By Megan Tomasello
•
September 15, 2018
My CEO Moment The moment I recognized I was the CEO of my life happened at a very challenging time. I had been taking the courses in a pilot program in High School which helped me become self-aware. This information enabled me to make a difficult choice based on my values and not my feelings. This was the moment I became completely empowered and it was like electricity filled my mind and I knew for certain I could achieve what I wanted in life, no matter what. The test of this was when my wealthy uncle back in Omaha made me an offer. He owns a contracting company, worth well into the millions, and I was just a sophomore in college when he made me one of the best offers I'd ever heard. He said, "How about you come work for me here in Omaha while you go to school? I'll get you set up with a free-ride at Omaha State, a good paying job, and I might even throw in car. What do you say?" The car alone, was reason to move if I allowed my feelings to run my life. This was so tempting to me at that age. The car was a candy-apple red 1970 convertible Camaro in near mint condition. But what seemed like the deal of a lifetime, could have easily destroyed other things I valued, like my friends, family and my relationship with my future wife. So, I turned him down -- without reservation. On the inside I was screaming because it was everything I felt I wanted: the car, the money, and schooling taken care of! But for me, my values were more important, and I could not just walk away. Believe me, it wasn't easy. But I know and understand I am the CEO of my life and today I see that by saying no I achieved my real dream, career success, and the love of my life, my beautiful and amazing wife, LaToya.