your path as well.