How do we push ourselves out of our comfort zone? What does it mean to "pimp the system"? Desmond Jefferson explains all of this and tells us about the moment that changed his life. Desmond did the typical thing in college. He partied, he hung out too late...in short, he didn’t take it seriously. One day after being placed on academic probation (which he never failed a class before), he had to make a crucial decision: is it me or is it them? He had to choose himself and put himself above his friends. He needed to put his needs first. Easier said than done, right?! Desmond showcased courage and humility during our episode by publicly sharing that he was on academic probation. He had not openly shared this part of his life before our episode. He was vulnerable and wants others to learn from his story. You can hit a down time and think it won’t get better, but it will. By the way, he focused on himself and was on the Dean’s list. His great advice: Find out what makes you unique. That is your foundation and then build on it! Desmond is an experienced leader who has successfully worked in the recreational facilities and services industry. He was one of two directors at St. Andrew’s Parks and Playground, in Charleston, SC, working with children. Currently, he is a Sales Support Coordinator at Floyd Lee Locums, which provides an elite concierge experience to physicians, CRNAs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other healthcare providers searching for new career opportunities. Desmond is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Healthcare Administration. In his spare time, Desmond loves to travel, spending time with family, and watching sports. Connect with Desmond to learn more about him and his background: LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmond-jefferson-51549416a/ Instagram = @ _desssss15 Small Talk by Jerome Smalls = https://www.amazon.com/Small-Talk-Stories-Countless-Lessons/dp/1641370726 Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny and Kerry Patterson = https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Third-Joseph-Grenny/dp/1260474186/ref=sr_1_2dchild=1&hvadid=77859233980801&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=crucial+conversations%27&qid=1624287858&s=books&sr=1-2 Sign up for our newsletter at https://abbraccigroup.com/. Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about our podcast. Learn more about the CHARGE® model by purchasing the book, The Way of the HR Warrior. Let us know about the moments for you that changed your life trajectory. Drop us a note via our website.