Have the belief of Lindsay and the conviction of Benito.

Sharon Kitroser
10 hours ago
3 min read

Last week, I had what felt like a zillion conversations about Lindsey Vonn. While I used to ski—and ruptured my ACL twice—I am not an expert in either.

What I am obsessed with is the kind of passion that allows people to come back from great injury, sorrow, or defeat and decide they will succeed again—sometimes in an even bigger and better way.

Early in my career with the American Red Cross, while serving as Executive Director, I was asked to respond to a multi-unit fire where media were expected. There, I met a woman and her teenage son who lived in the apartment directly below where the fire had occurred. Water from above had flooded their home, and the two of them were using a broom to push water out through the door.

As she waited to receive her assistance cards from the Red Cross volunteer (shout-out to Chet, Steve, and the rest of the incredible team at the time), we had a chance to talk. She shared her story, the life of a single mother who believed she could build a better life for her children.

But she didn’t just talk about belief. She talked about action.

She walked me through the very real, very hard steps she was taking to make sure that belief became reality:

She worked two jobs.
She made sure he had a job of his own.
She ensured he was enrolled in a rigorous college-prep program at his high school.

Like Lindsey Vonn, she set the ground rules for success—and then lived by them.

As for Lindsey, she showed us all how belief becomes reality through relentless work. She made it back to the Olympics, which was her goal. Sadly, a fall the week before and another during the race kept her from standing on the podium.

But the absence of a medal does not erase the magnitude of her achievement.

I am certain the great Lindsey Vonn will find a new path, a new goal, and a new win.

At a young age—like Lindsey—Benito saw his destiny. At just 14, he began writing original music inspired by the sounds of his youth in Puerto Rico. He rose to fame in 2016 with his song Diles.

While Bad Bunny had the talent and conviction to succeed, his belief in something bigger than himself came to life in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017. That same year, he performed at Somos Live!, a telethon benefiting hurricane relief efforts across Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Politics aside, Bad Bunny’s beliefs and convictions have consistently brought attention to the social and political issues impacting Puerto Rico and the broader Latin community. And last week, he took to one of the largest stages in the world—not just to entertain, but to impact and to speak his truth:

“My name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and if I’m here today, it’s because I never, ever stopped believing in myself.”

And that is the thread that ties all of these stories together.

Belief is where it starts—but conviction is what carries it forward.

Conviction is belief with discipline.

>Belief with action.

>Belief that shows up when the outcome is uncertain, the odds are long, and the applause hasn’t started yet.

>Conviction keeps you aligned to your mission when setbacks tempt you to shrink, pivot too soon, or settle.

(Think about Habitat for Humanity asking future homeowners help during the build to show commitment)

Whether you are an athlete chasing greatness, a parent fighting for a better future, an artist lifting up a community, or a leader serving a cause larger than yourself—the lesson is the same:

Believe in yourself fiercely. Then honor that belief with action, discipline, and unwavering commitment to your mission.

One last anecdote.

Back when I was in radio and a new manager, I told my boss that I believed my team would make budget—and I was genuinely surprised if we didn’t. He laughed and said that belief brings you closer to a win than any dose of pessimism ever could.

Sometimes, the greatest win is staying true to what you were called to do—and having the courage to keep going until belief becomes impact.

At Team Kat & Mouse, we work with organizations, leaders, and causes that are driven by more than goals—they are driven by conviction.

We help turn belief into strategy, passion into momentum, and mission into measurable impact for your nonprofit organization.

If you believe deeply in what you’re building—but know it’s time to sharpen your story, strengthen your partnerships, or take your mission to its next chapter—we’d love to walk alongside you.