The Power of Persistence: My Three-Year Journey to Oxford University
Good morning and welcome to June 2025!
For over three years, I held onto a vision – completing the Oxford University Women’s Leadership Program. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a deep-seated desire for growth, development, and leadership excellence.
However, timing and priorities matter. Organisational KPIs and business needs must align with development opportunities, and in the first two years, this particular program wasn’t the right fit.
But personal growth is not dependent on a single path. Instead of waiting, I took action.
📅 2023: I proposed the Oxford program, but it didn’t align with company priorities at the time. I sought alternatives, completing a leadership course on Udemy to keep my skills sharp.
📅 2024: The vision stayed in my vision book, in my prayers, and before my eyes. The program still wasn’t a fit, so I pursued another leadership course online and kept moving forward.
✨ See a man diligent in his work? He will stand before kings, not mere men. – Proverbs 22:29
📅 2025: I put the program forward once more – and this time, it was approved! 💃💃💃
🌟 The Journey Wasn’t Meant to Be Walked Alone 🌟
While I had spent years preparing, nothing could have fully anticipated the intensity of the program. It challenged my thinking, tested my endurance, and pushed me beyond my comfort zone.
💡 Success isn’t just about personal determination – it’s about the strength of the people who walk alongside you.
I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support of my colleagues, Line Manager, COO, and mentor – leaders who encouraged me, provided guidance, and helped me navigate this journey.
I also had the support of my children at home, whose love and patience carried me through the busiest days.
Inside the program, I was surrounded by an incredible network of tutors and course mates, who enriched the experience, fostered collaboration, and reminded me that leadership is as much about supporting others as personal success.
✏️ Lessons Learned from the Journey
✅ Faith is preparation – Keep developing yourself while you wait.
✅ Persistence pays off – Growth happens when you stay committed to the vision.
✅ Great leadership creates great leaders – Supportive leadership makes all the difference.
✅ Success is never a solo journey – The right support system transforms challenges into stepping stones.
💪 For Anyone Feeling Overwhelmed Right Now 💪
💡 “You don’t have to see the whole staircase – just take the first step.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
One step at a time.
One goal at a time.
Keep adjusting, adapting, and moving forward.