Chapter 1: The Unlikely Champion

During a TEDx Talk at the University of Florida in March 2022, I found inspiration from an unexpected source: Jockey Sonny Leon and the Kentucky Derby winner, Rich Strike. Despite the challenges we face, it’s remarkable how underdogs can triumph against the odds.

I typically don’t follow the Kentucky Derby, but something compelled me to tune in this year. I was unprepared for how a brief two-minute race would serve as a poignant reminder of my own journey. Rich Strike, a horse with longshot odds of 80–1, was not even slated to compete until the last moment when another horse withdrew. He wasn’t even acknowledged until the race’s final moments! I resonated deeply with this feeling of being overlooked and underestimated.

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What occurs when persistence prevails?

As the Derby approached, expectations were low for Rich Strike. He wasn’t the favored horse, nor did he boast a prestigious pedigree. Purchased for just $30,000, he had only won one race leading up to the Derby. His trainer, having endured the tragic loss of 23 horses to a fire five years prior, was contemplating leaving the sport altogether. Yet, this team refused to throw in the towel! The trainer, owner, jockey, and horse all remained dedicated, continuously training and improving.

On race day, Rich Strike’s team came together, executed their strategy, and ultimately secured victory. The jockey expressed mid-race confidence in their chances, and the owner shared a hopeful sentiment: “If we got in, we got a shot.” Their unwavering belief in each other was palpable.

While watching the race, I didn’t have a favorite horse; I was captivated by the beauty and synergy between horse and rider. When Rich Strike crossed the finish line as the unexpected victor, tears streamed down my face. The underdog had triumphed! I know firsthand the struggles of being the underdog.

I’ve lived much of my life feeling like an underdog, often dismissed by teachers and employers alike. Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, I faced scrutiny over my appearance and speech. Many doubted my potential, predicting I would never complete my PhD or secure a job. My high school years were marked by exclusion from social circles, and even dating eluded me until my 20s.

If I were a horse, my odds would mirror those of Rich Strike—80 to 1. Yet, unlike the doubters, I was unaware of my longshot status. Like jockey Sonny Leon, I believed, “I have a horse, I have a shot.” My shot was to empower others. I sought to assist individuals with cleft lip and palate in achieving their best selves, and to inspire other entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.

Chapter 2: Triumph Over Adversity

As Rich Strike exemplifies, overcoming adversity requires inner strength, commitment, and a sprinkle of luck. I’ve endured over 20 surgeries and emerged from an abusive marriage. From struggling in high school mathematics to earning a PhD in business and accounting, I’ve navigated numerous challenges. I discovered my true vocation as a confidence and transformation coach, traveling the globe and meeting individuals who profoundly influenced my life.

In the words of Dan Fogelberg from “Run for the Roses,” it’s about the relentless drive that propels you forward. For me, this journey has been shaped by over 50 years of resilience, determination, and the unknown. I am grateful for the chance to guide my clients and those I meet in their own races. If you feel like an underdog with obstacles in your path, don’t lose hope! Keep striving, keep growing, and you too will have your moment to shine.