
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #52
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, Passing the Fall Equinox
You stand out in the crowd only because you have these many, many carrying you on their shoulders.
– Desmond Tutu
Last weekend in Sonoma I listened to Country Singer RaeLynn, and IndyCar Driver Charlie Kimball, talk about performing in front of the crowd assembled. Neither could imagine doing what the other does: singing for a live audience, and racing at high speed.
During qualifying the day before Charlie had challenges with his car. A little more than an hour before he stepped on stage the problems seemed worse, as he spent most of the practice session in the pits with the team working on the car. The car was moved to the garage for final adjustments prior to the afternoon race, and Charlie left to speak.
RaeLynn’s singing of the national anthem went well. The race was intense: 203 miles through 1020 turns at an average speed over 103 miles per hour. Charlie and his team persevered through the challenges, and he finished eleventh.
Both RaeLynn and Charlie have overcome significant adversity to rise to high levels in their professions, including living with Type 1 Diabetes for more than ten years. Each gives credit to the people that support them, and the teams that make what they do possible.
As one of my teachers says, “I stand on the shoulders of my teachers, and offer what I do so that you may stand on mine.” I find it important to consider:
- Who has helped me get to where I am, and how do I thank them?
- How do I help others get to where they want to go?
Let’s help each other create a better future today!