Inspired to ask George

I’ve been asking some people near who inspire me to share their story. Though I’ve known many of them, like George E Brooks Jr , for more than 20 years, I am always surprised by at least a few things they share. What I find most inspirational about him is his dogged determination to grow and learn, no matter what.

Here’s today’s installment.?I hope you find this entertaining and start a conversation with George.

1.??? Tell me about yourself?

For the better part of the last 20+ years I’ve really defined myself as “family first.”? I’m very proud of my two boys and love them very much.? After family, my small circle of close friends are really important to me. ??I know I can count on them, and they can count on me. ?I feel very fortunate in that respect. ?I strive to be principled, as in honest and trustworthy.? At the core, I’m very private, circumspect, caring.? I’m learning to be more resilient.

I am very much a planner and organizer, but it’s taken time and perspective to understand that plans are just plans and need to adapt to current circumstances.? I’ve had to learn to figure out what I can and can’t control and let go of the latter. ?At work, I enjoy mitigating risks towards achieving business goals.? It doesn’t always work the same way with my family.? Different dynamics.?

2.??? What have been the most impactful interactions in your career?

The most impactful interactions have come at inflection points where I was presented an opportunity or made a career decision that in turn led to more meaningful work and life-long friends. Finding people who share enthusiasm for a joint adventure is really gratifying and far too uncommon.?

3.???????????? How do you navigate your work life and your personal life?

I keep them very separate, as much as I can. I didn’t bring work home very often when the boys were growing up. ?As soon as I got home from work, I became Dad and was focused on my family. ?I didn’t bring home to work either, except that for many years I had work friends whose sons and daughters were of a similar age so we shared parenting experiences. Still do.

4.??? In your current season of life, what is the best gift you are offering?

Right now, this summer, the best gift I’m offering is to myself. I’m taking some time for self-care and reflection. I’ve experienced a lot of change in the past few years, particularly this year, and I’m finding ways to focus on myself, reconnect with friends, make sure whatever is next is thoughtful and well-considered and makes good use of my talents and my time.

5.??? If someone on LinkedIn wants to start a conversation with you, what would you want to talk to talk about?

I’m really proud of how my technology teams worked with our line of business partners to solve mission critical business problems. ?Essentially, we were using Lean UX and Agile concepts ten plus years ago to ensure we were building the right solutions and delivered those incrementally. ?We constantly partnered with the business to understand the opportunities, inside and out, and delivered the highest priority features within whatever time or budget we had to work with. ?I’d like to share experiences building high-performing teams and establishing that all-important trusted relationship with your business partners.?

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