Kerry Brodie is impatient. When she saw a problem and realized the existing solutions could take years or decades to create change, she created a whole new system: one that would have immediate and lasting impact for generations.

As the founder of Emma's Torch, she's created a launchpad for refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking. Through culinary education, ESL classes, and job placement assistance, Emma’s Torch is helping America's newest arrivals chart their own course to success.

In this episode, Kerry shares how she went from from DC politics to nonprofit founder. She dishes on the challenges of balancing work and family life, and serves up some food for thought on what it truly means to lead authentically. Kerry's story is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful question we can ask ourselves is "whose permission are you waiting for?"

Instead of “Why me?” I ask, “Why not me? What barrier is in front of me that's making this impossible? Who is the gatekeeper whose opinion matters more than my conviction? Whose opinion or rules matter more than the needs of this moment?”

5 Key Uplifting Lessons:

1. Don't wait for permission - ask yourself "why not me?"
2. Break big problems down into smaller, manageable steps.
3. Approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear.
4. Success is about empowering others to pursue their own goals.
5. Being a leader means empowering others, not martyring yourself.

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The Uplifters’ Web

• Kerry was nominated by Sandy Samberg. Check out her wonderful story on The Uplifters episode 60.
• This week’s opening is by the amazing Janelle Hill. Here her story on The Uplifters episode 56.

Let’s keep rising higher together.

💓 Aransas