I have ALWAYS been passionate about 'Career Development' and brining this to every team I support as a professional in this so-called field of Human Resources.
 
However, what if we did a small shift and focused on being a life-long learner first?  

Recently I was happy to be a panel guest for an organization taking ‘Career Development’ a step further for their teams throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia! The program discussion was ALL about what it means to be a life-longer leaner and how to tangibly do this. 

If we, as leaders can live out being a life-long learner and help grow THIS in the culture, wherever we are…I believe this will make a larger impact on ourselves and the lives of those around us.  

The learning will not stop at the job (though a huge chunk of learning can happen on the job), but will continue in all areas in life. This spills over to not only better career opportunities/performance…but also to better parenting, finances, being a better dancer, fill in the bank for yourself….and the list goes on! 

Here are 3 top take-aways I’m running with: 
1. Be comfortable, being uncomfortable - Do the next HARD thing! Even if you have to block time on your schedule to move the needle to that bigger goal (typically the one you keep putting off that is sitting outside of your daily emails/tasks/etc.) 
 
2. ‘Feed-FORWARD’ vs.‘Feedback’ – For ourselves and others, focusing on propelling forward in a needed growth area. This means leading with the belief that we can/will grow in this area and how to do it, instead of harping on what we did wrong in the past.  

3. Micro improvements – small baby steps that over time lead to exponential growth. For example, making a few intentional swaps. This reminds me of healthy eating – swapping a yogurt for ice cream…same thing - Swapping a Facebook scroll for a few pages of a good book!  
 
Thank you again to Marco and Nashlene for the impactful discussion and the key learnings that if put into practice are truly transformational. You are both incredible leaders and embody what it means to be a life-long learner!

Author: Erika Butler, CEO​

I decided very early on that I would never start a business!  True story!  I was very adamant about this. The main reason being about 15 years ago my Business Law Professor told our class, “I don’t want to burst any of your dreams…but launching a business is generally a very dumb thing to do!"

He went on to share that only 25% of businesses make it past their 5th year of business and most likely will lose a lot of time and money in their pursuits.  From that moment on, coupled with the fear of failure, I was convinced that entrepreneurship was not for me.  

Fast forward, I learn much more about finances, health, the field of human resources, faith, business, marriage, motherhood and the list goes on!  I decided to go for it, despite all my pre-conceived notions.  I research a ton about why businesses fail…how to start a business…how to run a business…etc…. for hours and hours.   

Last week marked 4 years of launching Higher International Human Resources LLC!  I opened our business in a hotel room in Nashville, TN at Christy Wright’s Business Boutique Conference, recommended by dear friends and business owners John and Lauren Velarde.   

A major theme of that conference was “Do it Scared!”  So, I followed this motto and haven’t looked back!  I’m so excited for the future and the many possibilities we now have with our dynamic, beautiful, impactful organization!   
That doesn’t mean it’s perfect every day…there are problems to solve, kinks to work out, processes to improve… but the adventure and impact is so worth it. 

I’m a big believer in taking baby steps towards those dreams and passions on your heart!  If you have a goal, most likely it will still be there years later…so you might as well jump in and get started with that first baby step! 
We don’t take anniversaries lightly.  You better believe we will do everything in our power to make it to that milestone 5-year Anniversary AND far beyond.  We are very happy to be here working hard on initiatives we love…impacting our clients, community and beyond…and we are just getting started! 

Happy 4th Year Anniversary to our ‘Go Higher!’ Team!  You are some of the most talented, hard-working, trustworthy, result-oriented and KINDEST people I have ever met.  We are so thankful for each and every one of you and grateful to be on the journey with you!"   

Author: Erika Butler, CEO

Safe Place Ministry LLC. provides guidance, training, and care to those who serve in any definition of human services. Safe Place Ministry LLC recognizes that your well-being matters too. There are several common experiences when working with high human need, and it's important that you receive support and care. Whether it's space to process, training tools, or personal development Safe Place Ministry LLC is here for you!