A Dream Come True

“It’s a dream come true.”

When Canadian receiver Jalen Philpot said that on TSN this week, moments after being selected in the Canadian Football League Draft by the Calgary Stampeders, it brought on a flood of thoughts and emotions.

First of all, I was excited for him, his brother Tyson (who was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes), and all the remarkable prospects whose names were called on draft night. And I was proud of all the coaches, teammates, friends and family, and especially parents, who helped them reach their unforgettable moment.

Secondly, I was reminded what a privilege it is to be the Commissioner of the CFL. Calling these young men’s names on national television is a joy. I get to share in something special for each of them:?the beginning of a new beginning.

Most of all, though, draft night prompted the stuff of memory and responsibility.

I remembered being drafted by the Stamps back in 1985, as an offensive lineman out of the University of Manitoba. I remembered the mix of excitement and trepidation I felt, the hope for the future and the fear of failure.

We’ve all felt that in our careers. I’m sure most of us recall our first real opportunity in our chosen professions. The years that follow might blur and blend together over time, but we can still see that starting line, in vivid detail.

I also felt a sense of responsibility on draft night, to respect each prospect’s journey. I think that’s one we all share. Each of us can help launch the careers of those who become our new first-time employees or teammates.

Each new beginning that walks into your office or appears on a zoom call for the first time also represents an opportunity for you: a chance to choose kindness.

When I joined the Stamps, veteran players went out of their way to welcome and guide me. Bob Poley, JT Hay, Dave Kirzinger and many others made me feel like I belonged, at a time when I was almost overwhelmed by how much was going on.

We may not all get to announce a new arrival on television. Not all workplaces share professional sports’ flare for theatre. But we all get the opportunity to introduce someone to their career. This summer, when the interns arrive in your workplace, or perhaps this fall, when new full-time employees start their first “real job” in their chosen career, they’ll be every bit as excited as pro football players walking into training camp for the first time.

What you do to greet them, include them, and engage and support them, is something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

It’s easy, later in our careers, to underestimate the power of that first call, the one that told you that you got the job, the opportunity. Let’s all remember that for each young person at the beginning of a new beginning, it’s more than a new role…

It’s a dream come true.