Cole: What do you believe to be the most important piece of advice for a leader to follow? Samuels: I believe strong leaders are authentic and curious. I always say to young leaders: be you, and stay curious. Those two values will take you very far in career, and in life. Lately, I also find myself reminding them not to confuse having a career, for having a life! They are not the same. Cole: How can you inspire others while also maintaining that you continue to be inspired by AYA Foundation’s overall mission? Samuels: I try to inspire others by reflecting their brilliance back at them. Sometimes you need a “mirror mirror” to tell you how amazing you are, when you can’t see that about yourself. My work at AYA has been a gift. It has allowed me to get to know, understand and come closer to our younger generation (mainly to Gen Z and Millennials). I have learned so much from them. I love their energy and their pursuit of personal freedom, their way. Everyday I become confident that the younger generation has the technical knowledge to do what needs to be done. I worry about the distance I see between them and my generation (Gen X) and older. I worry that we are not wrapping enough love, support and mentorship around them. But this can be remedied, and AYA provides an avenue for that. Cole: How do you prioritize work-life balance, and what advice do you have for junior professionals who are struggling to find balance? Samuels: I wholeheartedly believe in balance. Even though my career has been one of service, and one that I have loved, I work to live. Not the other way around. My advice: find your tribe, and keep them close, and play as much as you can while building your career. Play on the weekends. Take long weekends. When you go on vacation, go away. For me, even a few hours in the high country of Colorado can be so therapeutic. Visit Colorado. Visit the world!
Photo: McBoat Photography
Cole: As an African American leader, what do you consider to be one of the most difficult obstacles you’ve faced? Samuels: My obstacles and challenges have come from having an intersectionality in who I am. I have experienced obstacles because I am a Black immigrant woman. And I have to admit that at times, I have been my own obstacle. I say especially to women, imposter syndrome is real, and you cannot defeat it alone. You must always have your tribe close when you are feeling like you are not “enough” or you don’t have “all” that it takes. If your tribe is for you, and knows you, they will set that record straight for you, and remind you that you can do anything you want to do.
23 The Acumen
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