He made a difference and I want to say Thanks

We often hear people say "If it wasn't for him or her ....". Well, I have one of those stories. A few people have come into my life that have made a huge difference. I reconnected with one of them recently on LinkedIn. And if wasn't for Don Sullivan ...

Years ago I was an administrative assistant for a large HVAC manufacturer, and Don Sullivan was one of the Project Managers who I reported to. He always treated me with appreciation and respect (maybe because I was almost old enough to be his mother?). When he was given the opportunity to build a Team - that was back when "Teams" were created to accomplish special-focused assignments - he asked if I would join him. Of course, I figured I'd be the secretary, coffee-maker and scribe at all the meetings. He must have read my mind, because he immediately told me that it would be an environment where we'd each have our expertise, but would all share responsibilities.

We all worked, side-by-side, deciding the project, tearing down equipment, assessing cost-cutting ideas, determining how to add value, testing prototypes, working on marketing materials, holding focus groups (and so much more - even sharing taking the meeting notes!). Then, 18 months later, we were all there as the first units traveled down the assembly line.

So what's all this have to do with anything? Don Sullivan gave me the opportunity to make my move out of the secretarial box! He believed I had more to give than my then-current position. He invited me to go along, confident I would add value and bring a unique perspective to the team. I trust I didn't let him down.

I truly believe that this was one of "those times" in my life. The feeling of self-worth and the confidence that I could be more than I was. The 'guts' to seek more for myself ... that ability to think and grow came as a result of Don Sullivan. That was the first step that led me down the path of being a business owner today!

Thanks, Don!