The John Wooden Global Leadership 2009 Award Dinner

My evening at the UCLA Anderson School of Management John Wooden Global Leadership 2009 Award Dinner on May 21st was amazing! I heard John Wooden, coaching legend for UCLA Bruins talk about leadership in a way that was foreign to me. Nothing sophisticated or complex. His biggest influence was his father. We received a copy of Mr. Wooden’s latest book & I like to read a few pages when I wake up. I also have my 8 year old daughter read a page to me here & there. It’s a fantastic read.

I loved the bonus of watching Ken Chenault, American Express Chairman & CEO receive the 2009 John Wooden Global Leadership Award. Another great leader, this man’s company sponsors many of the business organizations I belong to.

I would have loved to say more to Ken Chenault as his wife took this photo of us. It was late & I wanted to be courteous, but I wish I had taken a moment to tell him a little bit about my background & how much all of the programs American Express sponsors have helped me to flourish. I didn’t graduate from high school (that fact is trivial compared to other hurdles I have faced in my lifetime), yet I have been given many opportunities to improve my lot in life. On that note, I will say: Thank you for the opportunities to develop myself as a leader & an entrepreneur, Mr. Chenault.

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