Introduction: From History to Hustle
It all started with a single decision fueled by vengeance, loss, and lack. She sought retribution for the man she loved, dreamed of a future she had lost, and needed a way to secure her education. So, she joined the Army and embarked on a journey that changed her life—and history.
Knowing me, you should’ve known I’d love, love, love The Six Triple Eight. 🖤 First, the military’s foundation in systems and processes speaks to my COO heart. Then, Tyler Perry added a shimmer of pure Black Girl Magic✨. I’ve watched this movie so many times over the past week, and each time, I’ve walked away inspired.
Here are 8 powerful leadership lessons I learned from the Six Triple Eight that every CEO can use to thrive in 2025. 🌟
1. "You cannot see the lid from inside the jar." 🕵️♀️
Every great leader needs a mentor, coach, or advisor to help stretch their vision. Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Major Charity Adams stood out as a powerful example of what happens when someone uplifts and challenges you to grow.
✅ Pillar: People Management Surround yourself with mentors and advisors who can guide you—and build a team that reflects the same principle. Encourage growth within your organization by becoming a coach for your team.
2. "Posture is important." 💼
As a CEO, your posture—both literally and figuratively—matters. Standing firm in your vision and values will carry you through challenges. Major Adams reminded her troops to maintain perfect posture, both physically and in their work.
✅ Pillar: Operations Management Build processes and systems that help you “stand tall” as a leader. When your operations are solid, you’ll exude confidence that inspires your team and clients alike.
3. "All things must be done decently and in order." (I Cor 14:40) 🗂️
The Six Triple Eight’s success in processing 17 million pieces of mail came down to this: organization. From creating systems for sorting mail to mapping out truck routes, they built a process that worked—quickly and efficiently.
✅ Pillar: Project Management Systems and workflows aren’t just for big corporations. As a CEO, documenting your processes ensures consistency, scalability, and repeatable success.
4. "It’s better to beg forgiveness than to ask for permission." 🛠️
Major Adams didn’t sit around waiting for official orders—she took action. CEOs must do the same. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or endless approvals; sometimes, bold moves are the key to success.
✅ Pillar: Data Management Use the information at your fingertips to make informed, bold decisions. Data isn’t just numbers—it’s a tool for clarity and action.
5. "There is more than one way to skin a cat." 🔄
Adapting to setbacks is a skill every CEO must master. When the 6888 faced returned mail and sabotage, they didn’t give up. Instead, they found new strategies and kept moving forward.
✅ Pillar: Operations Management Flexibility is a cornerstone of great leadership. Build systems that allow you to pivot quickly while keeping your goals in focus.
6. "The right people, doing the right tasks, the right way." 🎯
The women of the Six Triple Eight succeeded because they knew their strengths and used them wisely. From deciphering codes to delivering mail, every task was assigned based on talent and expertise.
✅ Pillar: People Management As a CEO, knowing your team’s strengths and ensuring everyone operates in their zone of genius is key. When the right people are in the right roles, extraordinary results follow.
7. "Sharing is caring, and transparency creates relationships." 🤝
Lena’s vulnerability about her “why” brought the team closer and added a personal stake to their mission. As a CEO, fostering open communication builds trust and commitment in your team.
✅ Pillar: People Management Share your mission and vision with your team. When they understand the why behind their work, they’ll go the extra mile to help achieve the goals.
8. "You can’t have a testimony without surviving the test." 🌟
Despite sabotage and doubt, the 6888 exceeded expectations. They didn’t just complete their mission—they crushed it, finishing months early and leaving a legacy.
✅ Pillar: Data Management Track your progress and learn from challenges. Resilience, backed by data and strategy, turns setbacks into stepping stones.
The Takeaway: Systems Build Legacy
The women of the Six Triple Eight created systems so effective they could replicate their success across locations. The effectiveness of their systemization solution was proven when they were able to rinse and repeat similar success in France. They didn’t just solve a problem—they built a legacy. As CEOs, we must do the same. Documenting your processes ensures you can deliver consistent results and scale with ease.
But perhaps the greatest lesson from the Six Triple Eight is this: you don’t always get recognition. They didn’t wait for applause or approval—they focused on delivering results. As CEOs, let the satisfaction of a job well done and happy clients be your motivation.
Your 2025 Call to Action 🚀
As the credits rolled in The Six Triple Eight, the lyrics rang out: "All the times you could have given in or given up, times you didn’t know if you were strong enough, still, you got through…"
Now, it’s your time to thrive. ✨
✅ It’s time to build the systems your business needs to scale.
✅ It’s time to secure your bag and step into 2025 with confidence.
✅ It’s time to partner with a growth strategist who understands your vision.
Let’s work together to create the processes and systems that will take your business from overwhelmed to unstoppable. Schedule a call today to see how I, the CEO’s Fractional COO, can help you step fully into your visionary role in the new year. 🚀
Comments