Rarely does a person get to where they are today without having someone, somewhere, at some point :

I grew up in a working class, single parent household. My father, who had a very difficult path in life, encouraged me to do more, and to take advantage of opportunities that were never available to him. 

It wasn't until I was well into my adult life and career that I realized I was following a general formula for being "okay" but not really achieving that "next level" for my hopes, dreams, and future. I found out that that being "okay" is perfectly fine until you face an unpredictable challenge and are pushed off balance. At that point, I decided to put more energy and focus into things I found important.

I owe a debt to my family, friends, managers, leaders, peers, and several others not named here  (a veritable  phone book really) in my past for their kind but honest words, hard tasks, straight facts, hope, friendship, mentorship, and coaching. If I can give but a fraction to others of what I have been already provided then I have truly accomplished something great.

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