eLeader September 2023
"With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, nothing remains quite the same." -Jimmy Buffett
My apologies for the delay with this month’s newsletter. I want to share something a little more personal this time because it is the heaviest thing on my heart and mind.
A few days ago on August 31, 2023, my father passed away after a short but intense battle with stage 4 esophageal cancer. Everything changed so quickly — one day we were preparing for his second round of chemo, and the next day that was no longer a possibility.
“Life changes fast.
Life changes in the instant.
You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.”- Joan Didion
The roller coaster of grief is in full swing. Time moves so quickly between moments that feel too quiet and empty into those that are busy and chaotic trying to go through the motions of what needs to be done. And in between these swings are attempts at reflection to try and see the hope for peace in it all.
As we’ve begun to go through photos and my dad’s belongings to prepare for his services next week, I’m reminded of all the things that made him uniquely the person I knew as my dad. And one of those things that my dad loved was Snoopy. It was more than just a cartoon or comic, it was part of who he was. This went back to his childhood. I remember his mom - my grandma - even had collector Snoopy plates hanging on their kitchen wall.
Now, if you’re not familiar with Snoopy, he’s the beagle in the Peanuts comic. Snoopy is a good-natured, loyal companion to Charlie Brown. Snoopy is a curious dog, who lets his imagination run wild with his alter egos the Flying Ace or Joe Cool. Snoopy can also be lazy at times and enjoys just laying out and napping on top of his dog house. Overall, Snoopy is just a pretty content dog. Little things make him happy, like getting served dinner. Above all, Snoopy always loves and cares for the “round-headed kid,” Woodstock, and the whole Peanuts gang.
My dad embodied many of these values and characteristics, and I think both Snoopy and my dad can teach us a few things about how to be the best versions of ourselves in business and life.
Like Snoopy, my dad was very curious, intelligent, and sharp. He knew a lot about a lot and yet he still liked to learn. He spent his career as a telecommunications engineer and even had patents to his name. Not only was he professionally curious, but he enjoyed learning about new topics and soaking up facts and stories. Ask questions, be observant, let your imagination run wild.
Snoopy enjoyed laying around on his dog house, and my dad also appreciated his rest and relaxation. He was a napper, but he also enjoyed just sitting outside, sipping on a cup of coffee, watching nature. He always found joy and happiness in the simple things. Find balance and take a break once in awhile.
Snoopy was a loyal dog to Charlie Brown. My dad was a loyal person and was a protector and guard of the people he cared most about. He was loyal to his colleagues and teams at work, and most importantly he was loyal to his family and friends. He always showed up and showed that he cared, and he was present for the big and little things. My dad worked hard but still made time to coach my soccer teams growing up, drive me back and forth to college and the train, and he attended more than enough dance performances to last several lifetimes. Be loyal to what and who really matter.
Snoopy was a happy pup. He did a little happy dance on special occasions, when it was suppertime, or even just when he was feeling good. My dad was very realistic and pragmatic, but he was also very optimistic. He saw the glass half full and liked to joke around and keep a smile on his face. Even near the end when he was bravely battling cancer, he still maintained optimism and hope. Find happiness every day.
In the coming months, I hope to be able to share more of what I’ve learned from my dad and how he has helped shape my view of leadership and business. In the meantime, I hope you take a moment to tell the people in your life that you love and appreciate them. Be grateful for your community and the people you surround yourself with.
LEADERSHIP
Chicago Ideas 💡
Watch Here
Chicago Ideas is a nonprofit platform that brings to light thought leaders and innovative ideas. Check out their recordings library of interesting conversations on though-provoking topics.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
CEO Pitch Competition 🌎
Learn More Here
The Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization is hosting its 40th Annual Global Pitch Competition! If you are an enrolled student in your university or college, get your 90 second pitch ready for your business. Whether it’s just a business idea or an active business with revenues, this is your chance to win up to $20,000! Applications are open until September 25.
INNOVATION
Working Through the Future of AI 🤖
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On September 12, explore perspectives on the future of AI and its cascading long-term impacts on organizations, jobs, and individual capabilities. Get a sneak peek at the Institute for the Future’s ten-year forecasts on where AI will empower new future possibilities and where looming challenges will require creative new solutions.
CULTURE
How to be a Best and Brightest Company ⭐
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Red Caffeine’s Business as “Un”usual series takes us behind the scenes into what it really means for a company to invest in their brand as a top employer to attract and retain talent. During this free virtual event on September 21, Jennifer Kluge, the CEO of the National Association of Business Resources, will share more about resources and initiatives to help your company take talent acquisition and retention seriously.
And if you’re in the market for a job, this is also a great event to attend in order to learn what qualities you should be on the lookout for in potential employers.
PERSONAL GROWTH
The Valuable of Being Invaluable at Work 💼
Listen Here
This episode of the Wall Street Journal’s As We Work podcast insightfully dives into what it means to be indispensable versus invaluable at work. Leadership expert Liz Wiseman shares more about tools to use and ways to go about making sure you are on the best quest for personal development and professional growth.