The Power of Showing Up
At 23, I was making $7/hour with no benefits. I didn’t even know what benefits were. I answered an ad for customer service reps at T. Rowe Price. The hiring manager didn’t want to hire me — I didn’t have a college degree. But I convinced him to give me an interview and promised I’d finish school, with no idea how I’d actually do it. A few months later, a snowstorm hit. I didn’t own boots or a winter coat, but I made it into the office early. Weeks later, a letter arrived from the company President & CEO: “Your dedication made it possible for us to open on time for the markets and our clients.” That letter mattered. But the bigger lesson was this: Showing up — even when it’s inconvenient, even when you’re underqualified, even when it’s uncomfortable — can change everything. Fast forward ten years. I was applying to Loyola University in Maryland’s MBA program. On paper, I wasn’t qualified: didn’t finish high school, no college degree. But I had something else. Months earlier, I had shown up for a nonprofit in my community. A contact there wrote me a great recommendation. When I asked if he knew George Collins — the same executive who had written me that letter a decade before — he did. And Mr. Collins agreed to recommend me for the MBA program. Against the odds, Loyola said yes. And three years later, I walked across the stage and earned my MBA. That’s the power of showing up! – Show up for your employer. – Show up for your community. – And, most importantly, show up for yourself. It won’t always guarantee an easy path — but it can change the trajectory of your life. 👉 I’d love to hear from you: What’s one moment when simply showing up changed everything for you?
Define Yourself
“Her story attracts scrutiny.” That’s what a journalist once wrote about me — and he was right, though his reason couldn’t have been more wrong. But I had been here before. As a teenager, I told the truth about what happened to me. In that case, the police didn’t believe me. My own family didn’t believe me. For 19 years, my story was treated like a question mark. One day, I decided to take the same resourcefulness I’d learned in business and apply it to something much more personal. I called the Baltimore City Police Department every day until I found the right person, and he called me back. Once my case was investigated, after 19 years, it was solved in three days. Years later, when that journalist cast doubt on my integrity in two prominent newspapers, I knew I had to once again leverage my resourcefulness to prove I was telling the truth. I dug through public records, scanned old articles, uncovered documents and long-buried secrets — until I could fully document my own story. Not because I needed to convince the world, but because I needed clarity for myself. What I found was so much worse than I remembered…FBI knocking on our front door, ties to the mafia, corruption. And it laid the groundwork for a book. This process of uncovering the secrets of the past led me to the first and most important principle of my life and leadership: get absolute clarity about who you are. If you do not define yourself, someone else will. It’s not just knowing your strengths or “personal brand.” It’s being willing to face the hardest truths, sift through the noise, and declare: This is my story. This is who I am. And no one else gets to decide it or define it. That’s what clarity does — it gives you the power to decide your boundaries, your actions, and your leadership. This is me with the binders of research I uncovered. Have you ever had to claim your own story?
Transformation
Adventures with Leslie Who’s ready for a Leslie update? Everywhere I go, people ask how she’s doing—and I love that you care as much as I do. Leslie is still rocking her signature style: frilly pastel dresses, the occasional leopard print, and making more decisions for herself. But not all of them. It took some convincing but her new favorite—VEJA velcro sneakers (both chic and life-changing!). The biggest news? When Leslie came to live with me, she was registered for her day program but hadn’t attended in years. She had spent every day in her room alone, watching television or listening to music. If you know Leslie, you know every suggestion starts with a firm no. Eventually, she warms up, but sometimes I have to help her take the leap.This was one of those times. We started small: one day a week at her program. Then two. Then three. Building slowly, celebrating each milestone—walking up stairs upright, learning to take a shower, saying please and thank you. None of it easy, but step by step, Leslie showed us all what persistence and courage look like. Recently, with the support of her Service Coordinator (thank you, Kyree Neal!), we moved her to a new day program at Richcroft Inc. This also started with a no but… The change has been transformative. Instead of of up to 50 calls a day out of boredom, Leslie now calls me smiling—and even a little tired from all the activities! Behind the scenes, programs like Community Pathways (Medicaid) make this possible. They cover Leslie’s healthcare, her residential and day programs, and the support services that give her dignity and independence. For the first time ever, Leslie even has her own savings account—an ABLE account—helping her pay for little joys like coffee outings, movie nights, and recently, her very first airplane ride to visit her brother. As I often remind my children: “How we care for the most vulnerable is a reflection of who we are as a society.” Leslie’s story is one of courage, love, and yes—resourcefulness. And I’m so grateful to share it with all of you. 💜
