Black History Month: Your Life's Blueprint

“The blueprint of your life is not just a plan, but a promise to yourself and to the world.” – Dr. Joseph Bias.

Erica Newman during her first week at Hilti BTS in 2019 with some of her teammates.

LESSONS FROM HISTORY'S TRAILBLAZERS

Black History Month, celebrated every February, is a time to honor the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals and communities. This month-long observance serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the Black experience in America and around the world. Black History is also used as motivation to shape one’s future. The history of Black people is filled with stories of resilience, innovation, and courage. Encouraging those to pursue their aspirations and live a life that maximizes their full potential.  

Figures like Madam CJ Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in the US, remind us of the power of entrepreneurship and innovation. Her journey teaches us that no matter the obstacles, your vision, and persistence can break through barriers. Similarly, Katherine Johnson’s brilliance as a mathematician during NASA’s early space missions shows the importance of believing in your abilities, even when others may not. Johnson’s legacy is a testament of how stepping into spaces where you are underrepresented can create change and inspire others to follow.

Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X played pivotal roles in challenging systemic racism and advocating for equal rights. Their efforts led to landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to dismantle racial segregation and discrimination.

“What I really want to do is be a representative of my race and of the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be, how intelligent and generous we can be. I have a chance to teach and to love and to laugh…live in the present, don’t deny the past and know that the charge on you is to make this country more than it is today.” – Maya Angelou.

EMBRACING DEI AT HILTI

In recent years, Hilti has made significant strides in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As a Black professional, working in such an environment can be both empowering and challenging. I am motivated to bring my true authentic self when I see people who look like me in leadership positions, it sends a powerful message that success is attainable and that Hilti values diverse perspectives. Although there is added pressure to represent your entire race, which can be exhausting, it is important to remember that you are one individual with your own unique experiences, skills, and perspectives.

As a graduate of Architecture school at Louisiana State University, I understand that before a building is constructed an architect designs a blueprint. The blueprint of a building signifies the detailed planning and customization required to meet client expectations just as in my sales role with Hilti. That blueprint is the pattern and guide by which a building is to be constructed. Without a well-thought-out blueprint, the structure of the building will fail. Your life’s blueprint should be the same, a thought-out vision of what you want your legacy to be. Your values, beliefs, and principles should be the foundation of your internal building, i.e what makes you unique and special. What you value, what you believe, and the standards you set for yourself should be your guide to decisions you make within your career and personal life. Dr. King once stated that, “Number one in your life’s blueprint, should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your worth, and your own some-bodiness.”

Diarra Polk and Vanessa Komara from Hilti completing the delivery for the Thanksgiving baskets to the Director of Goodwill Dallas.

CREATING YOUR LIFE’S BLUEPRINT

Are you a person of integrity, are you courageous, can you foster an environment of teamwork, and are you committed to showing up 100% every time?  These are the core values of a Hilti Account Manager that I take seriously in fostering my life’s blueprint. I lead with honesty and integrity in every conversation whether it is with a customer, team, or family. I step on to the jobsites with my “blueprint” in mind, what do I value or believe is most important when building a customer relationship? What imprint can I leave on this customer to influence them to be the best version of themselves? Do I step up to the plate during a time of injustice or do I remain timid to speak on the behalf of others? Am I a team player that creates an environment where my team feels heard and appreciated? I am committed to giving 110% of my true self so that the legacy I leave is one of truth. Am I the same person for everyone, everywhere, no matter what?

The person you present to others matters, who you are when the spotlight is on should be the same person behind the scenes. To some, Dr. King was a voice for the people who could not speak for themselves, and for others, he was a catalyst for blending cultures together for one common purpose: to have equality amongst all people. But I would imagine if you were to sit and talk with Dr. King, one on one, the man on stage would garnish the same passion for peace in that audience of one that he did for the audience of tens of thousands.

As the architect shapeshifts, combining squares with circles and triangles, Dr. King shapeshifted the hearts of several generations of people. As the architect’s pen glides across the blueprint, their thoughts are focused on how the internal connections could bring lasting functionality to the space they are creating. Think about that as you design and create your own blueprint. How can you begin to form and shape your beliefs and self-worth into a legacy that others can value for years to come?

Erica Newman at a jobsite in NOLA taken by her leader, Mark Ascani.

BUILDING THE FUTURE TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION

My hope is that my life’s blueprint as an advocate for others can inspire the next generation to use their voices and their internal power to change the world around them. I hope that my blueprint brings honor to those who have paved the way, sheds a light on those who will follow my lead, and brings peace to the current world we are creating. In the Hilti world, my blueprint is to strive for excellence, to listen to others and stay open to learning about their experiences no matter how different or unique they may be. I work hard to be an effective agent of change, making sure that everything I touch prospers and those whom I encounter are left with inspirations to maximize their full potential. I take my job as the architect of my life seriously with careful consideration of others so that I can help fulfill Dr. King’s dream for the next generation.

Black History Month is not just a time to reflect on the past, but also an opportunity to draw inspiration for the future. By respecting the legacies of those who have paved the way, we are reminded of the power of resilience, innovation, and courage. Let us use this month to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society. As we continue to write our own life’s blueprint, let us strive to be advocates for change, champions of diversity, and beacons of hope for the generations to come. Together, we can create a world where everyone can reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter future for all.

Explore Opportunities at Hilti

At Hilti, we are committed to creating opportunities for our team members to connect to one another and develop meaningful and long-lasting careers with impact. Learn more and explore our opportunities in North America and worldwide here: Jobs | Hilti Careers