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WHY: #2 of 101: Why Some People Are Leaders

WHY: #2 Of 101: Why Some People Are Leaders

Hi Everyone!

Today is a different day. WHY?  Today I received an email from a long-time friend, mentor, and leader that changed my life.

His name is Dan Dickinson. Dan is an amazing CEO, a husband, a father, but, also a hero in my eyes. I met Dan years ago when a banker invited us to a hockey event. I was just a solo-preneur at the time, just barely making ends meet. Dan was already successful as a CEO with an airplane leasing company. That was 15 years ago.

Over the years I wrote about Dan in one of my books, “Angels in the Workplace.” Dan later told me because of that story he was able to convince someone to do a multi-million dollar deal with him. Flash forward to yesterday and I am happy to say I was right in my initial assessment of Dan.

Dan showed up at an event yesterday that I had for an author friend. When I asked Dan how he was doing, he shared that he was great. Then the conversation leads to a surprising statement when Dan stated, “I just started as the head of a philanthropic initiative for the Comprehensive Transplant Clinic.”

I immediately mentioned how timely it was as  I was searching for resources to help my sister who needs a kidney transplant. Dan then shared, “I recently had a liver transplant.” I couldn’t believe it. He looked amazing. I also had a good fortune that day to introduce Dan to Jeff Studzinski, another great colleague who had received a needed kidney transplant from his wonderful daughter.

The two male business leaders were there with me exchanging in a way I had never experienced before nor never thought I would experience. It was an amazing moment.

Their WHY? 

Dan’s and Jeff’s WHY are very different today than a couple of years ago. They both made it very clear to me that if I need to talk at any time about my need to help my sister, they would be there. I know that to be true. Everything becomes clearer when you know your WHY.

The Goal 

Dan is on a mission. Following is the goal of the Comprehensive Transplant Clinic. If you can help or know someone who can help, please connect:
Their goal is to meld their mission in support of the CTC’s strategic plan. They would like to disseminate and develop mini CASE statements as it relates to the various initiatives providing validation for these efforts.
Below was Dan’s powerful message to me of HOPE:

Melissa,

For your sister, the most important point is to get your sister to Chicago. I have enclosed some basic information on numbers as it applies to the living Kidney program. Both Jeff and I know plenty of people that have donated and we have plenty of people for you to talk to. In the event you are not a match there is an organization called Living Kidney Donation Network. (www.lkdn.org). Both Jeff and I know Harvey and yes, you can get a kidney.

Interestingly, last night I heard a story from the director of USC. From an article in the paper in LA over 800 people offered to donate a kidney for a little girl. Another Doc from Penn said 80 parishioners offered a kidney for their minister.  Five college roommates decided to donate to the 6th roommate agreeing the best match would donate. Jeff and I could tell you stories all night!

SO – when you are ready we can set things in motion for you and walk you through the entire process. We are there.

I have also attached information on our council. We have not given it a name yet because we have not determined the scope other than what I have attached. I have described what we need for board members and so far we have a very strong group. Now it is harnessing the power of the group as the next step. If any of this floats your boat I would be pleased to talk to you about it. I am anxious to round out the council.

There was a reason I was excited to be at your event today. Now I know why!

All the best,

Dan

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Want to get involved? Email Dan today at dand @ inavgroup.com

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