Changemaker of the Week: Bobby Small

Who They Are?

If you have seen a flash of purple glide by you at a conference of event, that was likely Bobby Small. His actual walking pace quite often matches his pace in life, 100 mph, as he looks to uplift the community, create experiences, and build relationships. Bobby is someone who is not only a positive and inspiring force in the Microsoft Business Applications and Power Platform community but also a dedicated and proud dad, a loving son, a true friend, a supportive brother, and a cherished uncle. Through his passion and commitment, he is making a real difference, changing lives, one person at a time.?

Why They Stand Out?

?Whether it is in one-on-one interactions, group volunteerism, or community opportunities, Bobby truly embodies what it means to lead with impact. His passion for empowering the people and community around him and transforming businesses through his expertise is inspiring. It’s amazing to see how his positive energy and dedication continue to make a real difference in so many lives!?

?We Asked: “If LinkedIn didn’t exist, how would you still make an impact?”?

?Their answer: Great question. I love that social media is a quick way for me to maintain a connection to those I meet. I see the ability to keep meaningful and personal interaction going even though it is digital! I have been fortunate to be around long enough to remember life before LinkedIn, lol. I believe this is where I found?the passion to help others. My personal struggles at an early?age and the help I received inspired me to pay it forward. LinkedIn is a large scale digital community and before I was active, I found similar opportunity at a local level through different charity involvement (The MS Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters), friendship groups like what we now call Meetups, and at work I started a few mentorship initiatives and an internal charitable component to support our own workers during leaner times. My advice to someone asking is to start small with one opportunity, nourish the feeling you get and the opportunities will grow with abundance.

?Their Advice to Others?

?I found, by chance, a newspaper clipping from a 1925 edition of "The Youth's Companion" that stuck with me for decades and it suggests a definition of the word LUCK. "Luck doesn't float around the air and light on Tom or Dick or Harry just anyhow and anywhere. The wit to know the thing you want, the will to work, the faith to fight, the strength to use but tempered tools and only weapons honor-bright; the spirit and the spunk to dare, the heart to hope, the grit to bear, and, when disaster falls, the pluck to grin and start again - that's luck!" I had long thought that when someone commented on "luck," it is always much deeper and nuanced than one thing! My advice is to take the time to make decisions with intention and set out to accomplish that which creates a passion.

?Something others might not know or would be surprised to hear?

In tenth grade English, I failed an entire quarter because I refused to give the required weekly speeches. I prepared the material, usually, and often either came to class and waved off the teacher when he asked me to speak or just didn't show up for class. Both options got me a ticket to the principal's office, by the way, I was terrified of public speaking, a skill I had to develop with a lot of fear and practice.

Follow Their Journey?

I am 100% open to almost every new connection and conversation. Even if we only have 5 minutes or a few pings online. I never know where I might find inspiration and hate to leave any door closed without a peek. Reach out anytime! https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/bobbysmall/

Stay tuned for next week’s feature—another inspiring story is coming your way!?

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