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
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