What can you learn about your career from a hairy man and a Speedo?

           

  Thursday, I had one of the most surreal moments of my coaching life.  I was teaching a women’s class about finding your professional fire.  The class takes place early in the morning and is held in a conference room at an attendee’s office.   Thursday we were in the midst of the class when a gentleman abruptly opens the door to the conference room and asks what we are up to.  I tell him it is a class.  Undeterred by his obvious interruption, he proceeds to tell us that his 50^th birthday is coming up and that he is going to wear a Speedo on the beach to celebrate.  After a few moments of discussion about the Speedo and the man’s hairy chest, the gentleman asks about the topic of our class.  Apparently he found the topic intriguing because the next thing I know, he asks if he can sit down and share a few thought on the matter.  Normally, I would have redirected the gentleman or simply asked him to leave.   But, this gentleman was a little different, he was Robert Sarver, the CEO of Alliance Bank and owner of the Phoenix Suns and we were sitting in HIS conference room.  

            So, Robert sits down and he proceeds to share with us some very insightful advice about having a happy career.  He makes it a point to tell us that no amount of money or professional success will make you happy; happiness in an internal job.  He also explains how he worked hard to get to his current position and some of the best moments along the way involved working hard while being surrounded by good people. He tells us good people are they key to good business.   He shared with us his concerns about being a good father as he is able to provide ample resources for his children but that he worries every day about over-indulging them.  He talks about the ups and downs of all careers, relationships, and life.  He tells us that whatever choices you make, you have to be able to live with yourself so don’t play in the grey areas. For fifteen minutes, this very busy man shared his time and his wisdom with a complete group of strangers.  From making decisions that his deceased father would approve of, to withstanding public scrutiny, Robert shared it all.  Then, as abruptly as he came in, he stands, wishes us all well and leaves.

            After he leaves, I look around the room at the shock, delight, and confusion on the faces of the women.  In the wake of his departure, we have a very meaningful conversation about the wisdom of his words and the application to our careers.  We had a fantastic discussion about the many gems that he shared with us and how to act upon his words.   Here are the take-aways I found within his words

1.     It is up to you if you want to be happy

2.     Career satisfaction involves understanding your personal values and living them ever day.  (some of Robert’s values are integrity, family, and connectedness)

3.     We are all human-success doesn’t change our basic needs.

4.     If you have something to say- Speak up. Even when you are not invited to do so.  You never know whose life you will touch with your words!

5.     If you are a man over 25 and you want to wear a Speedo, please find a good waxer.

As I am sure you can imagine, after Robert left the agenda for the class was completely shot. But, what a fabulous way to spend our time together.  I cannot wait until the next hairy man with a Speedo interrupts my class!

About Jonelle- Jonelle Vold is a business coach that is passionate about your success.  A mother of twins, former Assistant Dean at a tier-one law school, attorney, and seasoned sales professional, Jonelle understands the challenges of high-level professionals.  Her coaching philosophy is every person has the ability to be a rainmaker by cracking their own personal code and doing business with intention.  You can reach Jonelle at jonelle@jonellevold.com or www.jonellevold.com.   

Women's Short-Term-Massive-Action Group Coaching Classes starting on September 22, 2011.  Ladies if you are ready to jump start your success, regain control of your time and your life, reignite your professional passion, and of course learn to make rain-this is the class for you.  Space is limited contact jonelle@jonellevold.com for details