August 6, 2026

A couple of years ago, I was interviewed by an organization that needed a leadership expert, and after laying out the criteria for me, one gentleman leaned in his chair and said to me, Mr. Sharp, do you believe you have what it takes? And I said, no, I don't have what it takes, but I am who it takes to get the job done. He then leaned forward and said, you're the one we're looking for. I want to help you to build up your personal, professional, and interpersonal confidence and stop allowing for people to size you up based upon your gifts, your talent, and your skill. You heard people say, oh, do you have that it, the it factor? No, you don't have to have the it factor. Be the who factor. See, when people can size you and measure you and judge you based upon your skill, gifts, and talent, they can also compare you to others and say, you're not as gifted as him, you're not as talented as her, you're not as creative as them. And that in itself can discourage you and make you feel dismayed and incapable and unqualified. But can I say to you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? You have something special. You have greatness in your life. And when you realize this, you know that, hey, based upon who I am, my talent and my gifts and my skill, they are a complement to who I am. Amen. I have something more than talent, gifts, and skill, and creativity. I have passion, I have purpose, I have power, I have perspective, I have integrity, I have personality, I have character. Yes, a man's gift will make room for him to bring it before a great man, but your personality, your character, and your integrity will bring great men before you. I'm Rico Sharp. I don't have what it takes, but I am who it takes to get the job done. Amen.