Staff Writer
This month, in partnership with AdventHealth for Women, we’re recognizing some of the women in our community who are selflessly giving to others while raising families, supporting their loved ones and/or building their careers. Whether they know it or not, their stories inspire other women near and far.
Meet Demetria Sloan
Demetria Hill Sloan is a certified executive leadership coach, life coach, trainer, and motivational speaker. She is the Founder and President of Vantage Point Coaching, LLC which she launched in 2015 to help others achieve higher levels of performance, greater business results, and more personal fulfillment. Demetria is also the author of Pearls for the Journey: A Guide to a More Fulfilling Life which offers ten pearls of wisdom to fuel your growth and development. Demetria resides in Lake Nona with her family.
What is your WHY?
My reason or purpose is to be a light that helps others find their way to greater fulfillment, satisfaction, joy, and success on their own terms. This WHY is what drove me to start my business, Vantage Point Coaching.
On your toughest of days, what motivates you to put one foot in front of the other?
On my toughest days, I am motivated to put one foot in front of the other by remembering to put things in perspective. No matter how difficult the challenge, obstacle, or pain, if I wake up and put my feet on the ground, I have an opportunity to make a difference and be better than I was the day before. That perspective keeps me motivated every day.
Have you drawn inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you.
I draw inspiration from many women. First my ancestors, my grandmothers, and great grandmothers who were known and unknown. They survived, they preserved and because of their lived experiences and their sacrifices, I have an opportunity to live an amazing life. My mother is an inspiration because she always encouraged me to live out loud. To be bold and brave even when she was not. To speak my mind regardless and stand up for myself in all circumstances. To get my education, continue to seek more education, and never stop bettering myself.
What is the one word that perfectly explains who you are?
Igniter!
Would you change anything about how you have handled challenges or successes thus far in your life?
Hindsight is always 20/20. I don’t know if I would change anything because I may not learn the lessons I needed to learn. BUT, if I would change anything about how I approach all challenges or successes is to approach them with more empathy and grace. Empathy, so I am not too harsh or hard on myself or others. Grace, as a reminder that we all can be redeemed regardless of how big the blunder is.
What are you most proud of?
I am proud of many things. My husband and children. The impact I’ve made in the lives of others through my business. My board service with the Orlando Science Center and Xavier University of Louisiana National Alumni Association. Not giving up on myself and continuing to pursue different goals.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge that I face has not fully manifested. I have ADPKD (Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease) which is the most common genetic kidney disorder. With ADPKD, your kidneys form cysts that ultimately take over the organ and cause it to fail. It is something I’ve known would become an issue for me at some point for thirty-plus years. I have now reached an age where problems will start. What I have learned from this experience and watching others in my family become transplant recipients is to FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL. There is absolutely nothing I can do at this point to alter my DNA sequence. What I can control is how healthy I am in every other aspect of my life. I can control my mindset. I can control how I love those most important to me. When I focus on those things, I can face any challenges that may come in my future from this disease process.
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