IBA SUCCESS MAGAZINE Volume 5 Issue 1 | Page 5

WELCOME VOLUME 5 n ISSUE 1 n LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPEMENT H aving faith opens doors for what we think may be unreachable. It gives us a push of power to make it to the next phase. As we walk through the doors of 2019, I believe it is very important that we examine our inner circle and thoughts. What I have found to be true is those with whom we surround ourselves can create a sense of peace that will encourage us to hold on during uncertainty. As we take this leap into the New Year, not only do I celebrate Life, but the 5th Anniversary of IBA Success Magazine. Each milestone has taught me an incredible lesson. I have gained supporters and uncovered haters. With each step, I am truly thankful for each person that has either added or taken away from me. Real leaders bounce back. Real friends stick around. Real love conquers all. When you have a clear idea of your capabilities, nothing and no one can stop your pursuit of success. What are your strengths? Are you good at listening, encouraging, or providing a labor to those that can’t provide for themselves? Where does your strength come from? For me, by being focused on my passion, purpose and power, I can climb the biggest mountains and swim through the roughest seas. This edition inspires me to push past the obstacles and continue to deliver greatness. As an African American Woman CEO & Publisher, I have been ridiculed, lied on, stabbed in the back and left with feelings of hopelessness and with the desire to quit. I think we all experience this at some point in our lives. However, after sitting quietly, meditating and praying for strength I realized, the journey of success is not easy. But with GOD, grit, determination, time-management and a strong desire to reach your goals, anything is possible. Proof of that screams loudly in the cover feature, where I had the opportunity to interview Orange County Mayor, Jerry L. Demings. His triumph and journey of success is an example that we, as people, can overcome and succeed on our own life’s expectations. In order to succeed we must be willing to develop personally, be a leader not a follower. It’s why this edition, breaking into the New Year, is all about Leadership & Personal Development. My hope is that the articles within will challenge you to pour back into yourself, so you can pour into others. The challenges and struggles are real, so as you flip the pages of this edition, I encourae you to be a leader, stand for something, don’t be afraid to let go of the past to welcome the future. Stand strong even when you feel weak, and most importantly do what you love! Jennifer Yon — Welcome to the first edition of 2019 ! FEATURE 18 ORANGE COUNTY MAYOR JERRY L. DEMINGS As the first African-American Mayor of Orange County Government, Jerry L. Demings sets his sights on position- ing this county to be considered one of the nation's best. In a sweeping interview with IBA Success Magazine CEO and Publisher, Jennifer Yon, Mayor Demings, in his own words, describes the hurdles taken throughout his career and his ambitious roadmap forward. Photo courtesy of the Orange County Mayor's Office VOL 5, Issue 1 n IBASuccessMagazine.com 3