Yes, Amy Sullivan has her eyes firmly fixed on the future, but she also knows that future is promising because of all the help she’s had in the past. She deliberately cultivates – and advocates – a sense of gratitude. “I am grateful to a number of people who invested in me and fostered the characteristics that made Lumina Business Solutions possible,” she says.
For example, there is the group of women she calls her “tribe.” “These ladies have inspired, educated and guided me for more years than I can recall,” Sullivan says. “The time they have invested in me has made me a better professional and a better person. They gave me the courage to assert myself and to reach for what I wanted. They taught me the art of negotiation. They taught me the importance of giving back to my community. Most of all, they taught me to believe in myself. I am who I am because of who they are.”
Other individuals stand out in Sullivan’s gratitude gallery. She gives kudos to her first boss, who had been a Navy Seal, for setting her on a good path when she was still a teenager. “Mr. John, as he liked to be called, was often point-man on his Seal team, meaning he was the first in line scouting the jungles of Vietnam, and was brave and admirable beyond measure,” Sullivan recalls. “He was shot in the right knee on three different occasions and was relieved of duty after the Navy replaced his knee, despite his pleas to return to his team.” Mr. John was a tough but valuable mentor, she adds. “Under his tutelage I learned the importance of accuracy, timeliness, dedication and pride in a job well done. He had very high expectations and anything less, no matter the obstacles to be conquered to achieve the goal, was unacceptable. He inspired me to forge ahead, even when the terrain is intimidating or difficult. Figure it out. Nothing of value ever comes easily.”
Sullivan says everyone should be so lucky as to have a “tough SOB” – a title Mr. John bore proudly – to teach them the ways of professionalism. Some years later, she found another teacher in her boss at Intracoastal Realty. “I am grateful to him for the many lessons I learned in the 10 years we worked together,” she continues. “He never micro-managed me; he set goals and let me figure out how to achieve them. Creativity and critical thinking were key. He helped me improve my skillset and made me a better professional.”
Sullivan continued learning, and remembers with gratitude the experience and wisdom shared by another valued colleague at Intracoastal Realty. “She taught me the nuances of managing and growing a business that no textbook can provide. Foresight is key,” Sullivan notes. “She taught me to think though the potential consequences of action or inaction and make an informed decision. She instilled in me the art of customer service and helped me understand that, as a professional, you’re either growing or withering on the vine. I choose to grow.”
Another source of inspiration has come from the founder of a nonprofit that supports foster families, a cause in which Sullivan has invested her time, talent and treasure. “She taught me that one person can make a difference by working hard to inspire others,” Sullivan says. “In business, no one succeeds alone. Teams succeed, inspired by passionate and dedicated leaders. It’s true also for nonprofits that seek to make a difference, and I am lucky to be part of several such organizations.”
Sullivan has also found wisdom in the words of a modern saint. “As Mother Teresa said, ‘I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples,’” she reminds herself, adding her message of gratitude.
“Thanks to all my friends and mentors for encouraging me to make ripples!”
Website: https://luminasolutions.com/
