A more personal blog post in reflection of a significant life event…
“How did you get into that?”
That’s what people ask me when I tell them what I do.
The imposter in me feels a little like I’m being judged. I rush to rattle off the fact that I incorporated my first business at the age of 21, have an undergrad in Education, a Certificate in Coaching from the Coaches Training institute and an MBA in Management Consulting.
But really what I want to say is…I got into “it” having spent a lifetime at the school of “hardknocks” taught by my mom and dad. They were both very successful salespeople. They gave us a lot of independence at an incredibly young age, a desire to hustle and to always do our best. They instilled in us that it was not the tools or equipment used, but the person using them.
This independence and this drive lit my passion for helping others succeed. Really could there be any better purpose in life than supporting people to achieve their dreams? From an early age my dad taught me how to turn an idea into reality. And together with my clients, we get to do that every single day.
Sadly, this month my family said a beautiful goodbye to our beloved Papa, Ed Devine. He was ushered through by a pod of Orca Whales right outside his window nights before he passed. We have come to learn that Orca Whales symbolize family, protection, community, longevity, commitment and romance. All of these values couldn’t be more reflective of our Papa Ed.
This life’s moment has me reflecting on him, his role in my life and the lessons he instilled. It’s only natural right?
I’ve been playing Gomez’s “See The World” on repeat because those lyrics, those words feel like he is speaking directly to me. They feel like the words he raised me with.
“See the world”
When I was 21 my parents bought me a plane ticket (on points and nothing else) to go travel for three months. It sparked my love of travel. My dad would say to get out there, explore, meet new people, seek out a commonality and all that unites as humans. Go learn about different histories, different cultures and the important lessons they have to offer. And since then I’ve been to over 25 countries with friends from all over the world.
“Find an old fashioned girl”
Girl/boy/they/them find your person. Find that person who makes you laugh, shares your values and shares your passions. Hold onto family, family first always.
“It’s the things that are given not won”
Don’t get me wrong Fast Eddie loved a deal-especially if it was real estate, a car or a boat. We may have even slipped a few coupons into his coffin just in case. But aside from teaching us the art of negotiation, and that you don’t make money in your day job, here a few “things” he gave us:
- Reach for the stars
- Collect experiences
- Train Your Brain- dream bigger than you thought possible; you can’t be what you can’t see
- Always keep growing, never stop learning, never get complacent
- Get to no…in sales never be afraid to get to a no. At least then you know where you stand.
- Strangers are friends we have not met yet-seek out the commonality in our stories. Next time we talk let me tell you about the McDonald’s drive through story.
- Believe in something greater than yourself; hold onto your faith whatever that may be. In life’s hardest moments you are not alone.
- Waste Not, Want Not. He could write a book on this topic, was famous for repurposing anything-old windows, chairs, cars and boats. I drove a Morris Minor in Highschool and an MG in University. We still have them…and if you know where the keys are, are my mom would really like to know.
- When the Rolling Stones comes on you get up and dance. Papa Ed loved nothing more than dance parties on his decks, surrounded by his wife of over 50 years, his four children, their partners and his nine grandchildren.
- It goes by fast…so appreciate the small things-a call from an old friend, a favorite old song, or a sip of Tullamore Dew.
I’m going to miss his ongoing coaching…I never thought I would say that.
But with his passion and life lessons in my heart, together we will continue to grow, turn our dreams into reality and appreciate this wild ride called life.
And that’s the real story of what inspired me to get into my business.