Editor’s View: The Power Issue

By Katrice L. Mines, Senior Editor
kmines@atlantatribune.com

I know I say this every year, but the young executives in this issue are impressive. From government to finance, the non-profit sector and diversity, the amount of expertise between Jamel DaCosta, Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim, Meredith Lilly and Todd Gray is bankable. Their stories, a rich tapestry of what exactly set each on the courses they are taking, are enough to light a fire under anyone looking to shift up.

Separating the good from the great

It may sound simple, and on one hand it is, but when you really understand committing yourself to a cause greater than yourself — Abdur-Rahim’s advice to “work hard every day” takes on an even heartier meaning. It’s, in essence, sowing what you want to reap.

Gray, who recently discovered himself far less of an introvert than he always believed, is in the middle of an ideology evolution that is organically threading his professional pursuits with his legacy building. His focus: being a proponent of equity in both business and community. We approve.

Lilly is a walking embodiment of the theme she has made the banner of her life: see a need, meet a need. And that comes with a price she’s willing to pay. “I live very intentionally and to the fullest so as to not have any regrets. … I strongly believe in taking short-term loss for long-term gain. Almost everything that I’ve done in life that has paid off successfully, has cost me something.”

And DaCosta’s credo: “Live full; die empty” is an ample descriptor of the manner in which he is going about treading a path. Leave every gift you were born to give here where it is meant to cause the impact you were created to make.

 I’m inspired. AT

Also in this issue:

You may be on LinkedIn, but is your profile really doing you any good? We sought expert advice to help you tighten up. pg. 44

If you’re looking for alternative routes around Atlanta – away from the I-85 bridge reconstruction – we’ve got you covered with our Techbyte. pg. 64

Click here to read the May Issue.