A True Leader! - Dr. India White
India White • July 28, 2021

With even just a cursory glance through the annals of history, one finds the importance of individuals in human society and progress. The way history is taught today, although flawed in many ways, does well in highlighting the importance of great people in the pursuit of noble goals. The likes of Tubman, MLK, Gandhi, and Stanton light up the darkest moments in history with their incredible acts of humanity and peace. They were leaders, in the truest sense of the word, guiding the masses through sheer force of will alone and brought about unprecedented change for those who supported them and, more importantly, those who didn’t.
But wait, you may be asking, there are many people we consider leaders today who are not as noble, and yet, they’re successful anyways -- what gives? And yes, that’s a valid point but also, a sad reality. You see, there are many types of leaders, but generally, they boil down to two: those who succeed for themselves at the cost of others and those who succeed for others at the cost of themselves. The former is known as a boss, and is typically focused only on results. The latter is known as servant leadership, and it is the most human form of leadership we have witnessed.
First coined in his 1970 essay, “servant leadership” is the phrase used by Robert Greenleaf to describe a leadership philosophy that places emphasis on individuals. While traditional leadership values the betterment of the whole, servant leadership takes that extra step to better the individual for the whole.
Within the context of a company, a servant leader cares for the development and well-being of his or her employees. Whether that’s giving them opportunities to grow or providing them better health insurance. There are many ways to care for the well-being of employees, but the end goal is for them to grow. If your employees grow, your company will naturally follow suit. If you rapidly expand your company first, your employees will have to stretch unnaturally and grow quickly to fill in. You can always hire more people, sure, but consider the wasted capital and potential that your original employees could’ve used.
There are so many benefits to incorporating servant leadership into your business. Not only does employee growth help them accomplish more things, it also allows them to serve others in return, creating a positive cycle of service and performance. When leaders serve others before themselves, their employees (or followers) are more likely to remain loyal. This valuable loyalty is not one that can simply be bought with money, but rather one earned through genuine human connection. These loyal employees will not fear their leader. As a result, they are not afraid to make their own decisions, they aren’t scared to take risks for the benefit of the company. They can perform at their best without the fear of being judged or punished if their best doesn’t match what the boss had in mind. If every employee in your company is then performing at their best, your company will certainly be at its best as well. And the better the company gets, the more people want to join and the more your original employees want to stay, leading to a natural growth of your company, driven by the awesome people within it. When you put others before yourself, you will find respect and friendship in front of you. Servant leaders make companions, whereas bosses make slaves.
Major companies like Starbucks, Nordstrom, and Marriott have servant leaders at the executive level, and their well-deserved successes are testaments to the strength and integrity of servant leadership. If you want to pursue this life, if you want to become a true leader for others, try reading Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek, and always remember to serve others before yourself -- a path of greatness will then await you.

For Families Considering Life Insurance Why families consider coverage Life insurance replaces income, pays off debt, and covers major expenses if a breadwinner passes away. It’s not just for parents—anyone with people who rely on them (or with co-signed debts) should consider it. My Recommended Type Term Life: Coverage for a set period (10, 20, 30 years). Typically the most coverage for the lowest cost. Great for income replacement during child-raising and mortgage years. Many families start with term life for immediate income protection,. So, How much coverage do we need? Common starting points (not advice, just general guidelines): 10–12× annual income for primary earners Add major debts (mortgage, loans) Add future goals (college support, childcare) Subtract existing coverage/savings A licensed agent can run a needs analysis customized to your budget and priorities. What affects your price? Age and health (younger/healthier = lower cost) Coverage amount & term length Tobacco use, driving record, hobbies, medications Policy riders (see below) Popular riders (optional add-ons) Accelerated Death Benefit: Access part of the benefit in certain serious illnesses. Waiver of Premium: Premiums waived if you become disabled (qualifying definitions apply). Child Rider: Low-cost coverage for children, sometimes convertible later. What to prepare for a quote Birth dates, basic medical history, medications Income, debts, current policies Beneficiary names and relationships Budget range you’re comfortable with monthly The application & underwriting process (what to expect) Needs analysis "te options (10–30 minutes). Application (online or paper). Underwriting: May include health questions, records, and occasionally a quick exam. Decision & policy delivery: Review, sign, and store digitally + physically. Annual check-in: Update beneficiaries, coverage fit, and affordability. Common pitfalls to avoid Waiting too long: Prices generally rise as you age. Underinsuring: Choosing a number that won’t truly cover income and debts. Overinsuring: Stretching beyond your budget and risking a lapse. “Set and forget”: Revisit coverage after major life changes (marriage, home, baby, new job). Quick Q&A Do stay-at-home parents need coverage? Usually yes—consider the cost to replace childcare and household management. What if we have life insurance at work? Great start, but it’s often not portable and may be too small. Many families add their own policy. If you'd like to explore more information, click on the link here: More Info Connect with me: https://therealhowmoneyworks.com/us/drindiawhite?ispreview=true