White Party
Recently, I had the honor of speaking at an Influence Circle Dinner in Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia—an experience that reminded me of one powerful truth: Showing up is everything. Erika Baez-Grimes invited me to this incredible event, and, to be honest, there were plenty of reasons not to go—an hour-plus drive after a long workday, rush hour traffic, and rain. But I said yes. Why? Because showing up is a choice. And sometimes, that one simple decision can lead to incredible opportunities and experiences you never imagined. At the dinner, I met some truly inspiring individuals—including Dr. Geith Kallas, who later invited me to my first-ever White Party (another event I almost talked myself out of…who has a perfect white outfit just waiting for an invitation?!). But once again, I said yes—and let me tell you, it was AMAZING. Imagine: flamenco dancers, a mermaid in the pool, water bubble dancing, a stunning opera performance, and delicious Syrian food. But the real magic? Dr. Kallas’s story. He shared his journey of coming to America—navigating the risks, the challenges, and the incredible opportunities that arose simply because he chose to show up. His story was filled with gratitude, not just for what he has, but for everything he’s worked for. It was the kind of reminder that the American Dream is built on hard work, resilience, and the courage to take that first step, even when it’s uncomfortable. 🌟 Key Takeaway: Opportunity is always knocking, you just have to open the door. Showing up—even when it feels inconvenient or uncomfortable—unlocks doors to new connections, lessons, and opportunities that can transform your life. So here’s to showing up. To saying yes when it counts. Because you never know what might be waiting on the other side of that decision. hashtag#ShowingUp hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Networking hashtag#AmericanDream hashtag#Opportunities hashtag#Gratitude hashtag#PersonalGrowth hashtag#LeadershipLessons hashtag#RiskTaking
Resourcefulness Got Me An MBA
Resourcefulness got me into an MBA program without finishing high school or college, helped me build a venture-backed tech startup, and helped me prove my own story after a journalist questioned it. This weekend, it led me down a skincare rabbithole. Let me explain: Every year, I look forward to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — especially the Beauty Exclusives (Yes, I may or may not have an 80-step skincare routine 😄). A few years ago, I bought an expensive product that seemed to go bad way too quickly, and after multiple unanswered emails to the company to find out the manufacture or expiration date, I became more determined. Fast forward to me diving into AI, chats, and reviews for answers, and here’s what I uncovered: 1️⃣ AI can compare products effectively.I compared two Kiehl’s moisturizers (one for face, one for body) and, surprise, the ingredients were nearly identical! The face product was smaller and more expensive, but the body moisturizer worked just as well on the face. 2️⃣ Product codes are not random!I used a site called CheckFresh to decipher the tiny, seemingly random product codes on the packaging and found that a Clarins serum I just purchased was almost 2 years old… before I even opened it. And this $200+ serum is listed with a 2-year shelf life. Same for Lancome. 3️⃣ Consumers are more informed than ever.Thanks to AI, I found that many “premium” skincare products weren’t actually better—in fact, many less expensive options had the same ingredients. Another surprise: Items packaged as a set for the sale had very different manufacture dates, months or years apart. Are old products being repackaged? What does this mean for the future of skincare…and business? As AI spreads, consumers will demand more. More transparency, better consumer knowledge, and the rise of natural ingredients that offer real value. I will still buy some “premium” products, especially if they have higher-quality ingredients but I’ll do more research first! If there’s one lesson here, it’s that resourcefulness always pays off — whether you’re navigating business or the beauty aisle. Kiehl’s Since 1851 | Clarins USA, Inc. | L’OCCITANE Group (B Corp) | ELEMIS | Beiersdorf | CheckFresh.com hashtag#Resourcefulness hashtag#AI hashtag#Skincare hashtag#BeautyTech hashtag#ConsumerPower hashtag#Innovation
