The Annual Golden Loaves

I needed Jeanne's welding gloves this year when I "walked Spanish" at the ad agency. If you don't know what the expression means, look it up in the Urban Dictionary or read Josh Ferris' book Then We Came to the End.

It's something about how pirates used to walk their hapless victims to the plank, forcing them to march on their toes toward the end of the line. Since I was making the toe walk, you can deduce I was scorched that day. It would have been magnificent to walk into the exit interview wearing a pair of red welders' gloves. I only wish I'd known about the gloves in time to wave them high on my way out the door. As it was, I only had time to get my office fridge moved to my friend Spicy Chicken Wing.

When a fridge door closes, somewhere a browser window opens, and that's what happened in 2009. Thanks to SUCCESS Magazine and their fine staff, some amazing people allowed me to tell their stories. Who better to learn from than successful achievers - people who sail under their own flags?

Here then are my annual Golden Loaves, presented to each individual who trusted this castaway and gave me more than the outer crust, enriching my spirit to move forward. If they will call me, I will personally bake their trophy.

Stan Richards, Founder, The Richards Group.
He built an ad agency from the dust up in Dallas. So-called experts told him his design style was all wrong for Big D, but he stuck with it and worked hard. Today you know his agency's work if you've ever heard Tom Bodett say "we'll leave the light on for you" at Motel 6.

What I learned: Hard work can trump talent. If you're willing to challenge yourself, you'll go places that amaze you. Keep ideas simple. People connect with simple ideas, like "Eat Mor Chikin." And never forget respect. Give it, expect it, cut loose from those who don't treat you with it. You deserve it.

Danica Patrick, IndyCar driver.
So I didn't get to interview her, but I understood why after reading her book for a sense of the tremendous pressure and media interest in her ability to perform in open-wheel racing. If she said yes to every request, she couldn't compete. Danica is different; that's obvious if you've ever seen her picture or one of her ads. She did call on me at a press conference; she gave a good quote.

What I learned: Embrace your differences. Believe in your passion, and be passionate in all you do. What makes you different makes you great. Race on, and be good in the pits.

Joel and Victoria Osteen, pastors of America's largest church.
They have such high media interest that they take a big risk every time they agree to open their mouth or be photographed. They are scrutinized on a global scale. They let me in their house, and I saw what's in their laundry room. I have a good idea of what they eat for dinner, which is often at home because fans are eager to swarm them when they go out. I saw, and I'm not telling. They can trust me.

What I learned: Don't be talked into having a down year, despite the economy, the wars, floods and flu. You are blessed with talents so incredible you don't even know all that you have. Hold the door for somebody else, don't be so busy you can't do the small things. Your best year yet is just ahead, and while you're at it, encourage someone else.

There are others who get loaves, too, but until their stories run, I'll have to keep their names a secret. They know who they are, and thanks to them, 2009 turned out much brighter.

That business on the plank is all behind me now. Ole!