Who’s Responsible for Your Success?
David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer
Have you ever heard someone proudly boast that their success was self-made?
Years ago, I would’ve pictured someone who fought through adversity, stayed focused, and climbed their way to the top with nothing but grit and determination, and I would’ve admired that level of perseverance. The reality is that being completely self-made is nothing more than a myth.
None of us got to where we are entirely on our own. Somewhere along the way, someone opened a door, gave us a chance, or believed in us before we believed in ourselves.
As we approach Live2Lead on November 7th, at The Lodge in Skaneateles, I’ve been reflecting on the many people who have played a role in my own journey—and the powerful stories of others who have experienced the same.
A few years ago, at a previous Live2Lead, author and speaker, Ryan Leak shared a powerful story about how he “got in the room.” Ryan’s parents had enrolled him and his brother at a private school, hoping to give them the best possible start, but eventually, they lost the income needed to keep their sons enrolled. Just when it looked like the boys would have to switch back to public school, a teacher at that private school stepped in and offered scholarships to both boys so they could stay. Ryan has since become a best-selling author and a sought-after speaker—but he credits a major part of that success to that teacher who saw something worth investing in.
So, I’ll ask you the same question I’ve been asking myself lately: Who’s responsible for where you are right now? Who saw something in you that others didn’t? Was it a coach, a teacher, a family member, a neighbor, or someone in your community or workplace? Maybe it was a leader who took a chance on you or a customer on your paper route who saw your work ethic. Maybe it was someone you barely knew who offered words of encouragement that kept you going.
Whoever it was, they helped shape your path; they helped you become who you are today.
Live2Lead isn’t just an event, it’s a chance to grow as a leader and reflect on the kind of legacy you’re creating. As you think about those who have helped you, I encourage you to also think about who you can help. I encourage you to be that person for someone else.
Whose spark could you recognize? Whose story could be changed just because you chose to open a door? Let’s stop buying into the myth of the self-made person and start embracing the truth: we rise by lifting others.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to register for Live2Lead, to hear more about who helped to shape my success and hear from other leaders about their own journeys and lessons.