From Curiosity to Celebration: A Decade of Discovery

How it began

Curiosity is a powerful force that fuels exploration and drives us to seek new experiences and knowledge. It is an innate trait we all possess and only sometimes realize in our lives. If recognized, it can ignite sparks of inspiration and motivation that can sustain a lifetime of progressive journeys and discoveries. In 2013, I realized this innate ability within myself as I hesitantly left my love of higher education to pursue a new and different opportunity.?

This journey began with some unusual antecedents, which included my mom having a severe stroke, me becoming her caretaker, me dropping out of my doctoral program, me not feeling as if I was fulfilling my duties as a caretaker for my family, me not getting my dream job (VP of Student Affairs) after being asked to apply for the job by my manager. The journey? It started in a very dark place for me. This series of unfortunate events spurred the initial curiosity that grew and led to unforeseen discoveries.

One day, I received a call from a recruiter at First Tennessee Bank. I was appalled that I was getting a call because I didn’t even have an account at the bank! After listening and talking more, I found that the recruiter was interested in me for a role, mainly because of my background. The next few words she shared? Are ones that I will never forget. She stated, ‘I would like to speak with you because people in the higher ed field speak so highly of you. These are people that I trust, and I trust that you will be a great asset to the bank.’ I could not believe that, literally, my reputation preceded me! Thank goodness for me constantly trying to treat people right!

I took the job. I thought that I would only work for a year and then go back to a different role in higher ed. The first few years in this new role were filled with extreme curiosity, significant challenges, and formidable support. Throughout those months and days of learning? Each new revelation created excitement that seemed to spread like wildfire, encouraging me to do bigger and better things in the pursuit of curiosity and achievement.

Piercing the veil of potential

Today, if there was one word to describe my experience over the last ten years at First Horizon? It is grateful. So many significant milestones have been achieved; many through the assistance of my colleagues. These people, who rode along with me on my space cadet journeys of the possibilities into the future of developing people. These journeys were brought to life via an influx of technology, lots of risk, spatial logic, economic forecasting, sentiment analysis, extreme curiosity, and a strong spirit of playfulness. Yup, it’s them that are indeed the heroes of this journey. We believed together, we dreamed together, and we got receipts (Evidence as some might say) on the effectiveness of our work together!

Giving honor and reflecting on purpose

I write this today in honor and reflection of all the many kind notes I have received on this anniversary from my clients of First Horizon, my students of Higher Ed, the institutions I serve in our communities, my friends, colleagues, and most importantly, my family. Wow, what began as a simple year of curiosity transformed not only me but also many individuals who I have had the privilege of serving and the communities in which they live and serve. How awesome is that?

As my ten-year mark ends, I honor and recognize the legacy that has been created as a custodian of this community. I acknowledge the many people who came before me, living and deceased, that created an opportunity for me to thrive and not survive. I acknowledge that the world is ever-changing, and there is always more to be done. I also acknowledge that everything that I do and don’t do is important, not only for me…but for those that may follow me.

As I continue my work, along with the help of so many extraordinary individuals, I hope that we will successfully pass on the torch of intellect and curiosity to the next generation of leaders who will accept the challenges of life and love the responsibility that comes along with it.

Because I am in awe, I must say it a different way, Holy smokes! What began as a single year of curiosity evolved into a remarkable decade of celebration. This journey has transformed lives, fostered communities to be more significant, and hopefully left an indelible mark on the collective pursuit of knowledge.

If you made it this far in the post, I hope it serves as a testament to the power of curiosity, reminding us that a simple question or moment of wonder can lead to a lifetime of celebration, discovery, and gratitude.

Living in purpose,

Mario E. Brown, Ed.D.