Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?

We have had the good fortunate of connecting with Nobel Laureates, titans of industry, rockstars and rising stars across dozens of industries and we have always found their stories about who they were early on to be most fascinating. Below, you’ll find members of the community sharing their responses to this key aspect of their stories.

Kadria Clements

Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a girl in love with stories. I adored reading and film—mainly “chick flicks” and rom coms—or prancing around to early 2000s music that made me feel like “that girl”. I always found myself going back to the things that younger me loved. Read more >>>

Justin Burkhamer

Who was I before the world told me who I had to be? Such a good question. The truth is, the world never told me who I had to be—and I don’t think I would have listened if it had. I’ve simply learned to adjust to situations while keeping who I am at my core. Read more >>>

Shakea Miller

Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a dreamer with big visions and a heart to help others. I was that little girl who believed anything was possible, even when the odds were stacked against me. I didn’t see limits, I only saw opportunities to create, to build, and to make a difference. Read more >>>

Shanquea Walker

Before the world told me who I was, I was Shan. I was a curious, creative, and free-spirited girl who loved to dream big. Life was meaningful when I was writing, creating, and finding joy in turning simple things into something meaningful. I didn’t see limits because I saw possibilities. Read more >>>