* Right pelvis - broken
* Right elbow - broken
* Positive spirit - intact!
Last Saturday, while riding my bike home from an errand, I crashed with a young boy on his skateboard who dashed across the road. Thankfully, I hit his skateboard rather than him.
The x-rays revealed what my body felt when it hit the concrete. A fractured pelvis and a fractured elbow to accompany the road rash up and down the left side of my body.
But attitude is everything, and angels are everywhere:
* The boy on the skateboard could have instantly darted away. Instead, "Jake" stayed and helped, and his friends went for help.
* On-going motorists and neighbors could have passed by. Instead, they stopped, carried me out of the street where I had laid for many minutes, and brought me to a nearby yard. One brought pillows, another blankets.
* Police and fire fighters arrived, and could not have been more professional and positive.
* 11 hours in Emergency Room are never easy, but the folks at Good Samaritan lived up to their hospital's name.
Healing does not begin now. The healing began the moment my body slammed to the pavement, surrounded by such caring and compassionate strangers.
Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Quality Family Time
Former Minnesota Twins baseball legend Harmon Killebrew tells a story about his father. He and his brother and dad were rough-housing on the front-lawn when his mom came out and said to his dad, "All that wrestling around is pulling up the lawn." He never forgot his dad's gentle reply - "We’re not raising a lawn. We're raising two sons."
I've been traveling a lot lately - more than I would like. My two girls, Jessica - almost seven - and Siena, two-and-a-half, deserve to see more of their dad. Slowly, I am becoming much more selective as I make decisions for my life which impact the lives of my children. Let's ask ourselves the tough questions: Is this business trip really needed? Is that dinner or speech or event a high priority?
When it comes to our kids, it's not just quality time - its also quantity time.
Here's a secret to moms and dads in our always-too-busy silicon valley. If you want to see a lot of your kids when they are older, invest a lot of time with your kids while they are younger. The relationships we build today will be the only foundation standing tomorrow.
And for goodness sakes, don't worry about messing up the lawn. The lawn has a chance to grow back. Our kids only grow-up once.
I've been traveling a lot lately - more than I would like. My two girls, Jessica - almost seven - and Siena, two-and-a-half, deserve to see more of their dad. Slowly, I am becoming much more selective as I make decisions for my life which impact the lives of my children. Let's ask ourselves the tough questions: Is this business trip really needed? Is that dinner or speech or event a high priority?
When it comes to our kids, it's not just quality time - its also quantity time.
Here's a secret to moms and dads in our always-too-busy silicon valley. If you want to see a lot of your kids when they are older, invest a lot of time with your kids while they are younger. The relationships we build today will be the only foundation standing tomorrow.
And for goodness sakes, don't worry about messing up the lawn. The lawn has a chance to grow back. Our kids only grow-up once.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
BART to Silicon Valley
The recent Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s assessment of the BART to Silicon Valley extension confirms what we at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group have long known to be true: The benefits of the project far outweigh the cost. The assessment compared the benefits of the extension from San Jose’s Berryessa Station, through Downtown San Jose and on to Santa Clara - and the results are in - MTC found that the project’s benefits are five times its cost.
We, at the Leadership Group, have championed the BART extension, recognizing its ability to create jobs and stimulate our economy. The project will increase our productivity, economic competitiveness and livability – through time saved in traffic, greater regional mobility, less dependence on the automobile and oil, and reduced Green House Gas emissions. We are pleased that the MTC’s independent assessment arrives at the same conclusion as Santa Clara County voters, who have twice voted to tax themselves to support this critical project.
We, at the Leadership Group, have championed the BART extension, recognizing its ability to create jobs and stimulate our economy. The project will increase our productivity, economic competitiveness and livability – through time saved in traffic, greater regional mobility, less dependence on the automobile and oil, and reduced Green House Gas emissions. We are pleased that the MTC’s independent assessment arrives at the same conclusion as Santa Clara County voters, who have twice voted to tax themselves to support this critical project.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Governor Jerry Brown Announces Public Pension Reform Plan
Jerry Brown proved again that he has the grit and good judgment to be governor of the Golden State.
On Thursday, he unveiled a measured, yet necessary pension reform proposal for California public employees.
This plan constitutes an essential and politically courageous step forward in our collective effort to put our state on firm financial footing, provide needed services, aggressively support job growth, and honor our commitments to our public sector workers. The 12 step proposal includes a provision to raise the retirement age to collect benefits from 50 to 67, with the exception of public safety officers. It would also put new state employees on a hybrid benefit track which would include defined benefits, social security and a 401k program. In addition the plan would require 3 year final compensation to stop spiking for new employees.
Shortly after releasing his 12 point pension reform plan Governor Brown was immediately assailed from the polarizing forces on both the left and right which reinforces that his plan falls right into the sensible center.
On Thursday, he unveiled a measured, yet necessary pension reform proposal for California public employees.
This plan constitutes an essential and politically courageous step forward in our collective effort to put our state on firm financial footing, provide needed services, aggressively support job growth, and honor our commitments to our public sector workers. The 12 step proposal includes a provision to raise the retirement age to collect benefits from 50 to 67, with the exception of public safety officers. It would also put new state employees on a hybrid benefit track which would include defined benefits, social security and a 401k program. In addition the plan would require 3 year final compensation to stop spiking for new employees.