A Practical Path to Part-Time Income Through Financial Education—Plus a Guide to Getting Your Family Covered If you’re a teacher, school staff member, or busy parent looking for a values-aligned way to earn extra income, financial education can be a natural fit. One path is the role of a licensed life insurance agent—a part-time professional who helps families protect income, pay off debt, and build a basic financial safety net. This article has two parts: a clear look at the part-time agent opportunity (without naming any particular company), and a client guide to choosing life insurance for your family. Part 1: For Teachers & Families Exploring a Part-Time Agent Role What a life insurance agent actually does Educates families about risk protection, budgeting, debt payoff, and basic savings strategies. Assesses needs (income, dependents, debts, goals) and recommends suitable coverage, not one-size-fits-all. Guides applications and supports clients through underwriting and policy delivery. Provides service after the sale—beneficiary updates, coverage reviews, and life-event check-ins. Why this can fit educators and busy parents Flexible hours: Appointments can be evenings/weekends. Transferable skills: Listening, teaching, and explaining complex ideas simply. Mission-aligned: You’re already invested in families’ futures—this expands the support you can offer. What you’ll need to get started (U.S. overview) State license: Pre-licensing education, an exam, fingerprints/background check. Appointment with an insurer or agency: So you can offer approved products. Compliance training: Learn suitability rules, disclosures, and ethical standards. Mentorship & field training: Practice needs analyses and recommendation delivery. Tip: Avoid any platform that pressures you to “sell first, learn later” or makes income promises. Choose training that emphasizes education, compliance, and long-term client care. Time structure for a realistic part-time start (sample) 2–3 hrs/wk: Training (product, compliance, role-play). 2–4 hrs/wk: Client outreach and appointments (e.g., two 60–90 min sessions). 1 hr/wk: Follow-ups, paperwork, and service. Start small, then scale your calendar once your processes feel smooth. Ethics & guardrails (non-negotiables) Recommend coverage that fits the client’s budget and goals—never “sell to the max.” Disclose how you’re paid. Document needs, alternatives considered, and client decisions. Respect “not now” as an answer; offer a later review instead of pressure. Simple outreach language (use and adapt) Warm intro: “Hey [Name], I’m doing part-time financial education now—helping families set up affordable income protection and a plan for debt/savings. If it’s helpful, I can do a free 20-minute review and show options—no pressure at all.” Value close: “Whether you act now or later, you’ll walk away with a clear number for how much coverage your family would actually need.” Getting started checklist Identify your state’s licensing steps and fees. Choose an agency that offers mentorship, compliance support, and ongoing education. Create a simple “Financial Snapshot” form (income, debts, dependents, goals). Set office hours (even if it’s two evenings a week). Track all activity with a CRM or spreadsheet—consistency beats intensity. If this sounds like an opporutnity that interests you, click on the link below and let's scheudule a time to talk. Part Time Opportunity Link

