Lessons from My Dad

In 2019 I purchase my first home and my dad painted a watercolor of it for a very special Christmas gift!

One of my greatest strengths (and weaknesses) is my strong work ethic. I’m a workaholic. I always put more time into a task or project than any normal person would. I can’t really stop myself, it’s in my DNA. I learned it from my father who was an amazing strategic marketing consultant who created his own business after getting fired from corporate America. He taught me so much about decency, persistence, empathy, and grit. He became my career coach during my job search and always gave me the best advice. I didn’t always listen to him because sometimes I just have to do what I know is right for me, but he was never afraid to tell me what he thought and to give me his perspective.

My dad told me an interesting story this weekend when I called him for advice after recent challenges..

As a consultant, he did a focus group with customers for a client. When he stopped getting his calls returned, the client VP finally told him: 

"You'll never work here again."

My dad asked why. 

"Because you made me look bad."

Two years later that VP was gone and my dad got a call from someone who saw that focus group report and was impressed by it. Eventually he had more work with that client than ever before. 

Moral of the story: 
You never know how things will play out. Don't get discouraged with a roadblock. Always continue to do good work. You could be surprised with how things turn out.

I am so grateful to have a dad who’s been there to listen to me vent with empathy and kindness. With his vast experiences and knowledge, he’s also able to help guide me into a more productive direction when I seem lost. Thanks dad! I love you! 

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