What “Sully” said
Yesterday while attending the annual “Pink” conference in Las Vegas my son Jake and I were able to hear a wonderful keynote presentation by Captain Sullenberger… WOW! His main message (at least to me) wasn’t communicated with any words that he spoke, rather is was communicated by his very being. His unspoken and radiant message was about integrity, excellence and pursuing it, honesty and character. He stood before me seeming to be absolutely rooted in these values and other truths that amplified every word that he spoke. I could live off that feeling for a month.
Just a couple actual quotes from him follow…
“Real Innovation to me is, changing before you are forced to.”
“Never stop growing or investing in yourself”
“Don’t make your values hard for others to detect”
“It’s up to you to know how to save your life.”
“I never knew on what 208 seconds my entire career would be judged.”
I practiced calm so when I needed it I was able to force it into this extrordinary event.”
“Our reputations are built one action at a time”
Thank you Captain…you really landed that keynote yesterday and perhaps didn’t save lives - but you offered people a way to improve them.
Kirk Out
February 19th, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Thanks for sharing your experience and adding another name to my bucket list as one worth listening to… and taking another step towards improvement.
February 19th, 2013 at 7:23 pm
I also heard him speak at Pink this year. We can learn a ton from people Sully.
Thank you also for your outstanding session on “The Empty Book” at the conference. You have inspired me to get back to my journal. Not just for work, but for my family as well.
February 19th, 2013 at 10:15 pm
Powerful. It’s my view that honesty and integrity in all things no matter what are two things NO ONE can ever take from us and their reach and impact are more powerful than the sun in people’s minds. Even those who aren’t on board with such principles tend to get it when they encounter the force of one who wields such weapons. The greatest opportunity to change the world lies in the very core of being this to anyone, far more than anything we achieve or succeed at.
Great message Kirk,
Daniel
February 20th, 2013 at 12:37 am
Kirk,
The pink conference was the first time I have ever heard your name. And let me tell you something, not only were Sully’s presence and words amazing. You blessed me beyond belief. I spent 14 years in youth ministry and the last 5 in young men’s/men’s ministry. During my youth ministry years I did very much what you are doing but with Father and sons, Fathers and Daughters and teens in general. When I was led to men’s ministry something was missing. In my work life I take my faith and leadership to my teams. But one thing has been missing. I lost the passion I used to have for making people and myself better.
I listened intently to your messages (yep I attended all of them) and two things hit my heart with such a force that it could have set off Dr. Taylors instruments!
1. Expect the best of yourself before you expect the best of others.
2. If words are free why wouldn’t we only use the best words?
These 2 items will be with me for many years to come. In fact, I believe you led me back to Ephesians 4:29 (now do you remember me?)
I am looking forward to keeping up with your blog, starting one of my own, writing in my leadership journal and telling stories. I hope to be able to share my adventures with you.
One more thing, I plan on giving out some heart attacks at work.
Blessings to you and yours,
Joe
February 20th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Dear Kirk,
One word was repeated several times during your sessions at Pink, and I think it applies to both you and Captain Sullenberger. That word is “authentic.” I, too, strive to be authentic in both my work and personal life — even though it can be a challenge.
Thanks for four great sessions that really resonated with me.
Cheers, Holly Leighton
P.S. I downloaded Robert Fulghum’s book to my iPad at your suggestion. I plan to start it on the plane ride home.