I have always been a bit of a mess of a person… a mess of thoughts and feelings that has somehow still believed fully that I have potential unrealized.
I spent many of my working years frustrated that I couldn’t find a way to tap into my potential… along the way coming to understand that my purpose was to find a way to at the same time touch people and use my business sense.
I was never able to figure it out until a sequence of events that I didn’t always like or understand ultimately led me to a place and time that I happened upon a job listing.
I knew the moment I read the job description for operations manager at The Franklin Theatre that this was the job I had been searching for and didn’t know existed. It spoke to a mission to touch people and required a skill set that checked every box of what I love to do (staffing, scheduling, inventory, financials, reports, details)… I instantly felt like I was reading about myself on a page…
I was so sure that it could be what I had been searching for.
The piece I wasn’t sure about was the person I would be following in that position.
I entered into my first interview with a belief that I needed to interview that leader as much as they interviewed me. I’ve had my share of bad bosses in the past, and I couldn’t afford to miss that piece of the puzzle.
After my first interview with that leader – Dan Hays – I knew that I could follow him. He carried himself with a gentleness and grace that felt immediately like a calm to my messy storm. I knew we would be able to do amazing work together.
And while I am not someone who is often 100% sure of anything, I knew in my heart and soul that this was the place I belonged.
My husband fretted over the lengthy interviews… afraid that I would be shattered if I didn’t get the job (he knows firsthand what a mess I can be!).
I continued to have an unwavering faith that this could be the job that allowed me to realize my purpose.
After two 2-hour interviews and a day of waiting for a final answer, I got a call from Dan offering me the position. I’ll never forget the tears in my husband’s eyes when I gave him the thumbs up that I was getting offered the job.
It’s been just over three years since I got that phone call.
I’ve proven to everyone that I am indeed a mess of thoughts and feelings – passionate, fiery, emotional (I cuss and I cry regularly… and often in private spaces at work!).
The one person who has always seen my nature as an asset when I couldn’t has been Dan.
Just a month or so ago during what I was honored to receive as a glowing review, I offered up a way I felt I needed to improve – the fact that I get “wound up” on a regular basis. Dan shook his head and said, “don’t change that.” ♥️
I have been blessed to have been championed by the most honorable leader I have ever had the opportunity to follow.
I’ve been able to grow and blossom… thankful for the opportunities to touch people – from tapping into the individual talents of my precious staff – to ensuring that all of the thousand little details are attended to… so that the people walking through our doors are able to remain undistracted from the incredible experiences we are so committed to allowing them to have… as Dan says: “sprinkling a little fairy dust on each person”.
Tonight, I worked my last day with Dan. I cried my eyes out because I’m losing a leader who put me in a position that has changed me forever… a leader who has always believed in me when I couldn’t always believe in myself… a leader who has shown me grace when I didn’t deserve it.
And in the midst of my sadness over that loss, I have been able to stand in power and purpose… as I’m coming to understand that he has always believed that I could.
On the way home, I listened to an album I purchased tonight by an artist – Keb’ Mo’ – who created some incredible experiences for folks this weekend at our dear little theatre.
I put on the song “Put a Woman in Charge” and really started to listen to the lyrics…
Way back when
In the beginning of time
Man made the fire then the wheel
Went from a horse to an automobile
He said, “the world is mine”
He took the oceans and the sky
He set the borders – built the walls
He won’t stop till he owns it all
And here we are
Standing on the brink of disaster
Enough is enough is enough is enough
I know the answer
Put a woman in charge
Put a woman in charge
Put the women in charge
Put the women in charge
Put a woman in charge
Put a woman in charge
Put the women in charge
Put the women in charge
The time has come
We’ve got to turn this world around
Call the mothers
Call the daughters
We need the sisters of mercy now
She’ll be a hero
Not a fool
She’s got the power
To change the rules
She’s got something
That men don’t have
She is kind and she understands
So let the ladies
Do what they were born to do
Raise the vibration
And make a better place for me and you
Put a woman in charge
Put a woman in charge
Put the women in charge
Put the women in charge
Put a woman in charge
Put a woman in charge
Put the women in charge
Put the women in charge
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
We’re gonna feel the magic
When the girls take over
It’s gonna be fantastic
Put a woman in charge
Put the women in charge
Put a woman in charge
Put the women in charge
I’m so very thankful to have been chosen by a man who believes in the power and abilities of women… choosing a team of (mostly!) women to help him carry out a vision in which he has so passionately believed.
I’m so proud to lean into my abilities to someday be a “Woman in Charge” – something I never thought possible before I met and worked under the leadership of this man who has my utmost respect.
I look forward to making him proud as I continue to carry out that vision. Leading with love, grace and integrity.
So thankful for men who believe in the power of women… because it takes all of us to make this world a better place!
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Leah McCracken 