“ P E O P L E A R E C A PA B L E , AT A N Y

TIME IN THEIR LIVES, OF DOING

W H AT T H E Y D R E A M O F ”
– PA U L O C O E L H O

Yesenia Salazar
November 12th, 2023
OGL 482
Dr. Janice Lawhorn
 As an aspiring leader, big sister, and a loving
friend to all, we are about to embark on a thematic
analysis to further our understanding of Yesenia’s
journey. This thematic analysis will unveil the
skills & traits along with her personality to help
cultivate her story, as well as provide insight on
how each of these artifacts have shaped her
leadership mentality. The underlying themes of
Yesenia’s professional and personal growth are
INTRODUCTION reinforced by these several assessments, which
also highlight her accomplishments from the past
and her aspirations for the future as a 2023
graduate of ASU's Organizational Leadership
Program.
M Y D ATA S O U R C E S
The following sources highlight some
of the assignments that led to key
findings in completion of my thematic
analysis. Some of these sources range
from self-assessments to personal
journal entries to captivate who I am
from what I have learned along my
journey that has tremendously
contributed to my personality in
connection with who I am as a leader.
 Data Sources

3 Question’s by Kuder Assessments Motivation & Career Holland Personality Cultural Self- HumanMetrics Jung Kolb Learning Style
Michael Himes (Kud)- 3 Different Anchors Assessment Traits (Hpt)- this Dimesnsions Self- Typology Test Self-Assessment
(3Q’s)- This is a Career Assessments (Mca)- A series of assessment is Assessment (Csd)- A (Jung)- This self- (Kolb)- It is a
Yellowdig Discussion that include: Career questions used to determined by the self-assessment used assessment allowed practical self-
Board entry that calls Interests, Skills develop sufficient multiple-choice list to examine behavioral me to enrapture my assessment
upon three specific Confidence & Super’s insight to be able to from the that shows implications true personality while instrument that can
questions to help Work Values make intelligent and your social, associated with your comparing my help us gain deeper
reflect on reasoning Inventory appropriate career conventional, own cultural perceptive results to insight into our own
making life choices choices investigative, artistic, orientation., as well the perception of my preferred approach to
realistic, as assess the friends, colleagues, learning – as well as
conventional, and dominant and family. how others may think
enterprising characteristics of your and process learning-
personality personality and how related information
dimensions personality influences differently
behavior.
Data Sources (continued)
Inspiration: Book Project
(Ibp)- This assignment
consisted of choosing a book
that drew upon my inspiration
for leadership through my
connection through the
narrative.
Autobiographical Personal
Leadership Narrative (Pln)-
This narrative is a reflection
and synthesis of key aspects of
my life that contributed to my
evolving leadership philosophy
Interviews With Significant Personal Journal Entry: Personal Reflection Entry:
Others (Iwso)- The purpose of “Self-Transformation” (Pje)- “My Purpose” (Pre)- A short
this assignment was to gain A personal journal entry from personal narrative reflection on
additional insight into January 4th, 2022 reflecting on how I envision reaching my
leadership best practices by my projected self- purpose in life.
exploring my interviewee’s transformation.
perspectives on leadership and
lessons learned.
Leadership Development Plan
(Ldp)- This assignment
consisted of multiple layers:
formulating a purpose/mission
statement, developing SMART
goals, and implementing
aspirations & Big Moves
 My 10 themes

As my journey of pursuing my Organizational leadership degree

is coming to the end, I have truly embarked on a journey of self-
discovery. Though it is merely an end to a chapter, I am still left
in awe of not knowing that this is where it was going to take me.
I am truly grateful to have learned all that I have because it has
prepared me for what’s in store as I continue down my path. The
ten themes that I will share with you, will illustrate what has
been of importance on my journey and will be forever embedded
in my approach as a leader, big sister, and loving friend.
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your
treasure.” -Paulo Coelho
 Theme 1: Authenticity
Exploring how my understanding of myself impacts my
leadership style and approach to decision-making. At the
beginning of my journey, I knew that this theme was an area
that I personally wanted to focus on. It is crucial to develop this
skill, as individuals who have this within them are ahead in
understanding their higher purpose.
 Theme 1: Authenticity
• What Brings me Joy? -Being who I am, being surrounded by those I love, and accepting that things happen for me, not to
me. (3Q’s)
• What does the world need me to do? Continue to remain authentic to myself and there I’ll find who I am meant to be. (3Q’s)
• “I am truly amazed and inspired by the nurture that the universe has provided me in all of this.” (Pln)
• I think this all started a long time ago for you and has been a long time in the making. You honestly found this when you
were able to figure out who you were as a person, and what your purpose in this world is. (Iwso)
• I respect everything about you, and that is why our friendship is so unique. We have shown vulnerability through so many
authentic moments together, revealing the true intentions behind the value and meaning of our friendship. (Iwso)
• Contradictive: I have struggled with finding my way of living my life according to me, and only me. I would love to explore more of the
individualism within me as I continue navigating through life. (Csd)
• Reflection: Embracing authenticity has been a powerful aspect of my personal development journey. Authenticity has allowed me to be true
to myself and build genuine connections with others. Authenticity serves as a guide for my leadership style and drives my desire to make a
positive impact.
T H E M E 2 : C R E AT I N G E M PAT H Y

