The title of this poem is inspired by Lance Scoular's very relevant post that speaks for Suicide Prevention and the thoughts seeded from the very reflective post recently by Fatima Williams instilling self worth in times of lost esteems lost hopes and lost battles. A topic many refuse to confront as it is too sensitive to deal with. But its prevelance and increasing numbers only show the need for empathy consciousness in today's world. A little sensitivity and empathy can go along way in prevention of widespread negligence by society on such issues.
As a Type 1 Diabetic, I am no stranger to a hospital room. When I was initially diagnosed at the age of 2 my blood glucose was 949. A reading over 125 is a sign of diabetes, meaning, I was close to comatose and possibly death. This experience was incredibly traumatic and thankfully my parents brought me for a second opinion because the first doctor sent me home.
Working alongside renowned chefs such as Heston Blumenthal, Claude Bosi and Andoni Luis Aduriz has undeniably had a fundamental impact on me, not only in my professional development as a chef but in my personal development as a leader. While my time at their restaurants allowed me to develop my repertoire of culinary skills, the lessons I learned extended far beyond refining my practical and technical ability in the kitchen and they continue to shape me both as the person and as the professional I am today.
A couple of months ago, I had a bit of an epiphany while talking with my mother about the various frustrations I've encountered while growing my business. Creating international awareness of your brand is difficult. Making people part with their hard earned cash is difficult. Convincing my students to give up a Saturday in order to literally change their career trajectories has been the biggest hurdle so far, despite insane levels of success by my alums. Still, I know that my intentions are pure, my results are quantifiable, and HR managers, even CEOs, have started reaching out privately to "score a MEGA" because they're quickly finding that MEGA Assistants are the new, gold standard in the biz.
Chapter I (00:00): My name is Tony. I am 68. I am getting old, and that’s the problem. I used to work on a fishing boat, in deep sea. That was my job. I worked in -40 degree. It was very cold, and you can’t wear gloves, because the line will slip.
I have been the director of marketing at STRATIS for more than a year and a half. In that time we have done a lot with a relatively low budget. I was recently reflecting on all of the amazing things our team has accomplished in a short time. From keynotes in Singapore, a complete rebranding, exhibiting at SXSW, launching a new website and resident mobile app, winning the OPTECH Launchpad competition, being featured in national publications, starting conversations with major players, and so much more.
This truth can’t be denied: some of the most significant changes in American society and culture have come from protests. And, looking back on recent history without the taint of politics, the most powerful of these changes have been driven by young people.