The Power of Saying Yes

By Jamee E. Boone

We often talk about the importance of saying no … of protecting our time, our boundaries, our peace. But some of the most transformative moments in my life have come from the opposite choice … the courage to say yes.

Several years ago, I was nominated by a former professor to deliver the Student Representative commencement address for Wilmington University at the Chase Center in New Castle County. At first, it sounded exciting … until reality hit. A massive stage. A packed auditorium. All eyes on me. My heart started pounding just thinking about it.

Immediately, the excuses rushed in — the kind we all know too well: I’m scared. I’m exhausted. I’m overwhelmed. I don’t have time. And seriously… all those people? But something about that invitation stirred a different kind of question in me … a series of quiet, persistent what ifs:

What if I threw caution to the wind?
What if I said yes — what’s the worst that could happen?
What if this was an opportunity to grow?

That moment became about more than a speech. It became a crossroads … a chance to step out of my comfort zone and into a deeper connection with my academic community, my family, and the future version of myself I hadn’t yet met.

So instead of declining politely, which was absolutely my first instinct, I said yes. Quickly. Almost impulsively. And once the word left my mouth, I knew there was no turning back.

That yes called me back to the values I was raised with in a loving, bustling home of 19 siblings. It reminded me of the lessons my parents, James and Elisabeth; my grandmother, Thelma; and my champions, Mr. Kelly and Ms. Carolyn, instilled in me long before I understood my own potential. They taught me to keep my word, to honor opportunities, and to believe in the possibility of who I could become.

Standing on that commencement stage, I shared my story — a story shaped by humble beginnings, limited opportunities, and a determination to rise above statistics. When I stepped away from the podium, a member of the Board of Trustees slipped me a note saying he was from my hometown. Audience members approached me to say my words inspired them. And there I was, thinking, why me? What did I have to offer?

That single yes became a turning point.

It led me to step confidently into C‑suite leadership after decades of serving under others.
It gave me the boldness to take on bigger projects, trusting that I could listen, learn, and grow.
It strengthened my voice, my courage, and my belief that I belonged in rooms I once felt unworthy to enter.

And ultimately, that yes sparked the creation of my own consulting firm — Eddee Boone Consulting LLC — launched in the middle of the 2020 pandemic, a time when many would have said it was impossible. Yet doors opened. Referrals came. Connections blossomed. Opportunities I never imagined found their way to me.

All because I said yes.

Saying yes is an act of courage and trust.
Yes opens doors.
Yes creates connection.
Yes invites growth.

And while no certainly has its place, I know with absolute clarity that if I had said no that day, I would not be the woman I am now — a confident, fierce, unbothered, unafraid Black woman who stands fully in her power.

Today, whenever hesitation creeps in, I return to that moment. I remind myself that nothing in my life happens by accident and that all things work together for my good.

Saying yes doesn’t always lead to dramatic leaps like starting a business. Sometimes it simply opens the door to the belief that you, too, are worthy. That it is your time to soar.

So, when Sharon invited me to share at tonight’s Great Dames Open Mic, I said another yes. And I am grateful, deeply grateful, for the community, connection, that yes continues to bring into my life.

Jamee E. Boone, MS, SHRM-SCP is President of Eddee Boone Consulting LLC and a seasoned consultant, strategist, coach, and facilitator with 35+ years of experience advising executives, boards, and teams. A certified DEI practitioner and SHRM Senior Certified Professional, she specializes in embedding inclusive strategies into leadership, governance, and organizational culture to strengthen belonging and align operations with mission. Jamee is also an adjunct instructor at Wilmington University and a mentor to emerging leaders.