Didier P. Dumerjean’s Post

Excited to share a little insight I've gained while navigating the journey of earning my doctoral degree alongside my husband, Brian Simpson MPA, CFO. 🎓 We've recently wrapped up our first classes—me with 98.4% and him closely behind at 98%. Sure, there's been a bit of playful banter about our scores at home, but this friendly rivalry has done more than push us academically. It's been a reminder of the power of having someone in your corner who challenges you to be your best. This experience got me thinking about the importance of having partners who push you to excel—whether it's a spouse, a colleague at work, or even a 'frenemy.' These relationships can drive us to outperform our own expectations and inspire growth that we might not achieve on our own. So here’s to the challengers and cheerleaders in our lives—the ones who keep us on our toes and celebrate our victories as their own. 🥂 ❓Have you had a similar experience where a partner or colleague has motivated you to strive for more? I’d love to hear your stories! #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #AcademicJourney

🍯✨🪄🧙♂️ A few days ago, I had the opportunity to spend the day at Princeton University with the Harry Potter of the finance world, our own Mauricio Garcia, and of course, the one and only, my friend, David Meltzer. Walking the Princeton University campus was enchanting, and the private tour into Albert Einstein’s personal lab and lecture room was truly extraordinary. Absorbing the energies of Einstein and Dr. Oppenheimer while seated at booth 42 was an unforgettable experience. There is nothing greater than humbly acknowledging that for an immigrant boy from Mexico, this is nothing short of a dream. I want to continue to surround myself with greatness, whether through their energy or physical presence, as once you know, you cannot unknow. Throughout my life, I have strived to challenge myself and constantly reach for new heights, and I will continue to do so until the day I die. I can only fulfill my promise of identifying, developing, and deploying great leaders by continuing and committing to being a good student and a humble servant. Choose your inner circle carefully; if we indeed become the total sum of the five people we spend the most time with, ask yourself, “who are you becoming today?” Do not only curate your friends, but also your energy, relationships, technology, social media, information, and especially the news. GO GO GO 💥🚀💥🚀 #PeterOEstévez #LatinTalks #FinancialRevolution #Hispanic #Latino #MillionDollarTeams #BuildingMillionTeams #JobFair #ApplyNow #JobOpenings #BuildingPartnerships #Collaborations #FinacialLiteracy #FinancialPlanning #FinancialFreedom #wealthcreation #PrincetonUniversity #JeffBezos #AlbertEinstein #Amazon #Ruleof72

🌌✨ Dare to explore! 🚀 #Possibilities #AchievementUnleashed" One of my closest friends has recently embarked on an incredible journey by securing a full scholarship for postgraduate studies at an Ivy League University in the U.S. I am beyond proud and thrilled for her, as she never ceases to amaze me in both her personal and professional endeavors. She is the epitome of humility, groundedness, hard work, and self-made success. This new chapter in her life, however, has brought with it a series of eye-opening experiences.  The initial revelation unfolded as my friend found herself amidst classmates of an incredibly high-profile nature, including esteemed figures such as high-ranking government officials, diplomats, and policy advisors. In parallel, her instructors, as one might expect, are seasoned policy and political advisors with ties to world leaders. Suddenly, my dear friend was thrust into discussions where her insights were sought on the narratives surrounding ongoing international conflicts and pressing diplomatic issues. During one notable moment, while expressing interest in a particular issue for an assignment, her teacher not only lauded her choice but casually suggested that it would make an excellent topic for a book. He even extended an offer to assist her in the endeavor. If someone had told my friend a year ago that she would be scheduling meetings with influential global leaders, deeply engaged in addressing critical issues that significantly shape the destiny of our planet and impact countless lives, she would have found the notion amusing to the point of laughter. The undeniable reality is that none of us truly knows where our paths will lead in a few years. I am not one to attribute everything to mere coincidence; instead, I believe in the cumulative effect of our daily efforts, steps, and decisions guiding us toward our future. After all, things that may seem galaxies away are not as impossible as they appear. For me, the wisdom of Maya Angelou resonates: "I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand." When we find ourselves questioning our place or doubting our deservingness, we must remember that our brilliance is not only individual but is also a product of the collective support, love, resources, and mentorship generously given by those who have played a part in our journey. 

