Magna Vista Partners

Leadership Lesson in The Depths of the Sea Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to snorkel in the Florida Keys with two friends who invited us to spend time on their yacht. These long-time friends and business leaders organized the ultimate boat experience led by a talented chef from the Caribbean named Gavin Kearney (If you are looking for private, onsite catering, I highly recommend his company 3Kings Catering. He curated delicious food and wine to go along with the beautiful excursion). The emerald waters and coastal vistas made for quiet and festive moments. Some of those quiet moments were spent underwater as we snorkeled with marine life amidst the crystal clear water. On one of our trips, we came across a nine foot bronze statue submerged 25 feet underwater called Christ of the Abyss. It was a magnificent sight of outstretched arms entangled with seaweed. Gazing towards the ocean's surface, the face of Christ was bathed in golden light. Despite our luxurious and jovial time with friends, I felt a sense that the depth I was looking into was the depth that much of our world is facing. One plagued with political division, poverty, violence, and war. I felt that as we had our every food and transportation need catered for, millions are food insecure and face mistreatment when seeking political and economic asylum. The face of Christ in the depths of the ocean was a solemn reminder that regardless of how low or inadequate we might feel at times; there is still hope in the depths of the sea. Even in the midst of the abyss, there are the faithful who represent the best of humanity, who are willing to go to the depth to offer healing and restoration. This image of a sunken Christ is not cause for despair, but rather hope, as it is often in our lowest moments that we are reminded that our loving Creator never stopped shining down on us.

Leadership Lesson in The Depths of the Sea Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to snorkel in the Florida Keys with two friends who invited us to spend time on their yacht. These long-time friends and business leaders organized the ultimate boat experience led by a talented chef from the Caribbean named Gavin Kearney (If you are looking for private, onsite catering, I highly recommend his company 3Kings Catering. He curated delicious food and wine to go along with the beautiful excursion). The emerald waters and coastal vistas made for quiet and festive moments. Some of those quiet moments were spent underwater as we snorkeled with marine life amidst the crystal clear water. On one of our trips, we came across a nine foot bronze statue submerged 25 feet underwater called Christ of the Abyss. It was a magnificent sight of outstretched arms entangled with seaweed. Gazing towards the ocean's surface, the face of Christ was bathed in golden light. Despite our luxurious and jovial time with friends, I felt a sense that the depth I was looking into was the depth that much of our world is facing. One plagued with political division, poverty, violence, and war. I felt that as we had our every food and transportation need catered for, millions are food insecure and face mistreatment when seeking political and economic asylum. The face of Christ in the depths of the ocean was a solemn reminder that regardless of how low or inadequate we might feel at times; there is still hope in the depths of the sea. Even in the midst of the abyss, there are the faithful who represent the best of humanity, who are willing to go to the depth to offer healing and restoration. This image of a sunken Christ is not cause for despair, but rather hope, as it is often in our lowest moments that we are reminded that our loving Creator never stopped shining down on us.

I am pleased to Co-Chair the 2024 Bill Foege Global Health Awards Honoring President and Mrs. George W. Bush, Dr. Jim Kim, Merck, Wellstar Health System and the Atlanta Hawks. ATLANTA – The eighth annual Bill Foege Global Health Awards presented by MAP International, will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at the Delta Flight Museum. The award, named to pay tribute to Dr. Bill Foege, a global hero best known for eradicating smallpox, honors individuals and organizations for their commitment to making advancements in global health. This year’s awards recognize President and Mrs. George W. Bush, Dr. Jim Kim M.D., Ph.D., Merck, Wellstar Health System and the Atlanta Hawks for their humanitarian achievements and incredible impact in global health in the U.S. and worldwide. Dale E. Jones Diversified Search Group Ares Management Corporation Frost Associated Bank Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center Outset Medical, Inc.Rollins, Inc. Ed Bastian Andrew T. Cathy Eric Tanenblatt Dartmouth College S. John Kim Heidrick & Struggles The Rockefeller Foundation Maria Saporta MAP International