Micro Is the New Macro: Building a Purposeful Life

Featuring Andre Blackman

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Andre Blackman, CEO of Onboard Health and a true Power Dad. As an entrepreneur, women’s advocate, and dedicated father balancing dual careers, his perspectives on life and work are nothing short of inspiring. Through our conversation, I gained powerful insights that left a lasting impression.

André is the Founder and CEO of Onboard Health, a specialized executive search and advisory firm focused on creating a more inclusive future of health. A pioneering strategist with deep ties across the healthcare innovation, startup and digital strategy landscapes — André is dedicated to building the future of health through an equity lens. His work and insights have been featured in Fortune, Forbes, NPR, CIO, Reporting on Health, U.S. News and World Report. He was recently named a Fortune Magazine 2020 40 Under 40 in Healthcare.

"It's impossible to do things alone. You have to have people around you that support you, and that you can support. Building strong local communities and forming tight bonds is how we power the future."

"Small, consistent actions create a compounding impact over time. Micro is the new macro, and it's important to focus on small actions that create a sense of accomplishment. Change can happen one step, one story, one conversation at a time."

"Prioritizing yourself is not selfish. It's necessary, because everything else follows that. It's how you show up, it's how you think, it's how you talk, it's how you move. All of it stems from how you take care of yourself first."

"You have to lift your voice. We can't be quiet. We can't sit back and hope for the best, because hope doesn't create change. You have to speak up, speak loud, and speak often."

Make it stand out

"I realized the importance of managing my mental health and focusing on non-negotiable priorities. I had to learn to say no to things that didn't serve my priorities, even if it meant disappointing others. It was crucial for me to take care of myself properly to show up properly for my daughter."

Here are five insights from our conversation to help you power your proud, purposeful, and unapologetic career and life.

1. Self Care isn’t selfish: Prioritizing oneself is crucial to showing up in the world and making a difference. It’s not selfish, but necessary.

2. Speaking intentionally has Impact: Speaking up and using our voices, especially for marginalized communities, can facilitate change one step, one story, and one conversation at a time.

3. Small action matter: Small consistent actions can have a compound impact over time - “micro is the new macro.”

4. Grown Women cultivate community: Building strong local communities is essential to achieving bigger goals.

5. Shift your control: Focusing on things that we can control, such as our effort and response to situations is important for managing mental health and renewing our minds around priorities.

   I hope Andre’s insights inspire Grown Women to live a proud, purposeful, unapologetic life.
   
   Until next time, go live boldly, showcase your brilliance and be a badass.