What a neat privilege to interview Kim B. Clark. If you don’t know about this man, he has been a major force in changing education around the globe—all the way from the lofty executives at Harvard Business School to young children in 3rd world countries. As a young adult, Kim served an LDS mission, before taking a year to study Brigham Young University. There, he met incredible professors who sparked him with a passion for teaching higher education. He then went to Harvard, where he forefronted incredible studies on innovation in the marketplace.  After his education and some years, he then became the dean of Harvard Business School. After a long and successful career at HBS, he received a special invitation from Gordon B. Hinckley, then acting President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to serve as President of Brigham Young University - Idaho. Although his peers thought he was out of his mind to switch schools, he accepted the role with enthusiasm. During his time at BYUI, Kim played a major role in the development of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, an online worldwide education network that now services more than 70,000 people a year, bringing education to even the poorest of countries. Kim has impacted millions of lives throughout the globe, including my own. Although I attended HBS many years after he left, the legacy and change for good he created helped shape my own character and career for the better. My personal takeaway from Kim’s story is that to make a big impact, you must decide where you wish to end up, and then you must accept the path it takes to get there. You’ll be tempted to stray or give up, but once you demonstrate that you’re not going anywhere, life opens up to you. Kim’s life looks nothing like he thought it would today, but he was fearless in taking those opportunities when they presented themselves. That faith and discipline has allowed him to accomplish in one lifetime what would normally take 10. I can’t recommend that you listen to the full interview with Kim and hear about his amazing story: https://lnkd.in/dHzKYyrP #casestudies #kimbclark #byupathwayworldwide #byupathways #harvardbusinesschool #byui #success #legacy #growth #motivation #bestlife #finance #wealth #reachingyourpotential #faith

Happy to share that I have earned my ✨ Professional Certificate in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice (DEIBJ)✨ from the University of California, Berkeley.   I was very impressed by professors Rudy Mendoza-Denton, Khatharya Um, Caitlin Rosenthal, Brandi Thompson Summers and others approaching these topics from the domains of psychology, geography, political science and history. 🌍✨ The three courses that comprised this program, covered topics from navigating DEI to bias in open data and how a history of exploitation and inequality continues to influence experiences and opportunities and how this shapes our current norms and workplace practices. 💡Most of all, it has better equipped me to develop strategies to alleviate these effects and to create the supporting frameworks needed to move from intentions and claims to tangible improvements. I will surely continue to broaden my knowledge as there are many more perspectives to learn from. 🔈To all leadership: allocate dedicated resources.

As a little Black girl in Los Angeles, the hallowed halls of Oxford felt worlds away. I used to think dreams like that weren't meant for someone like me. But this summer, I proved myself wrong! I had the privilege of attending an Executive Education program at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, in association with The Chief of Staff Association. The beauty of the program was not just in the theoretical knowledge imparted but in the practical wisdom I find myself incorporating every day. Here are three life-altering lessons that resonate with me daily: 🥤Workaround - Things are rarely going to be totally optimized for your organization to succeed, whether it's marketplace dynamics, global economic shifts, or just the inertia within an organization. The power of shifting focus from "What Lacks" to leveraging "What Exists" is powerful. This mindset pivot amplifies our innate ability to innovate and adapt. Thank you Paulo Savaget 🔂 Synthesis - The harmony between the heart and the head, the rational and emotional, is a dance. It's about showing up authentically and executing with both passion and precision. For true influence and longevity, it's essential to strike a balance between these often competing forces. Shoutout to Andrew White! 🚗 Drive - Think of Strategic Alignment as a supercar cruising on the highway of success. As an organizational leaders we're not just passengers; we're at the wheel. We have a unique and pivotal role in steering our organizations, ensuring every department and individual is aligned with the collective vision. Big Ups to Jonathan Trevor for his insights Oxford wasn't just an educational experience; it was a reminder that dreams, no matter how distant they seem, can become our reality. To anyone reading this, never stop reaching for the stars, and remember that the universe often has bigger plans for us than we have for ourselves. Thank you Trent Smyth for creating space for this group of professionals to dream big and grow! #OxfordLearnings #DreamsRealized #ChiefOfStaff #WIT #OxfordUniversity #ExecutiveAssistant

