53 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition BUSINESS, FINANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP perceive is far more significant than the original intent behind the words. She also recognizes that while working hard is crucial, work should be driven by a greater purpose. Ms. Thomas considers it more useful to invest her time in managing and developing her team, as well as seeking ways to support their advancement. She found that working hard solely for financial gain is less meaningful than striving to better others, collaborating with a team and elevating those around her. Instead, her approach emphasizes continuous improvement; by leveraging others’ strengths, she can foster team growth. These motivations carry her through challenging times. Ms. Thomas stands out in her field for her strong empathy. She believes in giving people a chance and letting them take on responsibilities without having to earn them first, which involves encouraging her team members to step up and demonstrate their abilities. Empowering her team is crucial as Ms. Thomas aims to grow her organization and elevate her career in the next five years by becoming a consultant. In this role, she would help at least nine others start their own offices. are to achieve $2 million in production, promote more first-generation managers and expand her organization to nine offices. These goals would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. In 2023, Ms. Thomas was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent surgery to have her thyroid removed. This experience was a defining moment for her, as her business was struggling prior to her diagnosis. She has been trying to handle all responsibilities independently, micromanaging her team rather than letting its members contribute fully. Ms. Thomas had no choice but to take a leave of absence and entrust her business to one of her sales representatives. However, this proved to be a significant turning point, reshaping her perspective and teaching her that empowering her team is essential for business growth. Since then, Iris Partners has been on an upward trajectory, with the most challenging personal experiences leading to meaningful professional improvements. As her business grew, Ms. Thomas learned that the importance of communication lies in how messages are received and interpreted by others. She now understands that what people
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