Standing on the Shoulders of Giants!

I have been one of the lucky ones! With the exception of a couple of challenging "situations" I have been extremely fortunate. To love what I do and to have the opportunity to interact with people that I geniunely like and respect on a consistent basis is a dream. So many people I interact with do not feel the same way which is so sad.  While traveling the past few weeks I've had the time to reflect on why this happens and why I have been so fortunate. I am absolutely convinced that it's because of those that went before me and were willing to invest their time and energy with me.

Men like Joseph Jackson, Wellington Smith, Bill Younger, Dick Solt, Jim Story, Gerry Breckner, Bryan Poist are just the ones that immediately came to mind. Of course there were and are others but these few made a lasting impression and are on the Mount Rushmore of my life. Not all were bosses but each were leaders, mentors, and  in my eyes friends. They may not have been perfect but their influence still is present in my life today. They took the time to engage with me. The quote from Issac Newton resonates with me. Whatever success I've experienced; however, humble that might be is because of their influence. At the time it did not occur to me but as I have had time to reflect it's crystal clear.

I owe a debt to these (and several others).  The story of the self made man in my estimation is a myth!  Each of us has had others that have helped paved the way. Who were those in your life? If you're stuck perhaps taking a few minutes to reflect and focusing on what you can give and simply being a contribution will allow a shift to occur. I'd love to hear your experiences. Wishing you all good things