Jessica Timmerman’s Post

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Commercial Real Estate Marketing Strategist

Those that know Tama H. know that she is quite the story teller, and each story ultimately has a specific purpose for being shared, a lesson to carry forward, and a magical way to convince you to do whatever thing she was initially seeking that you likely said “No” to at first. One such story took a turn and has become a part of my wisdom I now share with others… It started in a meeting where Tama shared that in her first apartment in the US, she was intentional about what it was she needed and didn’t need. In terms of kitchenware, that equated to only two items within her cupboards - an oversized mug and a single fork, because with those two items, you could eat or drink anything, highlighting that the tools you need to succeed in life don’t need to be vast, just intentional. I loved this little fable and so for some notable event or other, I decided to purchase a handmade fork from an Etsy vendor with “Sometimes all you need is a fork” engraved on it. I love supporting small businesses - or just have a shopping addiction - but I also came across another listing on the Etsy shop for an inspirational bracelet. My sister had just started her own business and was feeling apprehensive and doubted herself, so I wanted to get her something she could wear with a secret word of encouragement, “You got this!” engraved inside. I placed my orders in my shopping cart, included my order description notes with respective custom engraved statements, clicked on purchase and went on with my day. A week later the two gifts arrived. A fork without any engraving, and a bracelet that read, “You got this fork” on the inside. I quickly contacted the Etsy seller to remediate the issue, but when she sent over proofs to confirm the correct engraving for a new order I paused and realized, the mixed up message I accidentally received was actually better - it now has new meaning, better meaning. It shows that even if you go into something with one intention, messages may get mixed. Outcomes may not be what you intended. But what should you do? You laugh, move along, and work with what you got. Besides, what’s going to lift your mood more - a generic pat on the back, “You got this” memo, or a reminder that when life hands you lemons, jab it with a fork and be on your merry way. But essentially, this story now had lineage. It was inspired by someone else’s experience. And it now took on new meaning for me to carry on and share. I am grateful to have witnessed others small moments today where mentorship paved the way for others to begin to lead and be empowered to share. Thank you to Tama, Ilene Goldfine, and todays #RealTalk panelists at #Realcomm for reminding us all today to make time to mentor others, share the burden of self doubt as a mentee, and advocate for the change you know is needed. Cecilia A. Li Tom Taddeo Helane Stein Talia Fine Bayron Lopez Pineda Khanh Nguyen Heather Brady Linda Moola Soheil Pourhashemi Alireza Pourhashemi Susan Gerock

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Cecilia A. Li

Chief Information Officer | Board Member | Advisor | Keynote Speaker | Innovation & Digital Transformation | Multiple Awards Recipient | CHIEF | Real Estate Cyber Consortium RECC

2mo

Love this so much. Thank you for sharing your fork, I mean your story. I couldn’t agree more… Tama always reaches with intention, and knows how to tell a story with wit! It was great to see you! Oxox!

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Dave Johnson

Exploring opportunities to contribute in the community development and not-for-profit worlds!

2mo

Great message - right on point as always!

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