I’m Dr. Danita A. Crawford, and for over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in mental and behavioral health, higher education, senior management, and government administration. Throughout my career, I’ve come to realize that leadership is about more than just strategic decisions—it’s about the ability to inspire, guide, and empower others to unlock their full potential. This belief is at the heart of Leading with a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Your Potential, and I’m excited to share these transformative principles with you.

In my work, I’ve had the honor of shaping organizational leadership practices at a national level, advising on Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity initiatives, and guiding the development of leaders through strategic planning and resource allocation. But my real passion lies in mentoring the next generation of leaders—helping individuals cultivate resilience, adaptability, and the mindset necessary to thrive in any environment. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact of leadership during difficult times, particularly when I led crisis management and recovery initiatives following a national tragedy. It was in these moments that I truly understood how transformative leadership can be when paired with a growth mindset. This book, Leading with a Growth Mindset, takes those same principles of leadership and resilience and provides you with the tools to apply them in your own life.

As a transformational leadership coach, I’ve worked to empower countless individuals by offering practical tools and strategies to help them navigate challenges and unlock their full leadership potential. Whether you're just starting out or are an established leader looking to refine your skills, this book will help you take your leadership journey to the next level.

I’ve been humbled to receive recognition such as the 2015 Innovation of the Year award, being named one of Broward County’s 100 Outstanding Women in 2016 and 2017, and recently receiving the 2024 Legacy South Florida's Top Educators Award. But what truly drives me is seeing others step into their leadership roles with confidence and purpose. That’s what I hope to help you achieve with this book—a renewed sense of empowerment and a clear path to unlocking your leadership potential.

I’m Dr. Shirley Sims, and I’ve had the privilege of spending over 22 years navigating leadership roles across higher education, nonprofit, and government sectors. In 2020, at the peak of COVID-19, as Vice President of Operations for a higher education institution, I was tasked with leading the shift from on-campus to online learning for students. This period of crisis demanded strategic and innovative leadership to quickly adapt to unprecedented challenges, ensuring that education continued seamlessly despite the disruption. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about inspiring others, driving meaningful collaboration, and embracing change in times of uncertainty. It’s this mindset of resilience and transformation that I share in Leading with a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Your Potential. 

As the founder of iTrainNow, Inc., a nonprofit 501c3 organization, my mission has always been to empower youth and young adults. Through our programs, we help them explore their careers, engage with their communities, and prioritize their health and wellness. But more than just skills, we focus on cultivating the confidence and mindset needed to unlock their true potential. This book reflects that commitment, guiding readers through the principles of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and leadership traits that I’ve seen not only shape my journey but also help countless others grow both personally and professionally.

In my work as a Certified John Maxwell Leadership Trainer and Coach, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and community service in shaping resilient, adaptable leaders. Leading with a Growth Mindset offers practical tools that anyone—whether new to leadership or looking to refine their skills—can use to strengthen their abilities, navigate challenges, and continue to grow with purpose.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my innovative leadership. Among the honors, I’ve been named the 2017 Tampa Bay Award-winning business owner, the 2020 Community Heroes Awardee, the 2021 Excellence in Education Awardee, and the 2023 Legacy South Florida Women In Business Awardee. I was also named one of the Top 50 Women Chiefs of Staff in 2024. While these accolades are meaningful, the greatest reward for me is watching others step into their leadership roles with confidence and purpose. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing the lessons in Leading with a Growth Mindset. It’s not just a book; it’s a roadmap for anyone ready to take their leadership journey to the next level, embrace innovation, and unlock their true potential.