Jason Virts
Some people start with every advantage. Others start with almost none — and still succeed. When Jason Virts was removed from his home as an infant under unimaginable circumstances, and later lost his mother in a tragic act of violence, he didn’t have a roadmap. He had to create one. At 14, he was working in a grocery store. Today, he’s in college and interning at the Space Telescope Science Institute—proof that resilience and resourcefulness can change the trajectory of a life. On this episode of The Laura Neuman Show, we talk about:👉 What it means to choose your family 👉 How to keep showing up when the odds are against you 👉 And how determination, not luck, has shaped Jason’s path S1: Episode 3 – Choosing Your Family with Jason Virts This is a conversation about strength, growth, and finding your own way forward—no matter where you start. Watch/Listen now-Youtube: https://lnkd.in/eHSY4K2m Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e9JmGN3F Apple: https://lnkd.in/eVUFekSh hashtag#Resilience hashtag#Resourcefulness hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Grit hashtag#TheLauraNeumanShow hashtag#Podcast hashtag#Inspiration hashtag#OvercomingAdversity
Women’s Leadership
When Stacey Smith asked me to speak at a women’s leadership event, I said yes—because I was curious. Curious about the theme, the audience, and what she had in mind. I’ve shared my journey before—how I earned an MBA without finishing high school or college, built a venture-backed tech company after being ignored by big tech, and ran for public office without political connections. At the event, I spoke about the 4 habits of resourceful leaders: 👉 Believe in yourself👉 Show up👉 Bet on yourself👉 Advocate for yourself & others But what made this event truly unforgettable wasn’t the talk. It was Stacey’s decision to use the gathering to support Richcroft—an organization that’s transformed my sister Leslie’s life. Leslie is developmentally disabled. And for the first time in her life, she has a full, joyful, independent life—because of the extraordinary people at Richcroft. That’s the kind of event Stacey creates: one that blends purpose, leadership, and community impact. She’s built an incredible career producing high-level corporate events. But this time, she used her platform to give back—and it made all the difference. 💛 To everyone who attended—thank you for showing up. I met so many remarkable women. 💛 To Stacey—your heart and vision are unmatched. 💛 To Richcroft—thank you for giving my sister a life filled with dignity and joy. 📸 Special thanks to Pam Long for capturing the night beautifully. 🙌 And to Barbara Moyer for sharing the powerful work Richcroft is doing. 👉 If you’re looking for an event planner who leads with purpose, call Stacey Smith. 👉 If you want to support an organization doing life-changing work, check out Richcroft Inc. hashtag#LeadershipWithPurpose hashtag#EventPlanning hashtag#Richcroft hashtag#Gratitude hashtag#CommunityMatters hashtag#WomensLeadership hashtag#DevelopmentalDisabilities
Richcroft Silent Auction
You know the drill. You walk into a silent auction saying, “I’m just here to support the cause.” Next thing you know, you’re the proud owner of a basket of artisanal mustards or—worse—a giant painting of a dog that looks nothing like your furry friend. As someone who prides herself on resourcefulness, I’m officially offering my services as your unofficial Silent Auction Strategist.Because really, shouldn’t we have ground rules? Here’s my personal checklist before placing that first bid:✅ Will this add actual value to my life (or can I share it with a friend)?✅ Will I be devastated if I don’t win it?✅ Will I wake up tomorrow and say, “Wait…did I just spend $300 on a baby snowsuit?” (True story.)✅ Am I okay treating this like a straight-up donation—even if the item gathers dust? 🔥 Pro Tips from the Field:Team up! I once split a celebrity chef dinner. Best move. Keep your eyes on sleeper items—the ones no one’s noticing Monitor your bids like it’s the stock market in the final 5 minutes And whatever you do: DO NOT BRING YOUR KIDS.My daughter figured out the bidding app at age 7 and walked away with some serious swag. My son recently conspired with a close friend to trick me into buying two dog portraits (they signed my name to the bid sheet). He even told another bidder, “This looks just like my childhood dog” to ward her off. The audacity. So yes—it’s for a good cause. But also, it’s a jungle out there.Stay sharp. Stay resourceful. And maybe leave the kids at home. 🐾 If you’d like this lovely piece of art, please consider a donation to the worthy organization that originally offered it at their silent auction – Richcroft Inc. Or just DM and it’s yours! What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever won at a silent auction? hashtag#SilentAuctionSurvival hashtag#ResourcefulnessInAction hashtag#NonprofitLife hashtag#HumorAtWork hashtag#BiddingWars hashtag#LinkedInHumor
