StarWomanPlus interviews Amy Callis who is a helper at heart!
StarWomanPlus-What is motivation to you? And how do you get motivated?
Amy Callis- For me the key is to focus on the things that “make my heart sing” and the motivation comes from that. When things have gone best for me it’s because I stayed true to myself and my dream regardless of how outlandish they may have seemed. It’s when I’ve tried to “mainstream” my world to fit into conventional wisdom and take the safe, secure path that things tend not to work as well. So when things get tough I try to remind myself that the bumpy roads are the ones that usually yield the results I want. That helps to keep me motivated. SWP-Are you on a journey with destiny? What is the journey? What is your destiny?
AC- That’s a tough question to answer. I have a vision but it’s not concrete, it’s more about how I want to show up in the world. The journey is part planning and part mystery. I find that the surprises along the way that I didn’t plan for often lead to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined so I try to stay open to what might come my way and be as flexible as possible to take advantage of the surprises. Destiny feels a bit like an ending point so I guess I’m more focused on my vision and the journey than what my destiny is. SWP-Have doubt & faith affected your core/vision/mission/purpose? How?
AC-Faith plays a huge role in my world view and who I am and how I show up in the world. While I’m not religious, I’m deeply spiritual so faith is at the core of my vision and purpose. But for more, faith is about more than a spiritual connection, it’s about an unshakeable belief in the work I do, and in my purpose. That said, doubt is also an integral part of the process. I think only fools never have doubt. It’s so important – doubt allows you to work more collaboratively if you question yourself a bit. It’s also part of self-examination. When things are tough and I doubt my vision or the way I might be trying to achieve it, it forces me to walk with others – and that’s a beautiful thing. I don’t ever want to be so sure of myself that I don’t need the counsel of others. That would make for a very lonely journey.
SWP- You have an abundant plan for your life,right? How do you want to get there?
AC-I definitely have a plan but it evolves as I achieve parts of it and as opportunities present themselves. Most importantly, I want to achieve my plan while ensuring that I do it with respect, honesty, integrity and kindness. It’s less about a concrete end game for me and more about living a purposeful life. SWP- Is whatever you are involved with an effective tool for change?
AC-I believe so. When my business partner and I created The TARA Project, we spent a lot of time on the mission: to improve access to health, education and economic opportunity for chronically poor communities. Our work helps communities create a sustainable, prosperous and brighter future. I think help a community create a better future is the epitome of being an agent of change. SWP- In what ways should women maximize the abilities in their vision?
AC-First and foremost, women need to believe in themselves. It’s not as easy as it sounds. I work with women around the world and in many of the communities I work in, women are not considered equal to their male peers. Empowerment is the key to a woman believing in herself and her worth enough to create a vision and then achieve it. Beyond that, education, education, education. In many parts of the world basic education is not free. But when a woman has access to education, it’s a game changer. She marries later, has healthier children, is at least risk of HIV, increased her personal earning power, etc. If a woman has access to education, she has the tools to change her world.
SWP- When did you begin to embrace and become aware of your purpose/vision? What was your reaction?
AC-The idea for The TARA Project came to me when I was working in Calcutta, India more than 20 years ago. I initially resisted it – it felt too big and I felt unequipped to make it happen. But it stayed in my brain and took root and refused to be ignored so I sat down and outlined a plan to make it happen. It has happened – just not the way I planned which is why I think being open to what comes your way is so critical. The reality of TARA is so much better than my original plan. SWP-A woman's mind and soul are important? How important?
AC-The mind and soul are the essence of a human being. For women, because we are often in the role of nurturer, our mind and soul are the keys that will help shape generations – our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A sharp mind and a kind soul make for a wonderful person – whether a man or a woman. But as woman, I think honoring both can be difficult, especially in business where we often put “shackles” on our soul to conform to the “strictly business” model, lest we be accused of being emotional. But your soul is where your creativity, your passion and your vision reside so it most definitely has a place in business. I wish more business women embraced their souls! SWP- How do you express the your passion?
AC-My work is my passion. I’m a humanitarian aid worker by day and run a nonprofit by night. I’m extremely passionate about both. But like any woman, there are many facets to me – I’m also an artist, and enjoy riding horses, spending time with family and friends. Although, with two full time jobs I’ll be the first to admit that my other passions take a back seat more often than not. While I’d love to find more balance and time for the other things I love in life, I consider myself incredibly lucky to do work that feeds my soul – they are not merely jobs to me. SWP- Who (is) are your mentor(s)? What have you learnt from them?
AC-There are certainly famous women I admire greatly -- Aung San Suu Kyi, Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou immediately come to mind. They are courageous, have fortitude and strength but are still 100% women – they didn’t try to be more like a man but simply demanded, with quiet grace they have a seat at the table. But my actual mentors are everyday women – my mother, several fantastic bosses – who taught me that you can succeed and be kind. I follow their examples some days more than others but I do try. They taught me that you can learn from anyone if you are open. That learning is a lifelong process. And that you can do well and do good at the same time. SWP-Those times that seem as if nothing is working,how do you pull yourself through?
AC-A sense of humor.And a plan B.Always.And a plan C, D, and E if necessary. SWP-What 'tools have you fashioned' to enhance your purpose/vision/business?
AC-I’m very curious by nature and I think that is probably my biggest tool. I’m always questioning and learning. I read voraciously. I seek out other change makers I admire to learn from them. I look for opportunities to learn more. I think the most important tools are more conceptual than tangible: creativity and curiosity.
SWP-Are you ' called' or 'passionate'?
AC-I think I’m both. I definitely felt a strong call to do the work I do. It feeds my soul and feels meaningful to me. Because of that, I am extremely passionate about it. SWP-Any last words for women/girls out there standing by and for their dreams?
AC-Take time out, even if it’s only once a year to sit by yourself and reflect on where you are and where you want to be. Really envision what it looks like for you. Then figure out how to get there. Be fearless and embrace failure as part of the process. I don’t care how smart a person is, they will fail at something. Probably lots of things. Don’t be defeated by failure, use it as a learning opportunity. While it’s important to have a plan, don’t be so focused on the plan that you miss the journey. Some of my greatest joys and successes were detours from my plan. Finally be kind. Aside from the fact that it’s just a great way to live, kindness begets kindness. If you’re dreaming big, and you should, you’ll need more than a kindness along the way to help you get to where you want to be.
Amy Callis www.taraproject.org Social media: www.facebook.com/taraproject
https://twitter.com/TaraProject
Co-founder and executive director of The TARA Project