40-Day Series: Thank You Jay Bluhm

I think Jay and I were brother and sister in a previous life. We had a connection that was rare in the corporate world. I even received coaching one time to be careful with being perceived as Jay's little sister. I understood the concern but honestly thought of it as a compliment. In some ways I really did look up to Jay as if he was a big brother. I only have one sister and always wanted a brother and in many ways Jay served in that role.

He offered support, encouragement, tough love, and even protection when needed. He introduced me to the Business Professional Certification program which would change my life. He coached me, taught me and connected me to new people. He made me laugh...a lot. He drank beer with me, found me a hotel room when I was stranded in D.C., and listened to me. All of this and I never worked directly for the man or even on his team. In fact, there were a few times where I may have caused him some stress through escalations and red risk assessments. And yet, through it all he was there sharing advice and always guiding.

I don't see Jay as often these days since I left Sprint a year ago. He is still there busting his ass to make sure good things happen through some of the biggest obstacles he has ever had to face. His success often times results in additional responsibility, bigger teams and a huge work load. He accepts it all as he believes it gives him more opportunity to make a difference. I can tell you first hand he takes full advantage of every one of those "opportunities" and DOES make a difference. I miss our chats, our weekly beer sessions and his laugh. But as a little sister I am so proud of what he is doing and know that when I need him he'll be there.

Golden Nugget: Appreciate the time spent with your siblings

Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa

40-Day Series: Thank You Jean Matkovich

I met Jean 2 years ago at my first Aji conference. Aji offers a Business Professional Certification program that is the equivalent to an Executive MBA. Jean and I are both students in the program. There were 80+ people at that 1st conference so there was a lot of hand shaking and introductory conversations. Jean shined as someone I would want to keep in touch with and get to know...the law of attraction works in mysterious ways.

Jean is an amazing woman and an incredible teacher. I would end-up participating in a study group with her that would be instrumental in helping me get to graduation. She would share these powerful insights that brought instant clarity to the most complex topics. Her calming demeanor helped the team focus and manage their moods. She would share knowledge that made us all smarter by just joining her on the phone 1 hour a week.

I have met many a smart person in my life but I have never seen anyone who had such passion and joy to share with others like Jean does. She studies, reads, and observes the world around her like no other person I know. She relishes the opportunity to engage in new situations so she can continue to expand her thinking. My ability to accomplish new achievement in life is directly related to my knowing and learning from Jean. I am blessed to have met her, know her, and be friends with her.

Golden Nugget: Embrace learning and share what you know with others.

Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa

40-Day Series: Thank You Steve Coker

Steve challenged me to make my biggest career decision at Sprint...he challenged me to quit. He challenged me by getting me to admit that the only reason I didn't want to quit was because of fear. Calling me a chicken definitely triggers a button with me and his challenged work...I put in for my volunteer package the very next day.

I knew of Steve Coker years earlier as the projects we worked on would intertwine from time to time but I never really got to know him. Then 2 years ago we both started the business professional certification program with Aji. Steve and I quickly realized that we had a lot in common with our overachiever tendencies being our strongest connection. Aji was teaching us how we were creating our own obstacles most of the time and that we needed networks of help to truly achieve success. Steve and I realized that we would need to let go of our lone ranger behavior (this being one of a ton of things we would learn at Aji) if we were to take our career to the next level.

Steve quickly became a confidant and an important part of my network of help. He would take time out of his busy schedule to meet with me, listen and help me ground my observations and assessments. Most important, he would be honest with me, push me, call me on my bullshit and in turn helped me become a bonafide adult and professional. He allowed me to do the same with him which allowed us to build trust...the kind of trust that you need to have with a colleague if you are going to excel. I am so fortunate to have Steve in my network of help and blessed to call him my friend.

Golden Nuggett: Find someone who you trust enough to call you a chicken and appreciate it when they do

Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa