She Believed She Could So She Did: Five Lessons From Working With The Holocaust Museum

BY: Parisa Moayedi

Every dynamic leader I have ever met came across many life-changing experiences and hardships: defeat, adversity, taking risks, triumph, unexplained miracles, near death, pure luck, and endless drive to make it through each chapter of their lives. The hardships shaped and molded the most outstanding leaders into who they are today, enabling them to lead with integrity, compassion, and strength.

No matter what the odds were, regardless of how often "no" was returned to them, "no" was never accepted. The secret is to never stop moving toward your goals. Once you stop or resist moving forward, then the flow of alignment stops with you.

Nothing is too small or too big - so I ask you, “Why become your block? Why stop wanting to take yourself to the next level?”

Learn how to believe in yourself and trust the dreams placed into your heart. Realize that every second, every minute is a gift, as some may not be given the next second of life. It can be taken at any moment. So how will you live your life? How will you make your impact on the world?

Ask yourself: “What legacy do I want to co-create and leave behind?”

Ever since I could remember, I have always been deeply moved by the resilient power of the human spirit throughout various historical timelines. More specifically, the events during World War II and the inconceivable atrocities of the Holocaust would linger in my mind, and I often asked myself, “How could such things occur, and more importantly, how did the survivors overcome and pass the wisdom and strengths onto the next generation?”

Given the traumas and the unspeakable acts against humanity that were inflicted upon the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, I wanted to learn more about resilience and the message of hope moving forward. I knew that one day I would come full circle and make an impact, leading education and bringing awareness to the forefront about this unforgettable historical moment.

In my earlier years in college, while obtaining a degree in Graphic Design and Web Development, the main goal of our class was to have a well-polished and impeccable portfolio. This portfolio was either going to make or break our shot at graduation. No pressure, right?!

Much of our portfolio was dedicated to an entire rebrand of a business or organization of our choice. The assignment was to take the existing brand and give it an entirely new look and feel. I was the only one that chose The Holocaust Museum Houston, and I chose it without hesitation, proudly, and swiftly. I knew this was what I needed to do.

While there was chatter and confusion by my peers on why I chose such a complex subject matter, I trusted that what I had chosen was what I needed to do at the time. I had tunnel vision and decided not to listen to the chatter. Little did I know that this decision would soon change my life a few years after graduation.

As it turned out, a few years later, unbeknownst to me, my agent presented my design portfolio highlighting the specific pieces I rebranded for the Holocaust Museum Houston straight to them. It was as if I had already begun the work for the organization that wanted to hire me.

The next thing I knew, I got a call from my agent asking if I could start the next day, and they wanted me to begin immediately. This was the call of a lifetime - I knew once I accepted, my entire world would change as this role came with immense responsibility, unlike any other role I had ever known. Now came the time for me to believe in myself just as my agent and the Directors and hiring managers did at the Museum.

True leaders can see your potential and power and help you fully step into the role - they can see your virtuous characteristics, passion, drive, and dedication. This is key.

Always stay true to yourself, and surround yourself with people who can SEE you and WANT to help you succeed. Believe in yourself. Never doubt your full potential, especially when a door opens for you. Make sure you are stepping up as a leader. If you were not ready, the opportunity would not appear.

I spent approximately four successful years working with The Holocaust Museum Houston before I relocated to California. The lessons I learned shaped me into who I am today as a businesswoman and leader. From designing galas, and exhibits, to presenting to boards and high-profile committee members, my role required and demanded leadership and a growth mindset every second respectfully.

Working alongside survivors and hearing their beautiful and compassionate perspectives on life shifted my world. My greatest teacher(s) were those I was privileged to speak with daily at the Museum. My greatest five lessons granted me the wisdom from my experience at the Museum to move forward in life currently as a Transformational Life Coach.