This morning, while walking my dog, I encountered a young man I hadn't seen in about a month. Our last conversation revealed his aspiration to pursue an MBA. Today, he shared exciting news: acceptance letters from Columbia and Cornell awaited him. However, his journey hinges on obtaining a scholarship. Curiosity piqued, I delved deeper, stepping into my coaching shoes. "Why is the MBA important for you?" I asked. His response was both profound and personal. Hailing from Jamaica, he is the first in his family to earn a college degree. With dreams of fatherhood on the horizon, he aspires to be a beacon of inspiration, setting an educational standard for future generations. Yet, when I inquired about his plan should the scholarship not materialize, his uncertainty surfaced. Without financial aid, he feared the dream might remain just that—a dream, accompanied by the specter of regret. Shifting from coach to confidant, I imparted advice: "If you dedicate yourself to the work, a path will reveal itself. Do not let anything deter you from setting the standard." In our lives, we all face crossroads, moments where our paths seem clouded by the 'ifs' and 'buts.' Yet, it's essential to remember that perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to seek alternatives can forge new paths to our dreams. To anyone standing at such a crossroads, let this story be a reminder: Your aspirations are valid, your efforts worthwhile, and your dreams attainable. Never underestimate the power of dedication and the doors it can open. #leadership #empatheticleadership #education #inspiration #perseverance

One year later these still hold true! As you take your new high school graduates to college, have them read & please add on your own words of wisdom. When our oldest graduated high school in 2019, I didn't think too much about it as he was going to the Texas McCombs School of Business. He will be starting at Bain Consulting soon! Time flies! We just dropped our youngest off at Bucknell University for his second year studying Business & playing D1 Lacrosse. This will all be over in 3 short years!! Don't blink.   So this is my chance to impart words of wisdom as Griffin Shaffer heads east for his second year of higher education and Grant Shaffer gets ready to enter to the workforce.   1. Always Be Networking. You will be amazed how so many people are willing to help you if there is a connection. Career advice, favors, classes to take, mentoring & many more!  2. Treat others the way you want to be treated. This should be fairly intuitive & yet, I have seen time & time again where people talk down or minimize others. As a leader of teams, do you think your employees will go to battle for you if they don't respect who you are based upon how you treat them?  3. Don't skip classes. It is a lot harder to catch up if you miss a couple of classes & try to learn on your own. I saw it happen to 2 of my roommates. It started with missing a key deadline on one project & manifested to just giving up & flunking out!! Do you know how hard it is to get up for an 8:00 a.m. Business Law class in the dark & freezing cold when your roomies stay up until 3 AM every night drinking beer & playing video games?  4. Get to know a couple of your professors that have an influence on your interests. I think back to some of my professors like Dr Riley and Dr Sneppenger from MSU & Phil Zerrillo at UT. The first 2 helped & encouraged me to go to grad school & target a top 20 business school. Dr. Zerrillo helped a kid from Montana who was book smart but had no business experience.  5. Have fun & meet people from other parts of the country/world. I think back to people I met in Grad School from all over. J Cook (South Africa), Santiago (Argentina) & Marcos (Peru), Lambrianokos & Coogan (my Jersey boys).  6. Get involved in various organizations. This will help with the networking and will help prepare you for interviews and job opportunities.  7. Help an underclassman out. You have been there before. Not knowing what to do or where your class is. You can make someone's day by a very small act of kindness.  8. Make an effort to call home at least once a week. Your parents want to know you are doing well and thriving once you leave the house. This is particularly important to all the moms out there! Right Leslie Shaffer? 9. Make your bed first thing in the morning. That way you have accomplished your first task of the day! 10. Have fun. Don't stress. You can do that once you enter the workforce. College life should be about making memories and lifelong friends.

A few of my dual enrollment scholars from Jean Ribault High School stopped by the Learning Commons at Florida State College at Jacksonville after class to discuss career and collegiate plans. They shared their concerns about their current job and what the transition will look like from high school to higher education into their career field. I reaffirmed them that the most important thing to focus on is habit stacking beyond academic achievements. Can you self-manage? Can you give and receive feedback? How do you work on teams with diverse persons and diverse workstyles? A lot of students can be hyper-focused on achieving the hard skills of the academic and career journey that they fail to evaluate their soft skills. Soft skills such as effective communication, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability are cultivated through community and practice. Check out the survey below by Deloitte on the strive for balance and change for Gen-Z and Millennials to inform your coaching and development practices. The best way to get buy-in is through understanding-understanding comes through the application of knowledge. https://lnkd.in/g6ziBRnQ

Alexis, this was a concrete and useful definition of coaching. It was so cool to hear you describe your journey and the important role that values play in our career and life happiness. Thanks for sharing!! For anyone wondering what’s next for them, take a tip from Alexis and seriously look at your values and how they are aligned or not with your goals.