05/20/2026
Yesterday at Women in Business, we had the absolute privilege of hearing from Dara Carmack of Cannonball Swimming Academy during National Swim Safety Month.
Dara had us looking at swimming and life in a whole new way. She reminded us that before you dive in, you need to fill your tanks with air first, set your sights on your goal, and if you have to come up to refill your tanks before you reached your goal that you were still successful. And then, when you've rested and refilled your tanks, you can try again. Your mental health and well-being matter more than any goal you're chasing.
She shared practical wisdom we'll carry with us:
If you're in the shallow end, jump in feet first, not head first, or you'll get hurt.
Always look before you leap.
Fill your tanks before diving toward your target; in the water, in business, and in life.
Her personal testimony about navigating her autism diagnosis and choosing to use that knowledge as a strength rather than a weakness was nothing short of powerful.
And perhaps most importantly: find your village. Surround yourself with people who will recognize when you're drowning and show up to pull you to shore.
Thank you, Dara, for speaking so beautifully and so boldly. We left the room full of air in our tanks and a tear or two in our eyes. 🤍