This theme has allowed me to investigate how

my ability to understand and relate to others
influences my leadership approach.
 Theme 2: Creating Empathy
Already having a sense of
empathy for humanity, this only
reminded me how valuable
listening and attempting to
understand others, correlates to
the self-awareness I am bringing
to others.
My secondary anchor falling in
the category of- “Emotional
competence includes the capacity
to remain energized and
proactive, without excessive
anxiety or guilt, during periods of
high stress, emotional and
interpersonal crises.” (Kud)
I feel that the social category
aspect is what brings that drive to
want to instill confidence in
Compassion & Empathy: Being
others to develop the tools to
Kind to others, you never know
navigate through situations by
what one is going through. (Ldp)
leading with empathy and the will
to want to help others succeed.
(Kud)
My final “big move” is
Reflection: Empathy is a
something that I have learned in
powerful source that illustrates
the last few years, as I digest and
the warmth in being kind and
reflect on the events in my life.
understanding, after having been
Life is short, and I would hope it
through a lot from a young age.
to be filled with love and
This is starting to become a
kindness for myself and others.
super-power for me as a leader.
(Ldp)
 THEME 3:
C O L L A B O R AT I O N

This theme has allowed me to examine how my inclination towards teamwork

and fostering a collaborative environment contributes to my leadership style.
 Theme 3: Collaboration

• “I would take this information to be more resourceful in coming up with ways to use the
modeled behavior to influence positive social dynamics. With that being said, we can try to
understand the challenges of the present and future.” (Csd)
• “As a leader, you can create an environment that encourages open communication and fosters
trust among team members.” (Ibp)
• “This allows you and your team to adapt to challenges, improve processes, and achieve
collective success.” (Ibp)
• My Primary Career anchor fell in the category of Sense of Service/dedication to others-People
with a service anchor are characterized as being principally motivated by dedicating their work
and sometimes their lives in the service of others (Mca)
• I try to find the best of both worlds that leads to more compromise rather than having any
conflicts arise. (Jung)
• Contradictive: Prior to this, I would describe myself as one of the worst procrastinators as I
was unmotivated to really learn. (Kolb)
• Reflection: Looking back, I was always intimidated by collaborating in group work and even
co-shifting with fellow supervisors. Now it is same to say that I lean towards collaboration to
help achieve goals without feeling I have all the weight on my shoulders.
 THEME 4:INTEGRITY

Reflecting on the importance of moral and

ethical principles in my leadership approach,
and how it affects my decision-making process.
 Theme 4: Integrity
I hold on to the fact that
everything happens for a reason.
It has truly shaped me into who I
am and how I carry myself as a
leader. (Pln)
The statement that stood out the
most was, "They want to both
help and to be liked and admired
by other people, on both an
individual and a humanitarian
level." I have never read a
statement that perfectly described
who I am and what I stand for as
a member of a diverse world.”
(Jung)
By aligning individual passions
with organizational goals,
fostering trust and intuition,
embracing the journey, and
inspiring others, you can make a
meaningful impact as a leader
and contribute to the success of
your future career. (Ibp)
Guiding Values: (Ldp) Leading
with Integrity: Practice what you
preach. Honesty: it’s the best
policy.
Answer from an Interview:
When I reflect on your
personality, communication style,
and frequent behavior, I see the
honesty in it all. You bring out
the best in others no matter the
situation or circumstances life has
thrown at you. (Iwso)
Reflection: Integrity has been a
guiding principle throughout my
journey. I have found that leading
with Integrity not only benefits
me personally, but also creates a
positive ripple effect in my
relationships and the broader
community.
THEME 5:GOAL SETTING

Analyzing the process of setting specific,

measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-
bound goals and the impact it has had on my
personal development.
 Theme 5: Goal Setting