Lesson #1 - TRUST! Follow your intuition no matter how others may perceive you

Leaders are in the position of being the first to LEAD, unafraid and unbothered by standing out, without needing to be liked by everyone. Remember to ask and declare what you want. In leadership, you must not be afraid to SPEAK UP and TRUST that you are worthy of what you seek. Only then does it align with you because there must be a match energetically.

It's not about doing what is the most popular or being accepted - it is about doing what stands out and creates a positive purpose-driven impact for the collective. Trust your intuition and where it is leading you. You are the LEAD(her)!

Lesson #2 GROWTH MINDSET: There is nothing standing in your way

Once the door opened, I stepped up and into the role of the Senior Designer for The Holocaust Museum Houston. I took on the responsibility of not only representing the 6 million who perished in the Holocaust but also the survivors and the second-generation survivors as well.

Don’t be afraid to take up space. It’s your door, and it’s your time. Embrace GROWTH MINDSET within each step you take – on purpose for the greater purpose. But don't forget the intention and integrity behind your "WHY." This is where my third lesson came in.

Lesson #3 DISCIPLINE: How you do anything is how you do everything

I spent a considerable amount of time working alongside my colleagues as well as Holocaust Survivors. One thing that stood out the most was discipline and integrity in our work together. Every day I showed up ready to lead and visually create and interpret through exhibits and artwork what the survivors have spent a lifetime.

From the smallest details to every interaction, they visibly impacted patrons and everyone involved. Each step you take in life will impact everything and everyone around you. How you do one thing will trickle into the next, so be mindful of each step you take. It is everything and has lasting effects. Discipline in your presentation and mindset are key here.

Lesson #4 BELIEVE IN YOURSELF: You are more ready than you think you are

I will never forget my first week. I was sitting in my office when my boss Ira walked in; he said with excitement and confidence, "By the way, you will be in charge of creating and coming up with the entire brand of our next Gala for a high-profile figure." My heart raced as I thought, "Oh my goodness, I have never done anything like this before. Can I even do this?".

I admit I didn't believe in myself as strongly, but Ira believed in me. In fact, he was the one, along with our Executive Director, Susan, who hired me without an interview. They believed I could do it, so at that very second, I sat up, took ownership, and boldly decided that I was not only going to say, "YES, absolutely I will design the Gala," but I was also going to do it fearlessly and with honor. Why? Remember: Lesson #3 How you do anything is how you do everything!

Ira and Susan became vital mentors for me throughout my career and life. I owe them so much of my success and wisdom as my mentors and friends.

Bonus LESSON here: Surround yourself with the best MENTORS! This is priceless!

Lesson #5 LISTEN TO LEARN: Always be a student

The one-on-one cherished private conversations I had with the Holocaust Survivors will stay with me forever. They became my family as well as my confidants. One of the greatest takeaways was learning to listen without responding and holding space. The person who listens with the intent to reply could miss the entire message and learning experience.

In leadership, one learns to listen more than one speaks. Once you step back and allow others to express themselves fully, you can learn how to lead by what is truly needed by you, not by what you may think they need. Shifting your perspective can put you in a position to serve at the highest level. Listen to the needs of others with the intent to hold space. Listen with an open mind and respect. You never know what message is waiting for you - all you need to do is just serve as the great leader that you are.

In conclusion, I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you.” - Anonymous

Remember this: Believe in yourself because if you believe you can… then you can.

About the Author:

Parisa Moayedi is nationally known as "The Teacher of Destiny," a heart-led Transformational Life Coach and Soul Healer, motivational speaker, writer, and the owner and founder of DIVINE CHAPTERS LLC. She has over 15 years of experience as a creative director while also working in business development and branding.

Specializing in mindset and somatic healing, leading online and in-person workshops as well as one-on-one private coaching for women, Parisa's overall mission is to help people who have experienced major adversity and pain reinvent their lives through the mind, body, and soul connection. She is also certified in both Breathwork and Yoga, helping others incorporate these skills and other modalities, including her exclusive EMPOWER Method, into their daily life and meditation and manifesting techniques.

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