Originally posted on Forbes at blogs.forbes.com/sap
I was an odd kid. While most of my school mates looked up to sports teams or players (Magic Johnson, the 1970′s Pittsburgh Steelers, Reggie Jackson), I have always looked elsewhere for inspiration or a place to put my energies. My first and longest lasting heroes have inexplicably led me to where I am today and a life embracing social media. Outside of my parents (respect, Mom and Dad!), “Jim” and “John” have played the biggest part in my life in shaping me today. Ever since I was a teen and began defining myself by my belief system and not someone else’s, I have looked at these two men for guidance. How I ended up here has a direct lineage to them both. And while “Jim” and “John” have had differing careers and success – one chose music, the other chose storytelling – their core belief systems are very similar and contributed to my compass in life.
Both were creative geniuses. Genius is oft overused to describe anyone who has done anything ahead of the pack (“Your use of Roma tomato in your BLT was ‘genius.’ ” Really?) However, I am talking about once (in this case, twice) in a generation pure creativity – consistently, unashamedly, unapologetically. This is seeing a path laid out before you that no one else sees. Social media is a creative frontier. We have been social creatures from our first steps on earth, but my sons will grow up in a world where they can actively participate in events around the globe, as they occur. We are no longer passive with social media, we are active. Owning and defining our role through these new channels requires creative minds – with vision and courage. It is a challenge I try to face every day. And while I am nowhere near as creative as my two heroes, they daily inspire me to push boundaries.
Both were courageous. They both assumed leadership in their disciplines at relatively early ages and could have rested on laurels. However, some of their most avant garde work came at later stages and after they had everything to lose. They pushed boundaries – even against the advice of those close to them. Their greatest contributions to their fields are because they kept pushing. I am nowhere near the apogee of my career and social media has only just begun its journey, but it reminds me when I hear how someone has defined a way to do something, or says “this is the way it is done,” that there are most definitely new horizons not even dreamt of yet. Those possibilities inspire me daily.
Both were “kind spirits.” They helped others around them be better – want to be better – just by who they were. Don’t get me wrong, both were very human and both had blind spots, but consistently they made people push themselves to do better – to live to a higher standard – just because they were there. Social media is a still the hinterland for us – the Wild West, the Space Race, the Race to the New World. I think there are some “mean people” in any field – you can see them fairly quickly and their reputations precede them. However, most people I meet along this journey are good people trying to find their way through just like me. I am more often better for the experience with them and my goal is to return that favor.
So, thank you Messrs. Henson and Lennon. My consistent heroes from my earliest days. I am in social media because of your creativity, your courage, and your kindness. This blogs for you!
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