The Calling of a CEO
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
I never set out to become a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In fact, my aspirations never stretched beyond earning a college degree. I remember sitting in the living room of my sorority house on graduation day, gazing out the window with my best friend, realizing that I had never imagined life beyond that moment.
Those four years had been the best years of my young life, and I wasn’t ready to leave. My closest friends had surprised me with a celebration of my next chapter, yet I didn’t fully grasp the significance of what lay ahead. It wasn’t that I didn’t know my next step—I had planned for it—it was that moving forward meant closing a chapter I cherished.
Leaving my home state of Hawai’i to pursue my education was a bold step, and now, once again, I was stepping into the unknown. But those years had equipped me for what was coming next, even if I didn’t yet see the full picture.
A Journey Built on People and Purpose
My career unfolded in ways I could never have predicted. I found success not just because of my own efforts, but because I was surrounded by extraordinary people—those who challenged me, supported me, and sharpened me in my field.
Each opportunity led to rapid growth and deeper responsibility, but the most transformative part of my journey didn’t come from the corporate world—it came from ministry.
For nearly 20 years, as I advanced professionally, my faith developed in parallel. I had the privilege of learning from incredible leaders who shaped my understanding of leadership—not just as a skill, but as a responsibility. Those years formed the leader I am today and continue to shape the leader I strive to become.
I am exactly where I am purposed to be.
Becoming a CEO: A Decision Rooted in Courage
Seventeen years ago, during the height of the 2008 financial crisis, I made a life-changing decision—I turned down what I thought was the opportunity of a lifetime and chose to co-found the company I now lead.
People often ask, “How do you like working for yourself?” But I don’t see it that way. I do work for others—our team, employees, and clients. My role doesn’t come with a free pass—it comes with responsibility.
Being a CEO is not a title—it’s a calling.
- It’s an opportunity to sharpen my skills and pour into others.
- It’s a commitment to steward our business with wisdom and integrity.
- It’s a responsibility to build character, leadership, and vision in those around me.
Leading Through Life’s Challenges
These 17 years have been a journey of learning, adapting, and growing.
Life doesn’t pause for leadership—it happens all at once.
I became an entrepreneur by seizing an opportunity that was in front of me. But alongside building a business, I faced:
✔️ Financial hardships
✔️ The birth of my second child
✔️ Aging parents, strokes, and the loss of my mother
✔️ Illness and personal struggles
✔️ Juggling school, extracurriculars, and family life
✔️ Serving in ministry and leading through uncertainty
I know firsthand the challenges our team members face because I’ve walked through many of them myself. My hope is that they realize that I understand, that I’ve been in the trenches too.
Leadership is not status or privilege—it’s a life of service and sacrifice.
Leadership as a Commitment to Growth
That’s why I dedicate time to:
📌 Seeking wise counsel
📌 Remaining a lifelong student
📌 Expanding my leadership knowledge
I want to be well-equipped to lead, to pour into others, and to steward this company with excellence.
I don’t aim to lead for power or recognition—I lead because I feel called to do so with humility and excellence.
My Leadership Commitments
✔️ I aim to be transformative and relational.
✔️ I aim to model the strength and character I want to cultivate in others.
✔️ I aim to hold nothing back but to give generously.
✔️ I aim to create a foundation of prosperity for my family and those I lead.
✔️ I aim to serve as CEO with humility and excellence.
How do you embrace your role? How do you empower others in leadership?
Let’s build a legacy that’s not just about success—but about impact, service, and significance.
Because leadership isn’t about what we gain—it’s about what we give.
