Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Heart-broken truths and our neighborhood innovators
I feel really sad and heart- broken after the Tuesday class as I realize that so much of our Eastern cultures that we value for a life time have become a huge obstacle to advance in the U.S. It is tremendously hard to change one’s behavior and code-switch to be an effective global leader. Of course, it is always easier for you to say if you were raised in American/Western cultures in your entire life. You just need to be yourselves, no changes in values, no code-switching, no culture shock, etc.. In addition to praising innovative CEOs and Fortune 500 companies, I think we should give more recognition and supports to those silent innovators that live around us and contribute so much to better our community. Let’s say my aunt- Connie for an example. She is a Harvard graduate with an honored J.D. degree; nevertheless she has devoted her whole life working for non-profits, helping immigrants seek residency, and offering free/affordable legal counseling for the poor. She could be so much more and makes a fortune, yet she is completely content with what she chooses to do in her life without a slightest regret. I am sure each of us has a story like that to share, and that our society owes them a big gratitude.
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Your Aunt Connie sounds like an amazing woman. I'm glad you shared what's in your heart and what's in hers. People like your Aunt Connie who help others definitely change the world. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, your Aunt Connie sounds like a gem. I think your Aunt is a success, it just depends on what you use to measure success. There are many people in the world with lots of money, but maybe they lack true friendship, love, family or community-are they really innovative and successul? possibly in business, but they may lack the skills and relationships that make them truly successful. There are others with lots of money and they choose to use that money to help others, and there are many more that give of themselves. It sounds like Aunt Connie uses her "powers for good, not evil" and we hope to hear more about these quiet heroes.
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