A Simple Thank You...to YOU!

"Thank You So Much." These 4 words have penetrated my mind and heart continually lately. Thank you so much. This is the simple message I want to deliver to all my friends, associates, colleagues, and loved ones. For no reason at all (and yet for every reason) - really just "because." Thank you notes are my favorite notes to write!

I have lived such an incredibly blessed and adventurous life. I have parents who always supported me and allowed me to explore my interests and passions throughout my youth. I switched courses many times growing up, but always did so with confidence and a sense of wonder with each new sport, instrument, move, school or general interest area. This sound support from my family, and willingness to let me "roam around," was a true gift to me.

I have enjoyed working in five diverse industries, including enterprise technology, financial services, music and entertainment, construction and professional services. My work has been leveraged across a wide range of clients, from young aspirational leaders, corporate managers and executives, to start-ups, Fortune 500 organizations, schools, non-profits and churches. Again, I am super blessed for all the opportunities that have offered knowledge, skills, wisdom and grace to my head, hands, and heart.

I have had the good fortune of a solid education, and for this I owe thanks to countless people in my life. I was the first person in my family to graduate college. I somehow later wound up getting a Harvard MBA. I'm a former professional musician and Ironman triathlete, and I still love skiing, long-distance running and triathlon (though I have done so little of these lately!). My work and travels have taken me to over 40 U.S. States and 35 Countries, where I've managed, performed or spoken to over 300,000 people. My life has been nothing short of AMAZING, at least by my own humble measures. And, God willing, there are plenty more amazing chapters yet to be written.

But, this is NOT about ME. It's about YOU. Each of you. All of you. After all, any success or glory for one's self is nothing but Ego and can never last, nor will it ever build an enduring legacy. Life and career cannot be about me, just as yours can never solely be about you. Real, lasting fulfillment, and a life of significance, will never be found in "Me, Myself and I."

I try to encourage my executive coaching clients, young entrepreneurs, corporate teams & partners, and church leaders & staff in many different ways. But, at its core, there are 5 Key Concepts I seek for them all to believe and practice wholeheartedly:

1. Believe You Are a Masterpiece. You were created to do great things; you are designed for a mighty purpose. There is an extremely vital reason you are here on this earth, right now.
2. Commit Your Life to Things That Are Worthwhile. Life is too short to do things that don't drive your passions; focus your efforts on creating beauty and making a positive difference in the world.  
3. Tap Into & Leverage the Magic That Makes You Unique. There are needs in the world only you can fill, and a 'song' only you can sing. We all need your voice!
4. Do Everything with a Spirit of Service to a Greater Good. With everything you do, think about how it benefits others; in this way you can never go wrong. Be authentic - bring nothing but beauty, truth and integrity to this world.
5. In All Things, Give Thanks. With sincere gratitude and appreciation, you lay the groundwork for a mountain of blessings to surround your life, as well as around the lives of countless others with whom you interact and influence. A simple, gracious, and giving life is a rich and happy life.

In sharing these thoughts with others, I am constantly reminded to keep them at the fore of my own daily walk. These simple principles (and many others) have informed my decisions about work, careers, relationships, and life for years - and still do to this day. 

Over the coming weeks, I will begin to share more about my own personal leadership journey, and how it continues to evolve and take shape. Throughout my own diverse career experiences spanning three decades, I have learned to love nothing more than change, "silent" periods, and stretch assignments - for these are the places where:

• Faith is tested and confirmed;
• Character is developed;
• Peace flows like a river;
• Seeds of new love are sewn; and,
• We receive instruction as to what new adventures lie ahead.

Oh, how I love a great adventure! I never quite know where each new path on the journey leads, but I nevertheless Thank God for new chapters, for fantastic friends and supporters along the way, and for an amazing life. 

There are many thousands of incredible folks from all over the globe who have known, supported, believed in and/or helped me along my life's journey. Whether great or small, every action and interaction has been meaningful to me! So, I will simply close out my note how I began - with a deep, heartfelt expression of my appreciation for you all. And, for your participation in (and contribution to) my life. My life is better because you are in it. Thank you so much. 

You are Amazing.

With Love & Blessings,

Mark