I. A Week of Growth and Empowerment
This week, we had the privilege of welcoming Norma and Mike Smiley to our campus. From the moment they arrived, they knew it would be a week full of surprises and meaningful experiences.
In their discussions with students, they explored key themes such as delegation and empowerment—critical elements in leadership and personal growth.
Every successful leader understands that trusting their team and fostering individual talents is essential for success. More importantly, when individuals thrive, the entire group benefits.
II. Meet Mike and Norma Smiley
Mike Smiley grew up in Chicago and served as a missionary in Taiwan. Before his mission, he studied at BYU and later earned an MBA from the University of Chicago, launching a successful career in finance.
Norma started her career in human resources before transitioning into marketing, despite not having a formal degree in the field. She recalls, “I convinced my employers that I was capable and hardworking, and I built a successful career in marketing.”
Beyond her career, Norma is passionate about reading, sewing, and spending time with her family.
III. Career Growth and Adaptability
Career paths are rarely linear—some people pursue lifelong dreams, while others adapt based on experiences and opportunities.
For Mike, a strong desire to provide for his family and a passion for finance shaped his journey. Norma, on the other hand, embraced a career shift with determination, proving that persistence can overcome any obstacle.
No matter where you are in your professional journey, success requires open-mindedness and the ability to embrace challenges. The Smileys also emphasized the importance of seeking divine guidance in making career decisions.
“Prayerfully making decisions will take you farther than any road,” they shared.
IV. The Role of Empowerment in Leadership
“Transparency and honesty build trust, which in turn creates strong, motivated teams,” Mike explained. He believes that true empowerment allows teams to expand their skills and take on new challenges with confidence.
He also encouraged students to embrace discomfort, saying, “Discomfort means you’re learning. There is no progress in comfort.” Becoming a leader who delegates and empowers their team requires effort, but the rewards are worth it.
Norma added, “Be ready and prayerful when making pivotal career decisions.” At Cumorah Academy, faith plays a vital role in shaping students’ confidence in both themselves and their future.
V. A Message of Encouragement
When asked for their final advice to students, the Smileys shared words of inspiration:
“Many people limit themselves by thinking they can’t achieve something,” Mike said. “But with hard work and persistence, you can accomplish much more than you realize.”
Norma added, “I encourage everyone to continue learning, growing, and striving for excellence.”
Their wisdom and resilience serve as a powerful example of how persistence, faith, and empowerment lead to success.
Take the Next Step
What challenges are you facing in your career or personal growth? Like the Smileys, embrace empowerment, seek guidance, and step forward with confidence. Trust in your potential, support those around you, and keep striving for excellence.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Felipe Carrillo
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
To read more about the events and stories on campus, check our Blog Page.
