On My Own Path: Why I Stopped Comparing and Started Winning

Iwas born on a hot August day in Chicago and was immediately placed in the careof Catholic Charities. I’ve never met my birth parents, and for much of mylife, I didn't know why I was given up. But I’ve come to understand that whatbegan as a mystery eventually unfolded into purpose. When the Bakers from theWest Side chose me from that nursery, they gave me more than a home—they gaveme a foundation of unconditional love and belonging. That gift shaped thetrajectory of my life.

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Fornearly three decades, I climbed the ranks to Project Management in the engineeringand construction world; a field where women like me weren’t often seen, letalone heard. My resume was full: managing national security programs, leadingnuclear plant upgrades, even overseeing chemical weapons destruction for theDepartment of Defense. On the outside, I had "made it." But on theinside, I was mimicking the leadership styles I saw around me – bureaucratic,loud, fear-based -- and silencing my own.

Atthe St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant, I hit a wall. Trying to lead like everyone elsebackfired. I raised my voice to command respect, only to find myselfdisrespected, disconnected, and questioning who I had become. That failurewasn’t the end—it was the beginning. It forced me to ask: Who am I really, andhow do I want to lead?

Theanswer came when I dived deeper into emotional intelligence. I stoppedcomparing myself to others and started listening to my own voice; unlocking thetrue strength of empathy and authenticity. I realized I didn’t need to talklouder to be heard. I only needed to connect on a deeper level.  When others respect you, you can lead withcompassion and still drive results and accountability.

In2017, I founded Altitude Executive Coaching, not because I had all the answers,but because I had finally found my own. Now, I guide organizations to buildcultures where people feel seen, safe, and inspired. I teach leaders thatempathy is not weakness—it’s an emotional and economical gift.  The Return on Empathy is real: trust,engagement, and bottom-line growth.

Beingadopted taught me the value of self-worth. Working in male-saturated industriestaught me how to self-advocate. And initially failing as a leader taught me self-awareness:how to succeed as myself.

Ino longer compare my journey to others. I’ve stopped asking for permission toshow up fully. I’ve stopped chasing someone else’s definition of leadership orsuccess. The minute I chose to lead on my own terms—vulnerably, intentionally,authentically—I started winning and you will too!

Email: slamb@altitude-exec.com

Website: https://altitude-exec.com/

Contact Number: 240.566.2718

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-lamb-mba-541b935/

Certifications:  Certified Business Coach, Certified Executive Coach, MHSEQi-2.0 and TTI Success Insights EQ Certifications, Certified ExecutiveEducation Instructor

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