Rise By Lifting Others
Jason Asplund, MBA
Business Broker | M&A Advisor | 12X Entrepreneur || Expert in Scaling, Exiting & Maximizing Value for Owners
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." - Booker T. Washington
It's a romantic, even heroic monicker...the self-made individual. In reality, we all know it doesn't really exist and we probably wouldn't want it to.
I've built, launched and scaled multiple times throughout my career as an entrepreneur. A few times I've gone it alone; but more often I've yoked myself with strong capable partners who have brought experience and expertise to bear in areas where I was lacking. I've never regretted teaming with the right people, and witness that the results of synergy are real.
Perhaps even more compelling are the reciprocal benefits experienced through selfless, altruistic service to others. Something beautifully counterintuitive occurs when we follow the timeless principle prescribed by both Mahatma Gandhi and Jesus Christ, "To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others."?
During periods of career challenge and personal stagnation, I've employed more than a handful of strategies to get unstuck. Some have proven effective and others have left me lacking. However, one method has consistently proven fruitful in moving me to a position of clarity, enhanced perspective and even freedom...serving others. I believe it is most often because the answers we seek require us to "lose ourselves" in order for us to "find ourselves." Perhaps it is also a matter of gratitude or a greater perspective...or maybe shifting our focus outward helps us see things not visible to an inward viewpoint. Whatever the reason or reasons, it works.
So, the next time you find yourself stuck...find someone to lift. As you lose yourself in the service of others, you may just find yourself in the process!
Supply Chain & people leader | Strategic business development | Change & relationship management | Process & efficient improvement |
2 年Love this Jason! So true and a good way to start the next year! Thank you very much for sharing!
Helping brands create growth through relevance with technology and human ingenuity︱x-Apple︱x-Ericsson︱???Grand Slam Journey Podcast Host talks about lessons from #sports #business #technology #leadership
2 年Jason - I love this. Your writing reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: “If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.” Toni Morrison I firmly believe that the best way to grow is by collaborating and lifting others, which raises us in return.
Credit Financing & Capital Markets Leader I Former Goldman Sachs & Deloitte I Strategic Advisor I Board Member
2 年Great reminder as we reflect on the beginning of a new year! I have always loved the "lift as you climb" mentality and there is nothing more rewarding than playing a part in showcasing the talent of others.
Gold Stevie? Award Winner for Mentor & Coach of the Year 2024 ?? Executive Leadership Coach at Leap Academy ??Start-up of the Year 2023 | Keynote Speaker | Organizational Consultant | ICF NYC President-Elect
2 年What an excellent article, Jason Asplund I totally agree with you when you talk about the concept of self-made. At some point in our journeys, we’ve all great people who supported, guided, and model the way for us in some form. Getting unstuck by focusing on serving others is something so simple but so powerful ???? I find for myself that when I focus on service and creating value for others I’m find fulfillment and get results without pressure or stress.
Head Coach for Leap Academy / Executive Mindset Coach / Startup of the Year 2023 / Making People Unstoppable / Trainer / Speaker
2 年I couldn’t agree more!