When I was offered my first leadership opportunity, I recoiled from it. I was a Research Analyst at Sanford Bernstein, and I was asked if I would consider becoming Director of Research. I was flattered, of course, but I didn’t want the job. What I really wanted was to…
7 posts tagged
decisions
I Don't Want To Be A Mom and Other Secrets I Do Not Share
“I know I’ll never have children.” I say it plainly, without emotion. The responses I receive raise the intensity level of the conversation: “Of course you will.” “That’ll change when you meet the right guy. You’ll love him so much you’ll just want to bear his…
Finding My New American Dream
My name is Brianna Dumas and I am nearly a quarter century old. If you would have asked me 5 years ago, where I saw myself at 24 or 25, my answer easily would have been married (or just about), purchasing my first house, etc—you know, the “American Dream.…
Most People Are Neither For You Nor Against You
I find this saying equal parts comforting and humbling, much like its sister-mantra, “This too shall pass.” The latter I repeat to myself in the depths of despair and/or winter. But where it brings great comfort to the broken of heart or the frozen of toes, it’s equally…
Making The Leap Of Faith
During my freshman year at American University, I found myself standing on a platform about 25 feet in the air, clutching a trapeze bar, preparing to jump with no prior training or experience. As I stared at my toes peeping over the edge and gripped the bar with shaky hands,…
It Takes A Village
I have now hit the 4 month mark of the most wonderful and challenging time of my life as a first time mother with a beautiful baby girl (and future Milk subscriber!). I honestly didn’t think I would get so much excitement from a little person staring back at…
Facing Failure
A little over three years ago, I submitted the following in my application to the Ross School of Business: I am launching a company called BetterHope, which is an ecommerce website for socially and environmentally responsible clothing. Currently, I am iterating on my business plan, building a supply network, and…