Looking for something to read as I ate my lunch today, I settled on the latest edition of Time magazine titled “The 100 Most Influential People”; a couple of things struck me…
One was that they had a world map, pinpointing the country of origin of everyone who had been selected. Time is an American publication and, in my opinion, there was an over-representation of the USA. The spread of dots pinpointing where the 100 people originated however, highlighted that we truly do live in a global village. Nationality, religion and even wealth don’t appear to have been defining factors for the people who have been selected. The other thing that struck me was the passion demonstrated by many of those selected.
Guus Velders, an atmospheric chemist exploring how small and extremely common pollutants have the power to harm our natural world, or Glenda Gray, who’s inclusive attitude and tireless efforts have contributed to the mother to child transmission of HIV drop from 600,000 births a year to 150,000. There is the story of Hamdi Ulukaya, a Kurd born in Turkey who moved to the US & started the Chobani yogurt company. He has created an engaged workforce by deliberating locating his factories in areas that industry has long abandoned, re-engaging disconnected people. In addition, he has actively expanded his team through hiring refugees to work alongside his local workforce.
What a great example of how respecting and empowering your workforce contributes to success.
I love basketball and particularly enjoyed the LeBron James documentary “More Than a Game”, which follows LeBron in his high school basketball team. Perhaps the respect he has for those who helped him and his teammates succeed are what drives him to invest in the promise of future generations through his foundation.
There was the story of Raed Saleh, who leads the “White Helmets”, a group who provide emergency services in war torn Syria, helping injured residents get to safety. Saleh’s mission has been quoted as getting more people to “work on the side of life”.
It was a very humbling lunch time read. It prompted me to reflect on how sometimes great things are achieved by everyday people who are just diligently practicing and perfecting what they do until they are doing it so well they have managed to achieve great things. In a way, this mirrors the message Income Solutions provides to our clients. First, set a goal then we’ll work with you over the long term to achieve it. Every step taken towards the goal is a step in the right direction. It is an absolute privilege when we see clients achieve their financial goals and it is particularly rewarding to know that we’ve been there for the journey.
Like the people in my lunch time read, the majority of clients who achieve financial success have not started with great wealth, but rather they have taken accountability for their goals, they have gained knowledge along the way and have respected the advice they have received. All great ingredients for achieving great things!
By Alison Adams
