Lilieth Douglas: Phenomenal woman in a male-dominated industry
Published:Thursday | January 3, 2019 | 12:00 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
It`s very difficult to be strong, especially when you are a woman! But what does it mean to be a strong woman? To be able to walk around in extremely high heels? Of course not! Being a strong woman is not about physical strength, but being smart, fearless and learning how to sail one's own ship.
Lilieth Douglas is a strong woman who has never given up! Most women could probably agree that they enjoy being independent, self-assured, and mentally and physically strong, but getting to that point can seem challenging.
However, despite the gender roles and social conventions, Douglas has risen above the expectations of others and has made great progress in showing the world the beauty and strength of a woman.
"I am a passionate mother, a visionary, a lady of faith whose steps are ordained by God almighty. I am a heart-centred go-getter who is purpose-led. I live by writing it down and making it happen," Douglas said.
"I am determined, intentional and focused, always engaging in a better version of myself. I use smart, practical strategies with a powerful mindset and spiritual principles to live an authentic soul-aligned and wealthy life in every way," she added.
Douglas exudes confidence and assertiveness wherever she goes. She is fearless when it comes to changing the game and trying new things, and her level of tenacity is only matched by her level of passion, and through it all, she has maintained a solid sense of humour.
"I am very decisive, and I know what I want. I think things through, and with a world filled with uncertainties, my decisions are always based on long-term goals and successes," Douglas said.
"I am a listener who takes myself away from the noise and confusion. I take risks and learn from failures. Being able to ignore bad advice constantly makes a difference for me. I smile and nod! Above all else, I am adaptable," she added.
Gratitude and commitment
Douglas attributes a large part of her success to cultivating an attitude of gratitude and her commitment to having big dreams. "I am a big believer that you have to commit to things and dreaming big is really important. I always level up. I motivate myself and always open my mind to new possibilities. I am passionate and dedicated to making my own contribution to this world and to be highly successful at doing it," Douglas said.
Interestingly, strong and independent women like Douglas rarely take life too seriously. They believe in the power of laughter, so instead of getting offended easily, they look for the positive in difficult situations.
"I have had my story of struggles, storms, triumphs and lessons learnt. They have been great teachers and gave me the insight into the potholes on the road to success to avoid and the shortcuts to take advantage of," Douglas said.
"Just like the eagle, these storms, whilst they raged beneath, it allowed me to be lifted up and rise. My faith and patience drove me into action, I had to keep moving. I can tell you, it builds character, it builds courage, it makes you a different kind of person, walking with a different kind of spirit," she added.
Douglas, like most strong women, takes charge of her life, accepting her mistakes and adapting to all sorts of situations in order to grow and prosper. "Women in leadership positions often face certain challenges that men never will. Women often need to prove themselves a bit more than their male counterparts and work harder to gain the respect of their peers," she said.
Being a female leader in a male-centric world, she said, requires strength and confidence to deal with every obstacle or setback. Women in particular, she said, often struggle to really claim their worth and shouldn't shy away from opportunities that allow them access to resources and opportunities to propel them forward.
"Powerful women know how to ask for what they want and need to succeed. One thing is for certain, some of the most powerful leaders to persevere are women. Regardless of what niche or industry you may be in, success leaves clues," she said.
Douglas has risen through the ranks and has held several leadership positions in industries such as retail, sales and telecommunication throughout the region. She is now the regional head of Cashwiz Limited, an international company that started in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The company has 19 locations throughout the Caribbean.