Unlocking Our Path to Truth Through Parental Influence with Mildred J. Mills

In this powerful and inspiring episode of “Unlocking the Club” host Angela Taylor sits down with Mildred J. Mills, a motivational speaker, author, and podcast host with an extraordinary journey. Mildred, who grew up on a 60-acre farm in Wetumpka, Alabama, shares her story of resilience, overcoming adversity, and discovering her purpose beyond the cotton fields.

 

Mildred reflects on her experiences growing up in a large family, the life lessons she learned from her parents, and how these early experiences shaped her into the woman she is today. From the influence of her father, whose discipline taught her the value of hard work, to the gentleness of her mother, who instilled in her the importance of grace and compassion, Mildred's journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

 

Key Highlights:

• Finding Purpose Beyond the Cotton Fields: Mildred shares how, even as a young girl, she knew there was more to life than what she saw around her. This intuition fueled her dreams and set her on a path to explore the world beyond her father's farm.

  

• Lessons from Her Father: Mildred discusses the complex relationship with her father, whose strict discipline taught her resilience and work ethic. She reflects on how these early lessons helped her navigate the challenges of corporate America and succeed in a male-dominated field.

 

• Reconciling Parental Influences: The contrasting influences of her parents—her father’s strictness and her mother’s nurturing—shaped Mildred into a person who embodies both strength and kindness. She talks about how she reconciled these opposing forces in her life.

 

• Overcoming Childhood Challenges: Mildred opens up about hurtful words from her childhood and how she decided early on that she would not let them define her. Her determination to succeed despite these challenges is a recurring theme in her story.

 

• Succeeding in Corporate America: Mildred’s journey in the corporate world, particularly in IT, was fraught with challenges. She shares stories of overcoming discrimination, earning the respect of her colleagues, and eventually stepping into leadership roles despite initial reluctance.

 

• The Power of Allies: Mildred emphasizes the importance of social capital and finding allies in the workplace. She credits her success to the support she received from unexpected quarters, including white men who helped her navigate the complexities of corporate life.

 

• Reclaiming Her Identity: After leaving a toxic work environment, Mildred rediscovered a softer side of herself that she had suppressed. Volunteering and helping others became a way for her to heal and reconnect with her true self.

 

• Writing Her Memoir: Mildred's upcoming book, *Daddy's House*, is a memoir of her life, detailing the setbacks, triumphs, and the journey to rise above her roots. She discusses the cathartic process of writing her story and the power of sharing one's truth.

 

Episode Quotes:

- “I knew there was more to this world, even when I was just a little girl looking out across the farm.”

- “You may be smarter than me, but you can’t outwork me. That’s something I learned from my father.”

- “Reclaiming who I am meant giving back, volunteering, and showing others that where you start doesn’t have to be where you end.”

 

Subscribe and Share: If this conversation resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe to *Unlocking the Club* on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with your community. Let’s continue to unlock our truths and reclaim our power together.

  

Join the Conversation: Engage with us on social media, and join our Facebook group, The Code Breakers Lounge, to dive deeper into the topics discussed in this episode.

 

Purchase Mildred's Book: Mildred J. Mills’ memoir, *Daddy's House*, has been released. Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MildredJMills and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MildredJMills for updates and pre-order information.

 

Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to the next episode of *Unlocking the Club* as we continue to explore the journeys of those who are breaking barriers, reclaiming their space, and unlocking their full potential.

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This award nominated podcast is hosted by Angela Taylor. Angela Taylor is an equity & inclusion strategist, executive coach, motivational speaker, podcaster, TV Analyst, and entrepreneur! She is the co-founder of Dignitas, Principal of Tindall Avenue Coaching, and Owner & Chief Indulge Officer of Indulge Boise Food Tours, which is a culinary and cultural experience brand that is the #1 Rated Food Tour in Boise. Angela also connects her passion for sports and storytelling as a Studio Analyst & Game Analyst for Women's Basketball with the Pac-12 Network.

 

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