Cleo Finds Her Voice

Cleo is terrified! Ms. Emma told the class they would nominate a student for the District 6th Grade Math Competition. Well, the class voted and nominated Cleo!

How could this have happened? Is this supposed to be a good thing? What will I do if Ms. Emma decides that I should do it? It’s just too much to even think about. What am I going to do?

I used to be good at math, but now everyone will know that I’m not.

With this worry, Cleo’s adventure of self-discovery begins as she makes decisions that might limit her options and may even change her relationships with her mom, grandfather, teacher, and even her best friend, Sol. Cleo sets out on an important developmental journey.

Cleo learns “Who” we think we are determines “What” we do and “How” we do it. The people closest to her help her develop a growth mindset and learns to use that kind of thinking. With her new skill, Cleo practices being curious and asking questions before deciding to say “yes” or “no.”
Cleo starts to think like a learner. She also learns to be true to herself as she confronts her biggest critic, Cleo! These newly developed skills help Cleo build strength and confidence to “Find Her Voice!”

About the Author

Maureen McHugh spent her career leading organizations through transformational change. Working with individuals and teams to recognize opportunities was the foundation of her success. Now, she utilizes her talent as an Executive Leadership Coach focusing on professionals who seek to find their voice and lead with integrity and authenticity.

What has she learned? As we face challenges early in life, we question who we are and craft internal messages based on fear vs. opportunity. These messages are internalized and carried with us until we realize they no longer serve us. For some, these messages last a lifetime, but what opportunities might we have missed along the way?

The rhythm of my life is grabbing life’s opportunities and seeking new adventures. This outlook granted me exciting opportunities as well as relationships that I treasure. Isn’t that what all of us seek? I believe finding our voice is essential to discovering our unique path and purpose in the world.

In Cleo Finds Her Voice, Maureen teaches the young reader how to ask for help when feeling overwhelmed and to build a growth mindset. By being curious and creating positive messages, readers learn for themselves how to support and encourage their future success.