• What I want to envision for the future for myself is: Coming to be my full authentic self, focusing
on my overall well-being, excelling in school & all other aspects of my life, and most importantly,
continuing to live life according to me & only me. (Pje)
• Things I want to do for myself: Keep up with my schoolwork/get ahead/NO procrastination. (Pje)
• Spread love & kindness: My final “big move” is something that I have learned in the last few
years, as I digest and reflect on the events in my life. Life is short, and I would hope it to be filled
with love and kindness for myself and others. (Ldp)
• "The Alchemist" emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's personal legend--the unique purpose
or goal that each individual holds. This lesson resonates with many as it encourages individuals to
listen to their hearts, follow their passions, and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of their dreams.
(Ibp)
• In a leadership context, this lesson reminds me of the importance of creating a work environment
that allows individuals to find and align with their own personal passions and goals. (Ibp)
• Contradictive: I have yet to conquer my goal of not procrastinating or getting ahead.
• Reflection: I enjoy being able to look back at the goals I have set vs. what I have met and have not.
I enjoy the intentions behind goal-setting and know I can work better to achieve my own
expectations.
 T H E M E 6 : FA C I N G F E A R S A N D
CHALLENGES

Analyzing instances where fear or challenges were confronted and overcome. As

well as examining the personal development that resulted from those experiences.
Theme 6: Facing Fears
and Challenges
• As of late, I have found myself in moments consciously reflecting on how I feel
when it comes to processing emotional situations now with a leadership mentality,
compared to before when I had not yet tapped into my truest potential as a leader.
In a leadership context, this lesson reminds me of the importance of creating a
work environment that allows individuals to find and align with their own
personal passions and goals. (Pln)

• What I have come to realize throughout all these flashbacks and resurfacing of
hard times and crucial moments, is despite how tragic it seemed at the time, it
brought me to be the strong and independent young woman I am today. (Pln)

• “You overcame a lot. And you will have to overcome a lot. Don’t get discouraged
by the very essence of your journey. EMBRACE everything as inevitable for your
own higher good.” (Pje)

• ”Try to learn to forgive and forget in order to avoid the depression that stems from
over-thinking.” (pje)

• Overall, "The Alchemist" is a profoundly inspiring and uplifting book that

encourages readers to pursue their dreams and listen to the whispers of their
hearts. (Ibp)

• Reflection: The Fears and challenges I have faced have been equally as important
as any part of my journey. Life wouldn’t throw these at me if I were not truly
ready to face the music.
 THEME 7:RESILIENCE AND
A D A P TA B I L I T Y

This theme has allowed me to explore experiences that have tested my resilience and adaptability.
Examining these qualities has fostered my personal growth and my ability to handle challenges.
 Theme 7: Resilience and Adaptability
• Q: Looking at my patterns from my early life story, what people, events and experiences have had the
greatest impact on me and my life?

A:Your dad, without a doubt because you embody the essence of being his daughter. But at the same, time
you are your mother’s daughter, and yet beautifully combined to be the person you are today. At the end of
the day, you parents were each other, and you are them. Going from childhood to adulthood with and
without your father is what has impacted your life, only for you to be driven with inspiration coming out of
that. It’s impactful to have the opportunity to understand the nature of how this came about. (Iwso)
• It reminds leaders to appreciate the journey, celebrate milestones, and learn from both successes and failures
along the way. (Ibp)
• I would want to grow in other areas of learning styles and gain more insights to the nature of dynamics that
structure learning opportunities to my learning style. (Kolb)
• My parents weren't together as a couple for a majority of my life and teamed up to co-parent. Due to this, I was
able to experience different social settings and was exposed to different types of lifestyles. Little did I know this
would shape my views as I explore my belief systems, more specifically my thoughts on my own
individualism-collectivism. (Csd)
• Reflection: Resilience has been a key word when I have conversed with peers and colleagues upon my personal
development and narrative as a leader. I have always been one to go with the flow.
 THEME 8:VISION

Considering how my ability to create and

communicate a compelling vision influences
my leadership effectiveness.
 Theme 8: Vision
• My purpose is to live the journey as the alchemist I was always meant to be. (Pre)
• I think that the constant that this narrative revolves around, is simply because there is no one like the person
I am-someone to adapt an effortless and magical flow, developing a mastery in remaining fluid between the
light and darkness the world can bring to consume our lives and impact our mindsets. (Pre)
• Q: Can I articulate my own visions and aspirations? Do you know what’s most important to me? A:
Yes, you can definitely articulate your visions and aspirations. You are detailed and organized
about how you want to go about things and how they should come together. It’s always the
principle, reasoning, and intention behind how the actions and behaviors that are most important
to you. (Iwso)
• I want to show that achieving your dreams is by far the most aspiring and is nothing short of
impossible. (Pje)
• There is nothing in my path that is going to tear me down. I WILL RISE. I will be who it is that
aspires me to be 100% authentic—And I cannot wait. (Pje)
• Reflection: I am in awe of how these visions were articulated and have remained to be true. I am
immensely proud of the vision I set out to create.
THEME 9:EMPOWERMENT