Women in Business
As we close out International Women’s Month, I want to reflect on a few pivotal moments in my career that made me realize being a woman often required more from me than my qualifications alone. At twenty-one, I was told my skirt should be shorter while being considered for a promotion. At twenty-eight, at a different company, I applied for a promotion only to be told I wasn’t eligible because I didn’t have a college degree—despite the fact that the male hiring manager didn’t have one either. At thirty-five, while raising venture capital for my company, an investor I considered both a mentor and a friend arrived at my home with champagne and asked me to sleep with him. I was told by a female CEO that another venture investor – who invested in my company – replaces female CEO’s. We were both replaced. Women-led companies still receive about 2% of venture capital, the same as in 2000. ‼️ At thirty-seven, I invited a well-known venture capitalist to invest in my cyber company. Instead of discussing business, he spent the entire dinner—while introducing me to an angel investor—groping me under the table. Women aren’t asking for special treatment. We’re asking for our accomplishments to be recognized, for our voices to be heard, and for us to have the opportunity to reach our full potential. At forty-eight, just after being sworn into public office, I went into the private ensuite bathroom attached to my office and found a magnet on the mirror that said, “SHE who must be obeyed.” At forty-nine, the head of the governor’s transition team told me, “You’re aggressive,” and following a long pause where he seemed to reconsider his candor after seeing the expression on my face, added, “But in a good way.” I enjoy working with men. And women. And honestly, I’m not angry. I just want us to acknowledge the reality women have faced, and understand that we still have a long way to go. I know many women who have had amazing career support. We’re making progress but this recent news on 404’ing women and underrepresented groups is a setback. Nicole Malachowski, former Commander of the 333rd Fighter Squadron, summed it up perfectly when she responded to being erased from the Department of Defense: “We mark ‘firsts’ to ensure we never go back, and to ensure we keep the door open for the ‘second,’ ‘third,’ and ‘fourth,’ etc.” Let’s keep pushing forward. For all the women who follow. hashtag#internationalwomensmonth #hashtag#womeninleadership hashtag#womeninbusiness
International Women’s Month
As we close out International Women’s Month, I want to reflect on a few pivotal moments in my career that made me realize being a woman often required more from me than my qualifications alone. At twenty-one, I was told my skirt should be shorter while being considered for a promotion. At twenty-eight, at a different company, I applied for a promotion only to be told I wasn’t eligible because I didn’t have a college degree—despite the fact that the male hiring manager didn’t have one either. At thirty-five, while raising venture capital for my company, an investor I considered both a mentor and a friend arrived at my home with champagne and asked me to sleep with him. I was told by a female CEO that another venture investor – who invested in my company – replaces female CEO’s. We were both replaced. Women-led companies still receive about 2% of venture capital, the same as in 2000. ‼️ At thirty-seven, I invited a well-known venture capitalist to invest in my cyber company. Instead of discussing business, he spent the entire dinner—while introducing me to an angel investor—groping me under the table. Women aren’t asking for special treatment. We’re asking for our accomplishments to be recognized, for our voices to be heard, and for us to have the opportunity to reach our full potential. At forty-eight, just after being sworn into public office, I went into the private ensuite bathroom attached to my office and found a magnet on the mirror that said, “SHE who must be obeyed.” At forty-nine, the head of the governor’s transition team told me, “You’re aggressive,” and following a long pause where he seemed to reconsider his candor after seeing the expression on my face, added, “But in a good way.” I enjoy working with men. And women. And honestly, I’m not angry. I just want us to acknowledge the reality women have faced, and understand that we still have a long way to go. I know many women who have had amazing career support. We’re making progress but this recent news on 404’ing women and underrepresented groups is a setback. Nicole Malachowski, former Commander of the 333rd Fighter Squadron, summed it up perfectly when she responded to being erased from the Department of Defense: “We mark ‘firsts’ to ensure we never go back, and to ensure we keep the door open for the ‘second,’ ‘third,’ and ‘fourth,’ etc.” Let’s keep pushing forward. For all the women who follow. hashtag#internationalwomensmonth #hashtag#womeninleadership hashtag#womeninbusiness
