Worth a Look

[Wpcmac]

Ok, I scan and skip threads just like you, but before you move I promise there's value in this post for the business types and for anyone who's ever been helped to achieve something in their life or career. Vague, I know just read on...

No, this isn't one of those cheesy spammail type "feel good" waste of time messages. It started out as a reply to Vineuro's post & turned into something I thought might be worth something to some people here and it's also my screwed up way of thanking a friend (I could just say thanks, but anyway).

It's a long post, I only ask that you read the next paragraph and the last one. The middle is my life story in response to Vineuro's post that started this debacle.

http://www.xoutpost.com/lounge/31366-...xtra-hard.html

Okay, so I think I have a story worth sharing, if for no other reason than in recognition of those that have helped me along the way. The short version is that in 9 years I went from being a college dropout, deep in debt, living in a friend's closet to having a wonderful family, a career I love in construction management, and being 1/4 of the way through my MBA at a private college (Oh, and I made a few bucks and fell in love with BMW's along the way). I think struggle builds character and motivation, at least it did for me and the stories in Vineuro's post seem to echo that belief.

My family struggled financially most of my childhood. I grew up working in construction with in my Dad who is an amazing craftsman but a horrible businessman (sorry Dad). I started off on the right track, but quickly lost motivation in college in the pursuit of "other" interests. Neither of my parents went to college & weren’t able to support me financially, and did not know how to back and motivate me in my college career. Of course I decided it made sense to move out & drop out, fall deep into debt, and alienate myself from my family.

After hitting my personal rock bottom, I realized my original plan was slightly flawed. 9 years ago, dumb luck and a phone book ended me up in an entry level position at a great company. Somehow, my company looked at this green 20 year old college drop out and saw potential. They provided endless opportunities for me to learn and grow and the only credit I can take is that I went after every one and asked for more. Several people helped keep me in line and provided direction and somehow I ended up where I am now. (I'm still pretty clueless and green, but my loyalty, devotion, and passion for my work are unwavering).

I can't say enough about those who had helped me through my career, but what happened next truly enriched my life.
Last year one of the Sr. leaders integral in my development came to me and suggested I pursue my MBA. Of course I regrettably informed him that I had never completed my AA let alone my bachelors. Once again he did for me what I never would have on my own, he hinted that the possibility existed. Dropping out of college was baggage I never figured out how to let go of and the possibility of rectifying that mistake was one I wasn't going to pass up. I dove in head first. I researched the college he suggested and in my degreeless ignorance misread the admissions description as "May or may not have an undergraduate degree". In my haste I missed the final two words,"in business" (the website has since been reworded). Clueless and full of hope, I attended the next information session, found the director of the program and begged and pleaded until she gave in & admitted that the college had the latitude to make rare exceptions. I wasn't the ideal candidate and my educational history didn't speak well for me, but I gave it my all regardless. I devoted every spare moment to completing the admissions requirements, studying for my GMAT, and attempting to make a case for myself. I guess I did something right, because last Sept. I was accepted as a degree candidate. I'm now 1/4 of the way through, enjoying every minute (well almost) and just as grateful as the first day for the second chance.

Ok, this started out as a simple contribution but, writing this reminded me I need to stop and appreciate the many people who helped a dumb kid turn into a mildly successful, kinda edumacated, slightly balding adult with one more chance to do right.

I'd like to name the people who have helped me, but this isn't about me, it's about sharing a business book worth a look with my fellow business nerds and hopefully in the process contributing a little back to someone who did more for me than I’ll ever be able to repay. I know my endorsement doesn't say much, but Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo found enough value in it to purchase copies for his entire Sr. staff so maybe you'll find value in it too.

The Five Insights of Enduring Leaders, Jim Morris - 2007

Jim, may you never see this and give me sh_t…Thanks, mean it.

[vinuneuro]

That's quite a story my friend. Thanks. Glad you saw and made it to the light at the end of the tunnel.

[LeMansX5]

Good read.