Reflecting on my commitment to empowering

others, delegating responsibilities, and fostering
a sense of autonomy within my team.
 Theme 9: Empowerment
• When leaders empower employees to pursue their personal legends within the organization, it can cultivate a sense of purpose,
motivation, and ultimately, drive the collective success of the organization. (Ibp)
• Q: What did you learn about effective leadership, or how did the interview process affect your own evolving
leadership philosophy?
A: I learned what it takes and means to be effective regarding leadership. The interview process made me smile within
knowing that I make an impact on those around me. I always try to convince myself that I am just like everyone else, when
even I know that’s not at all true. I guess it just allows me to feel empowered and inspired to do the same for others.
Sometimes I stress out on the little things and often forget what I am capable of in those moments. (Iwso)
• Q: How do I go about and empowering other people to step up and lead?
A:I feel that this is just a natural quality you obtain as a human being, and you go out of your way to point that out in others
as well. You merely only must be yourself to empower those around you. (Iwso)
• ”I am slowly growing & I love who I am becoming” (Empowering quote from a Pje)
• Reflection: Empowerment has saved me throughout various moments in my life where I sat and questioned the path
I was on. Today I empower others to push through and see the universe is working in their favor.
 T H E M E 1 0 : S E L F - C O M PA S S I O N

Analyzing the practice of self-compassion, being kind to oneself, and how it has
influenced personal growth and the ability to navigate setbacks and failures.
 Do more of what makes me happy!
 My second “big move” consists of realigning what it is I like to do
that makes me happy. For quite some time, I did everything that
everyone else wanted me to do, rather than doing what I love. I
hope to engage in lost activities that I once had a passion for, like
dancing Ballet Folklorico. (Ldp)

• ”Even if at times I may feel defeated, I must trust that everything

happens for a reason even if at that moment I don’t know the reason.”
(Pje)

• “I am genuinely always in awe of the beauty in my struggles, and I

consistently thank the universe every day for bringing me here.” (Pre)

Theme 10: Self-

• “Expressing the thoughts that I have as I am typing is like letting the
voice in my head think of itself as a sitcom voice-over actor.” (Pre)

• “I have grown into the leader I am today, because of how these specific

Compassion events shaped my mindset forever. I have never been prouder of who I
am as I am a young, hard-working, humble, grateful, genuine, and self-
made woman. I wouldn’t be here today without having been
academically disqualified, tragically affected by death, and being healed
through the culture and mission and values of my employer. Getting to
this point was not easy, but it was never meant to be easy. I know that I
was always meant to be a leader, and I am so excited to experience the
passion of evolving my leadership style so that I can influence the
world and guide them as I have been guided this far. Things will get
easier and brighter.” (Pln)

• Reflection: The ability to be this compassionate towards myself has

been the light at the end of tunnel. I am grateful to have come this far
because of the compassion I have been able to give myself and others.
 Personal Vision and Mission Statement
Vision:
To awaken my true potential and embrace a life of
continuous personal growth and self-transformation.
Through self-reflection, self-care, and authentic
connections, I strive to create a positive ripple effect
in the world, inspiring others to embark on their own
personal development journeys and discover their
inner greatness.
Reflection: My vision statement was created by
drawing upon the central themes that were
highlighted in this thematic analysis. It articulates
everything I am so keen on in every aspect of my life.
Mission:
To embark on a relentless pursuit of personal growth,
driven by self-reflection, introspection, and the
cultivation of a growth mindset. Through embracing
authenticity, resilience, and empathy, I aim to build
strong, meaningful relationships and empower others to
tap into their own strengths and capabilities. By
practicing self-care, setting clear intentions, I aspire to
lead a purposeful life that inspires and uplifts those
around me.
Reflection: My mission statement allows me to take
accountability after setting up my vision. I feel that I
truly live my life through this mission that I have
embarked on.
 Concluding thoughts

This thematic analysis highlights the significance of self-reflection, authenticity,

personal growth, and ethical leadership. By embracing these themes, we can
unleash our inner potential, build meaningful connections, and empower ourselves
and others to create positive change. May this analysis serve as a graceful reminder
to continually seek personal development, while embracing authenticity and
integrity through it all, to further inspire those around us to do the same. It was truly
an honor to be heading towards the finish line and race towards new beginnings.
Thank you for being apart of my journey.

“…when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes

better, too.”
–Paulo Coelho