Multi-generation impact
Bryan Burrs
Johnson & Johnson, MedTech Executive Leader | Culture Builder | General Manager
Growing up, my mom taught me all kinds of things, how to treat people, how to work hard and have positive ethics, how to be comfortable with who I am and to always remember the work of those before us. Some of it I understood right away. Some I wouldn't understand for years. This is the way of the world. However, when it's your family members paving the way, it takes on a different kind of meaning.
Click here to read the story of Maceo Snipes my great uncle. (https://coldcases.emory.edu/maceo-snipes/)
For those who know me, you may think I had planned my career out from the beginning. False. I was 17 years old before I decided to go to college. I came home from paving roads covered in tar and told my mom "I can't do this for 40 years". Nothing wrong with the line of work, it just wasn't for me. Then the lessons I had been taught, the ones that didn't make sense right away, starting coming into focus, "remember what those before you had to do for you".
If my great uncle, who was a WW2 veteran, lost his life and his killers walked free, how could I not at least try to maximize my potential? Especially since my great uncle and countless others were never given that chance? Over the years I have learned a great deal about the sacrifices made by so many and wonder at times, am I doing my part?
Fast forward to now. Some may be thinking why am I posting this on a business site. That's actually a very easy answer. Without him, I likely wouldn't be where I am now. It’s because of those before me that I was even considered for opportunities.
Great uncle Maceo went to vote and when his murderers came later that day, he was eating dinner. I suspect he knew there was danger in his actions of daring to vote in a country he went to war to defend, but probably had no idea of the generational impact his action would have.
Broaden your thoughts, challenge yourself to view others who don’t look like you and be inclusive, especially when it’s uncomfortable. You never know, your actions may have a generational impact beyond anything you could imagine. What impact can you make today?
CEO at MLP Co | CEO at UNICO R&D centre in Ukraine
1 年Great content, keep sharing ??
Fervent believer in awesome AV experiences, Meticulous in quality work, Solutions minded and a Business Partner for longterm success!!
4 年Bryan, an exceptional story of a courageous man! Courage is accomplished when one desires to do what’s right without gain and is not popular. I applaud your Grand-Uncles service and courage. God bless that man! I only hope that I can inspire others and my children to “broaden their thoughts, challenge themselves to view others who don’t look like them and be inclusive, especially when it’s uncomfortable.” Take courage in humanity my friend!!
Assistant General Counsel | Collaborator | Leader | Problem Solver - Let me help you "see around the corner."
4 年Bryan Burrs, your Uncle Maceo and his legacy has obviously had a tremendous impact on you, your life and how you treat others. Thanks for sharing this little insight into yourself. Glad you let the words of wisdom sink in. Also, glad to consider you a friend. Blessings, brother!
Director, Commercial at Johnson & Johnson
4 年Wow. Thanks for sharing this, Bryan! Such a tragedy and what a generational impact.?
MedTech Executive | Commercial Business Leader I Board Member | Strategic Advisor | Marketing & Sales | Former Johnson & Johnson (JnJ), General Electric (GE), Becton Dickinson (BD)
4 年Thank you for sharing your personal story of your granduncle and your thoughts on Inclusion Bryan. The country is better because of the sacrifices your family has made! Completely agree, everyone needs to work to “Broaden your thoughts, challenge yourself to view others who don’t look like you and be inclusive, especially when it’s uncomfortable” The impact that I strive to make is to use my pssion for social justice to advocate for and catalyze change, in the community and at workplaces. I am amplifying black voices and stories this month, may I share this?