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Finding Purpose: A Shirley Adams' Journey Through Leadership & Faith
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What happens when a natural leader desperately tries to avoid the spotlight? Shirley Adams never wanted to stand out, but life had other plans. From being volunteered as platoon leader in Army basic training to becoming an HR executive decades later, leadership positions kept finding her despite her best efforts to remain invisible.
Born in Detroit in 1965 before moving to Orlando as a child, Shirley joined the Army in 1983 on the "buddy program" with her best friend when she discovered the Navy had a year-long waiting period for female recruits. What followed was a journey through military service as an Army cook in Germany, an unexpected pregnancy that led to an honorable discharge, and the beginning of civilian life as a young mother navigating the challenges of an unhealthy first marriage.
When Shirley took what she thought would be a temporary production job at Correct Craft boat manufacturing where her father worked, she couldn't have imagined it would become a 27-year career trajectory that would see her rise through purchasing into human resources and eventually senior leadership. Along the way, she began college at 39, earned her MBA at 47, and discovered her gift for organization during international mission trips.
Shirley's story is a powerful reminder of life's unexpected paths. Now working as an HR Director at a Presbyterian church after "retiring" at 50, she balances caring for grandchildren and supporting her husband through Alzheimer's while teaching as an adjunct professor. Her message resonates with clarity: "Don't operate out of fear. If you don't know something, learn it. Be a lifelong learner... It's never too late, and put yourself outside your comfort zone. You'll be so richly rewarded."
Join us for this compelling conversation about resilience, faith, reluctant leadership, and embracing the opportunities that arrive when we least expect them. Subscribe to hear more stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives through service and purpose.
Chapters
1. Introduction to Shirley Adams (00:00:00)
2. Childhood and Growing Up in Florida (00:10:12)
3. Military Service and Basic Training (00:19:20)
4. Life as an Army Cook in Germany (00:34:45)
5. Returning Home and Starting a Family (00:46:48)
6. Career Growth at Correct Craft (00:55:33)
7. Education Journey Later in Life (01:05:58)
109 episodes
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