Perspectives: From Success to Sugnificance

At this point in my career and this stage of my job search, I am truly embarking on a journey from success to significance. There have been many books written about the subject, and the experts tend to agree that when a man comes to the “half-way” point in his life he tends to look for a greater purpose than just working for a living.
I believe these authors and experts who say that “professional success is what we become and what we achieve when we value ourselves”. “Significance, however, is what we become and what we achieve when we value others”. John Maxwell. As a result of this belief, one aspect of my job search focuses on seeking a leadership position with a for-profit or non-profit organization that is looking for fresh perspectives and new ideas to help meet their organization’s goals and objectives. In addition to my extensive business background (refer to resume and other blog postings), I bring the following strengths to the non-profit environment.

Business Leader Mentoring
As a team counselor with “SCORE” and the “Entrepreneur Center” in Dayton, I volunteer my time to help new businesses get a successful start, help struggling businesses regain their success and help successful businesses take it to the next level. I also coach business executives on providing a productivity environment within their organization.

As a part-time instructor at the School of Advertising and Art, I mentor 2 year Associate Degree students on Marketing and Advertising History. In addition to teaching, I work with students to find jobs and jump-start their careers and help consult with the school’s leadership on program development and marketing.

Non-profit Board Leadership
As an active executive board member of Elizabeth’s New Life Center, one of the nation’s leading woman’s centers, I am directly involved in all aspects of the business and head up their everyday marketing programs. I am actively involved with both the client and donor community.

As executive board member of the Memorial Baptist Church for many years, I was instrumental in merging it with The Vineyard church to ensure that a successful church, a viable worship center and a thriving congregation remained at the corner of Main and Helena streets in Dayton.

Church Leadership
As a result of this merger, I am an active member of the lay leadership team at The Vineyard Church – Dayton Campus and am involved at many levels of church and community activity.

Volunteer Work Leadership
I helped to sponsor and start a computer lab at The Vineyard – Dayton Campus that provides access to computers for students and adults who do not have computers at home. Through the lab, we provide computer and Internet access, computer training, home work support, job search support, benefits bank counseling and other support services needed in the community.

I also initiated a city-wide Refugee Resettlement Support program that works in conjunction with area agencies and collaborates with area churches to provide support to refugee families and individuals that land in the Dayton through official government and unofficial programs.

Something More
Today’s boomer generation is the wealthiest, healthiest, best-educated and most experienced in history. As this (my) generation reaches mid-life, however, we start to feel that there is something missing in our life and our definition of success begins to change. Many of us start to feel that success is not enough and that we want our lives to count for something more. I want to fulfill my life’s purpose through a leadership position within just the right non-profit agency.