6 Questions with Annette Lilly @Annetwork

I recently had the opportunity to meet a new Lead Change friend. Annette Lilly (@Annetwork) is energetic and active working on making a positive difference. She connected with a tweet when she happened to see one of my tweets about the Free Books idea. In a way, this whole experience demonstrates how you never know what will happen when you act on your wild ideas.

We had a great conversation and as a result, I thought I'd introduce you.

Mike: Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do?

Annette: I am 26, from California but living in New York. I am the Co-Founder of DNA Media Partners, which specializes in startup consulting in the areas of business development and marketing. I believe in a triune God, who is demonstrated through the work, life and love of Jesus Christ. I am a former foster youth. I have used these experiences to shape my skills to be great at problem solving, building strategic partnerships and pursuing leadership development.

Mike: What is your most exciting project right now?

Annette: There are two: CuppleHub, an online web platform to connect couples with other couples in their local communities, and second, working with Pipeline Fellowship to change the face of angel investing by making the education available to women and minorities.

Mike: What types of things would you like to see happen in the next 5 years in your world?

Annette: In the next five years, I would like to see myself grow in mind, body and spirit. I hope to start a family and be a mom, I also want to be part of the new gen women who challenge the growth of internal personal relationships of women in the workplace and with their families. Maybe there is a book somewhere in there too! I also want to go back to seminary to study The East-West Divide: Moving Beyond Postmodernism To Integrate Psychology, Philosophy and Theology For A Modern Era. But we will see.

Mike: Interesting ideas. You have some bold plans. Would you please tell everyone how you connected with me and Lead Change Group. I think there's an interesting story in there.

Annette: My original idea when I reached out to you was to get my graduating class at the Startup Institute a library of recommended leadership books as a graduation gift to set the sowing seeds and foundation of the purpose of the first class to happen in NYC. I am a huge fan of recommended books. I thought why not give it a shot to ask, when I saw your post about book matching and not having the funds. You seemed to have the best of both worlds, the funds, the calling and the list.

Mike: Thanks. Things are starting slowly, but our connection proves good things happen when you step out and try. What would you like to see happen next?

Annette: I love what you're doing. I think that leadership application is a huge gap in this country for my generation especially. We were told that we needed to be leaders, were thrown books and education on the technique required to be leaders but not the behavior that would bring us the most success. It is a lost art. We are great followers, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, etc. But the pull toward an identity to lead by example is untapped. I think you have a vision for changing the world with behavior and action which is why I was so enchanted by this effort.

Mike: Annette, it's fun to connect with someone who shares some common ideals about changing the world. One final question, at least for now… What one thing would you tell people who want to make a positive difference in the world?

Annette: If you want to make a difference in the world. I think you need to recognize those who need to feel your impact. Many times people go about and do "good" things. From my experience the people who have made the most impact on my life are the ones who love you when its difficult and stand to believe in the best future for you even when you may not see it yourself. If we as a people chose one person to do that for, with consistency and perseverance, the world would be a much better place.

Connect with Annette (website, LinkedIn, @Annetwork, Facebook) and join her in changing the world. Check out the Free Books Idea on this site and sponsor a book. Or ask for one. It's OK. The people in this group want to help you develop as a leader.  My personal passion is to mobilize people like Annette (or you!). If a book will help you, let me know. We're not going to let $15 keep you from making a positive difference in the world.  Also, check out our Favorite Leadership Books and vote for your favorites.