In Day 6 of the 7 Things My Mother Gave Me series, I reflect on a Jamaican proverb my mother once used in a moment I will never forget.

“Di higher di monkey climb, di more im expose.” Literally, it means that the higher the monkey climbs, the more it exposes itself.

Behind the saying is a powerful reminder: the higher we rise in life—whether in leadership, visibility, or influence - the more our character becomes visible to others.

In this reflection, I explore how success and opportunity bring not only recognition, but responsibility, and why humility and integrity matter even more the higher we go.

Because sometimes the greatest test of character comes not when we are struggling - but when we are succeeding.