Becoming a lion tamer is not the typical dream for a young person. While my friends imagined their future selves as teachers or firefighters, I declared with complete confidence that I was to become a lion tamer. Without a real lion, or a whip for that matter, I made do with my imagination. My pride of cats and I had many adventures in my world of make believe. Years passed. My ambitions shifted. While I no longer dreamed of becoming a lion tamer, I took with me some very important learnings that have today become my work rules.1. Show up: If one is not present and aware in the company of a lion they will be taken advantage of, most likely in a very tragic way. Showing up is a different way of saying respect. My co-workers deserve my respect and my time. I show up by listening, by supporting, by empowering, by rolling up my sleeves and working together to get the job done right alongside them.2. Give a damn: The best lion tamers care, not only about their well being, but their cats. I care. I care about the company. I care about my colleagues. I care about supplying both the company and my colleagues with the best work. 3. Radiate positivity: Lions love to bask in the sun. Be a light to others. Shine, so others can find their light too. I endeavor to foster a safe, consistent, and positive environment where people are encouraged to be their best selves and do their best work.4. Be bold: A lion tamer will only find success by standing strong and being bold. Boldness, gumption, moxie are all words that support the cause of getting things done. It is not risk that can be found in being bold, but rather an effort to achieve greatness by sidelining one’s fears of failure. Whether wielding a French bistro chair at a ring of cats or a gesturing with a smile at a conference room of people, I hold my own as a true professional that shows up, gives a damn, radiates positivity, and is bold.Topcoats and tails are optional.