Let’s Get Gritty: 5 G.R.I.T.-Powered Tips for Starting Off the School Year Right The start of the school year is a powerful moment; a fresh opportunity to set the tone, establish relationships, and lay the foundation for student success. This year, I encourage you to launch your classroom with G.R.I.T.: focusing on Growth mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. These four pillars don’t just help students succeed academically—they help you, the educator, lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Here are 5 actionable, GRIT-filled tips to kick off your school year strong: 1. Get to Know Your Students Every student comes with a unique story. Taking time to understand their learning styles, goals, and experiences shows them that they matter. This is where growth mindset comes alive—when we believe every student can improve and grow, no matter their starting point. GRIT Tip: Use icebreakers, interest surveys, or one-on-one chats to learn more about each student. Personal connections inspire engagement and persistence. 2. Speak to EVERY Parent or Guardian Strong home-school partnerships build trust and set the tone for collaboration. When parents feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to support and partner with you throughout the year. GRIT Tip: Make it a goal to connect with every family in the first two weeks with a positive phone call, email, or message. This builds your own self-efficacy and shows families that you’re invested in their child. 3. Connect with the Community Students are more resilient when they see how their learning connects to the real world. Whether it’s inviting local leaders to speak or organizing service projects, community connections bring relevance and depth to your teaching. GRIT Tip: Tap into the power of local culture and voices. When students see their community represented in learning, they build pride and purpose. 4. Know the Data Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a guide to help you make intentional decisions. Understanding your students’ strengths, gaps, and growth areas early on helps you manage time wisely and set personalized goals. GRIT Tip: Set aside weekly time to review data and make small, consistent adjustments. Empower students to track their own progress and celebrate wins, big or small. 5. Establish Norms for Success Your classroom culture will shape how students respond to challenges. Create norms that emphasize perseverance, responsibility, and mutual respect. Make these norms student-led and revisit them often. GRIT Tip: Let students help define what success looks like in your space. When expectations are clear and co-created, students feel ownership—and that builds resilience and self-efficacy. Final Thought: This school year, let’s lead with GRIT. Let’s build classrooms where students feel empowered to grow, bounce back, and believe in themselves. When we model G.R.I.T. as educators, we equip students with the tools they need to thrive in every area of life. Ready to bring G.R.I.T. to your school or district? I offer professional development, GRIT trainings for staff and students, keynote sessions, and engaging workshops to help you start strong and stay strong throughout the year. Let’s work together to build a G.R.I.T.-driven school culture! Contact Dr. India White 📧 Email: india.white.123@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.india-white.com 📱 Instagram/Twitter: @DrIndiaWhite 🎤 Available for: PD Sessions | Keynotes | GRIT Trainings | Student Workshops | Leadership Summits Let’s get gritty and make this year your best one yet!

🌟🎉 Day 2 of the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles was incredible! We heard from amazing experts and inspiring testimonials. I was honored to close out the day with my Ignite session on Grit! 💪🔥 A huge thank you to Yolande, Denise, LAUSD, California teachers, community leaders, and students for your warmth and welcome as we bridge the achievement gap through grit! Together, we rise! 🚀✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #math #ncsm #nctm #bwxme #NAACP #nasbe #aasa #education #teachers #students

🌟🎉 Day 2 of the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles was incredible! We heard from amazing experts and inspiring testimonials. I was honored to close out the day with my Ignite session on Grit! 💪🔥 A huge thank you to Yolande, Denise, LAUSD, California teachers, community leaders, and students for your warmth and welcome as we bridge the achievement gap through grit! Together, we rise! 🚀✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #math #ncsm #nctm #bwxme #NAACP #nasbe #aasa #education #teachers #students

🌟 Part 1 of the Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles has been beyond my expectations! 🙌 I’ve learned so much about Black history and heard from the greatest Black experts! There is work to be done, but my hope has been rekindled! 💖 It’s time to get gritty about bridging the achievement gap! Let’s do this! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #nctm #ncsm NCTM - National Council of Teachers of MathematicsNCSM: Leadership in Mathematics EducationYolande Beckles #foryou #savvas #bwxme #naacp (I don’t own music copyright)

🌟🎉 I can’t wait to see all you incredible Los Angeles educators at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit tomorrow morning ! 🚀✨ I’m super excited to talk about the power of grit and dive into some fun grit workbooks together! 💪📚 Stay gritty, everyone! Let’s do this! 🎊🙌 #drindiawhite #nctm #lausd #ncsm #nabse #bwxme #naacp #aasa (I don’t own music or background copyright)

Let’s Get Gritty at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in LA! 🔥 🎉 I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles! This powerful event is all about equity, excellence, and empowering Black students in mathematics—and I’m honored to be part of it. My session will focus on a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: Cultivating G.R.I.T. in the Math Classroom. During this hands-on, engaging session, attendees will: * 📘 Flip through the G.R.I.T. Student Workbook—a powerful tool designed to build Growth mindset, Resilience, self-efficacy, and Time management in students. * 💡 Explore real strategies for integrating grit-building activities into your math instruction. * 💬 Discuss how to support students through productive struggle while helping them develop the confidence to succeed in rigorous academic environments. And then, later that evening... get ready for the IGNITE session! 🔥 We’ll dive deeper into the message that “GRIT is IT” when it comes to student achievement. We’ll talk about how grit transforms classroom culture, closes equity gaps, and turns math challenges into moments of triumph—for every student. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, or advocate—this is your chance to get inspired, get equipped, and get gritty. 📍Los Angeles, here we come! Let’s empower our students, celebrate their brilliance, and make sure they know—Black Kids Love Math and they can excel in it too. #drindiawhite #grit #LetsGetGritty #BlackKidsLoveMath #lausd #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse #aasa #math #studentachievement #equity #resilience #gritintheclassroom #california