Throughout my career, from holding public office to embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, humility has always been a virtue I’ve tried to manifest in my life.
This trait, deeply ingrained by my parents’ remarkable lives, has influenced not just who I am, but how I lead.
Both of my parents overcame modest beginnings to achieve extraordinary academic success. My father – Dr. H. Alfred Farrell – was a trailblazer as the first African American to earn a doctorate in English from Ohio State University. My mother – Mary V. Farrell – equally formidable, earned multiple master’s degrees and built a significant career as a teacher.
They both taught at Lincoln University, PA, a historically black college where generations of scholars have been educated since its founding in 1854.
Their achievements, against odds and with limited resources, taught me the real value of humility.
As my journey has taken me to be elected to positions as Recorder of Deeds and Commissioner, in Chester County, PA, and now as a solopreneur, I’ve realized that any success I have is not just my own. I stand on the shoulders of giants—the greatest generation that paved paths with their resilience and determination.
In business, as in life, humility allows us to see beyond ourselves. It encourages us to value and learn from those who came before us and those who walk beside us.
This approach fosters a leadership and business style that is inclusive, learning-oriented, and profoundly connected to the collective journey of growth and achievement, of ourselves … and our peers.
Let us cherish our roots and the lessons they teach us, as we strive to lead in ways that honor those who have shaped our paths.
Humility isn’t just a personal quality; it’s a strategic asset that can lead to greater trust, collaboration, and success in our professional endeavors.
