100 WOMEN TO KNOW IN 2023: PHYL MACOMBER

RISEHER 100 Special Edition

Women To Know In 2023

ADVOCATOR VISIONARY EDUCATOR

Every Child Can Learn!

PHYL MACOMBER Make A Difference, Inc. Responsibility Is A Gift

SPEAKER. AUTHOR. EDUCATION SPECIALIST was adopted when she was 7 weeks old from St. Joseph's Orphanage into a wonderful Italian family and was raised with an abundance of love and strong sense of belonging. It did not take her very long, at quite a young age, to realize that not every child was as lucky as me.

PHYL

Phyl is now President of Make A Difference, Inc., is an award-winning speaker, bestselling author, podcast host, and international education specialist who has trained thousands of educators around the globe, advocating for children of all abilities to reach their potential in an inclusive environment. Phyl’s Amazon #1 bestseller, “Every Child Can Learn: Your Roadmap to Inclusive Education” is being referred to as “common sense education” around the world.

Her life's work in educational leadership centers on ensuring that every child has a true sense of belonging in their classroom and school community - to not only BE valued, but also to ADD value while reaching their true, unique potential.

Phyl Believes: EVERY CHILD CAN LEARN!

MAC

CONNECT: www.AboutTHEPACT.com www.facebook.com/phylmacomber/ www.linkedin.com/in/PhylTHEPACT/ twitter.com/AllAboutTHEPACT www.instagram.com/phylmacomber/

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R: How would you describe your journey of becoming the woman and CEO you are today?

P: When I was four years old, I asked my parents why they adopted me. I was sitting on my my Mommy's lap, facing her and giving her kisses. She took my face in both of her hands and lovingly said, "The real reason that Daddy and I adopted you, Petunia, was because we wanted to make a difference. And, when you grow up, you will find your own unique way to do so." It was a dining moment in my life. I have never forgotten it and it serves as my moral compass. I have named one of my two companies Make A Difference, Inc. to honor my parents.

R: What would you say is most rewarding in what you do?

P: Empowering children to believe in themselves, make meaningful contributions, and know that anything is possible.

R: What advice would you give someone who wants to transition from being an employee to entrepreneur?

P: Identify the problem you are the solution to so that your entrepreneurial business is relevant.

R: What are three traits you feel an entrepreneur must have?

P: (1) a clear vision of their contribution and how they will make a difference; (2) responsible decision-making; and (3) flexible thinking.

If you don't like something, change it.

-Maya Angelou

Phyl Macomber Interview with a Women To Know In 2023 R: How do you persist in the face of challenges within your business?

P: I never lose sight of the prize: the children. One of my closest mentors shared with me that "Responsibility is a gift, Phyl. It is your gift to the world." When I was a child, my dear father said that I could come to him with ANY problem. But we were only going to talk about that problem for about 5-10 minutes . . . the rest of the time we were going to focus on SOLUTIONS. My Daddy told me that this is how I was going to grow up to be a strong woman. I think of this every time I am faced with challenges or roadblocks.

R: Why do you what you do?

P: In addition to advocating for children of all abilities to have a great sense of belonging in their classroom, I strongly believe that education has become way too complicated. Education is in crisis. One of the biggest problems we face with students is disengagement - they are not interested or motivated in class.

The second biggest problem is that our teachers are burned out and feel extremely under-appreciated. The solution is simple: We must SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY. R: How do you measure success?

P: When I see the lightbulbs go off when I am training educators and modeling lessons with students around the world. We all have defining moments in life and one comes to my mind here: At the end of a lesson I was modeling in a classroom in the United States, a 4th grade boy came up to me and hugged and squeezed me, while saying, "Thank you, Miss Phyl! You make me believe in myself." I cried.

R: 100 years from now when people learn about you, what do you want to be known for?

P: Simplifying education in an inclusive environment so that EVERY CHILD CAN LEARN and be included.

R: Give three tips to new business owners, and leaders.

P:: Be your authentic self and adopt the habit of selfreflection. I complete a daily self-reflection exercise, both personally and professionally, called my 3-3. I examine the three things I did to make a difference and then identify the three things I need to do to make a better difference next time.

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