Shortly after releasing his 12 point pension reform plan Governor Brown was immediately assailed from the polarizing forces on both the left and right which reinforces that his plan falls right into the sensible center.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Renewable Energy Industry
Solyndra’s demise has reignited efforts to sabotage success in the renewable energy industry- an industry that is growing jobs. Let’s focus on the facts. The United States is a net exporter of solar-energy products, and solar jobs have doubled in the U.S. — to 100,000 since 2009. Last year alone, U.S. solar-energy installations created a combined $6 billion in direct value, $4.4 billion of which we accrued.
We need not look far to see an example of a solar company creating manufacturing jobs in Silicon Valley. SunPower, headquartered in Silicon Valley has a manufacturing facility in Milpitas. The company’s customer, NRG Energy, received a $1.2 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy specifically for the project that will create 350 construction jobs, power approximately 100,000 homes and inject $315 million in to the San Luis Obispo, Calif. economy.
The answer is clear, supporting the renewable energy industry is the right thing to do for our state and nation.
We need not look far to see an example of a solar company creating manufacturing jobs in Silicon Valley. SunPower, headquartered in Silicon Valley has a manufacturing facility in Milpitas. The company’s customer, NRG Energy, received a $1.2 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy specifically for the project that will create 350 construction jobs, power approximately 100,000 homes and inject $315 million in to the San Luis Obispo, Calif. economy.
The answer is clear, supporting the renewable energy industry is the right thing to do for our state and nation.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Cherish Every Day
This past week, my wife and I had a rare fight right before I left for work. Rather than a heated exchange, we left each other to start our day in stony silence.
That same day, three workers at Lehigh Cement in Cupertino left their homes for what I am sure they believed would be a typical work-day - only to never return to their homes; irrationally gunned down by a crazed co-worker.
Later the same afternoon, Steve Jobs would lose his seven-year struggle with pancreatic cancer. Steve Jobs was an iconic figure that fueled the creativity of the world's innovation economy. Yet he was also a father, a husband and a friend to many people here in Silicon Valley and throughout the planet. He will be forever treasured and never forgotten.
The employees at Lehigh Cement will long be mourned; their memories cherished by their friends, families and co-workers.
Each day, as we leave our homes for work, for school, for errands, let's not forget that today is all we have. We have little control over how it will end, but we can control how it begins. Cherish the day you have - and those you love.
That same day, three workers at Lehigh Cement in Cupertino left their homes for what I am sure they believed would be a typical work-day - only to never return to their homes; irrationally gunned down by a crazed co-worker.
Later the same afternoon, Steve Jobs would lose his seven-year struggle with pancreatic cancer. Steve Jobs was an iconic figure that fueled the creativity of the world's innovation economy. Yet he was also a father, a husband and a friend to many people here in Silicon Valley and throughout the planet. He will be forever treasured and never forgotten.
The employees at Lehigh Cement will long be mourned; their memories cherished by their friends, families and co-workers.
Each day, as we leave our homes for work, for school, for errands, let's not forget that today is all we have. We have little control over how it will end, but we can control how it begins. Cherish the day you have - and those you love.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Role Models
Role models. Most of us have had one. Many of us have been one. All of us need one.
Positive role models are those people in life who - with both their words and deeds - have had an impact that has made an indelible difference.
On October 6, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group & Fry's Electronics are honoring two women role models with our second annual "Shattering the Glass Ceiling" Award. This year, we will recognize and celebrate former state senator Becky Morgan and former County Supervisor Susie Wilson.
Both Becky and Susie are strong, creative, successful women, who blazed a trail of public service in a way that has made the road easier for other women and girls to follow.
As a man, why do I care about trailblazing women who have made a mark in the valley? First and foremost, I'm a dad of two little girls. They've never met Becky Morgan or Susie Wilson, but their paths in Silicon Valley have been made better by the work of these two extraordinary leaders.
As an employer, the women on my team benefit daily by the policies and programs these two former public officials championed.
Today, as we go about our business, think about the mark you are making. In your actions and attitude, what behavior are you modeling to those around you? Anyone can make an impression. Let's do our best to make an impact.
Positive role models are those people in life who - with both their words and deeds - have had an impact that has made an indelible difference.
On October 6, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group & Fry's Electronics are honoring two women role models with our second annual "Shattering the Glass Ceiling" Award. This year, we will recognize and celebrate former state senator Becky Morgan and former County Supervisor Susie Wilson.
Both Becky and Susie are strong, creative, successful women, who blazed a trail of public service in a way that has made the road easier for other women and girls to follow.
As a man, why do I care about trailblazing women who have made a mark in the valley? First and foremost, I'm a dad of two little girls. They've never met Becky Morgan or Susie Wilson, but their paths in Silicon Valley have been made better by the work of these two extraordinary leaders.
As an employer, the women on my team benefit daily by the policies and programs these two former public officials championed.
Today, as we go about our business, think about the mark you are making. In your actions and attitude, what behavior are you modeling to those around you? Anyone can make an impression. Let's do our best to make an impact.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
