Jacksonville business owner and community leader Amy Pope-Wells delivered the keynote address at the Women Business Owners (WBO) of North Florida’s signature event last week at the University of North Florida.
The title of the event was “G.R.I.T.,” which stands for “Growth, Resilience, Integrity, Tenacity,” based on the book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” by Angela Duckworth.
“We are not currently where we are at based on one giant leap,” said Pope-Wells at the March 8 event. “It’s life’s challenges, twists, opportunities and excitement that bring us to where we are today.
“What I know without exception is success requires grit and determination with a full understanding that hard work is required to get and stay there,” she added.
Pope-Wells is the owner of a LINK Staffing franchise in Jacksonville, and was recently appointed by President Donald Trump to a committee that supports the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders. She was part of a select group of women business owners to meet with Trump, his daughter and advisor Ivanka Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and other leaders to discuss issues affecting women in business.
In addition to grit, Pope-Wells discussed grace.
“Each day is a chance for you to mentor or to get mentored with each interaction, so make the most of them,” she said. “How do you know which moments are the critical ones? The simple answer is you don’t, so you must make the most out of every interaction.”
