The Power of... CONVICTION
| "When you have decided what you believe,
what you feel must be done,
have the courage to stand
alone and be counted."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
CONVICTION. Do you stand up for what you believe in? Do you even know what you believe in?
Every one of us is unique with specific gifts to share. Some people have the clarity and energy to fulfill their destiny - achieving what I call PWR®, Purpose With Results®. Others either do not spend time understanding their Purpose, or lose steam along the way falling short of their vision. In this column, I would like to highlight Jesse Hill, Jr., who is an incredible example of a true PWR® Broker - someone who lives from the heart, paving his own path, expanding the Universe by adding to it, creating instead of imitating, and achieving through authenticity.
| |
|
Jesse Hill, Jr. has been my mentor since I was a teenager. He has really been like a second Dad. My Dad, Dr. James Scott Kennedy, was very philosophical and extremely creative. Mr. Hill, along with another great man Charles T. Williams, taught me about business. All of these men were trailblazers - Dad as a pioneer in communications and the theatre arts around the world; Mr. Williams as a Tuskegee Airman and one of the first Black vice presidents of a major U.S. corporation, the Schenley Corporation - who also happened to be Jackie Robinson's brother-in-law; and Mr. Hill as the Chairman and CEO of Atlanta Life Insurance Company - the largest stockholder life insurance company owned and controlled by African-Americans. All of these men were civil rights activists - they stood by their convictions. All of these men were teachers - they led by example and always took time to give back.
Mr. Hill's history is impressive. During his 21-year tenure as Chief Executive, Atlanta Life attained its highest level of growth in shareholder value, profits, revenues and assets. The company became nationally recognized for its financial and staff volunteer support for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. Mrs. Rosa Parks, whom I had the pleasure of meeting through Mr. Hill, was once employed as the secretary of the Atlanta Life sales office in Montgomery, Alabama. Since the 1950s, Mr. Hill has compiled a long list of "door-opening firsts" - breaking racial barriers in the insurance industry, in corporate boardrooms, and in Chambers of Commerce.
|
"Let your thoughts
reflect your spirit,
your words
reflect your
intention, and
your actions
reflect your
character."
-- Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy
|
|
What is even more notable, however, is the time he has taken to mentor others. Many prominent business and political leaders rose in their careers from the guidance of Mr. Hill. For my family, he has always been there for each of us in a very special way. For my Mom, Janie Sykes-Kennedy, he has been a long-time professional colleague, and truly a great friend. For my brother, James S. Kennedy, Jr., he has been a model of male strength and standard for success. For my sister, Sheila Jenine Kennedy-Bryant, he has been a godfather, watching over her when she lived in Atlanta, giving advice on everything from her business to her relationships.
For me, he has been the consummate supporter, always believing in me, guiding my career decisions early on, often calling at six in the morning to push me along. When I thought I wanted to go to law school, he flew to Boston to personally introduce me to Ernest Sargent, a senior partner at Ropes & Gray where I ended up interning. When I graduated from Harvard Business School and wanted to explore a partnership in the newspaper industry, he flew to San Francisco to introduce me to P. Anthony Ridder from Knight Ridder. When I left MTV Networks and decided to step out full-time into entrepreneurship, he became my first investor, and once again flew to D.C. to introduce me to people like Herb Wilkins, Sr., and Vernon Jordan to offer me business advice. One thing has always been quite clear: when Mr. Hill believes in a cause or a person, he takes deliberate and often immediate action.
|
What do
YOU
believe
in?
Who are
YOU
going
to inspire?
|
|
As I'm writing this Jesse Hill. Jr. is in the hospital in Atlanta. I ask you all to pray for his recovery, so that he may continue to be a beacon of light for us all. Let his spirit of conviction be our guide. Those who have paved the way are now passing the torch. Are we going to let the fire burn out, or shine brighter than ever? Ask yourself: What do I stand for? Who am I going to inspire? What am I going to do to continue this tradition of greatness? How can I be a "Mr. Hill" to someone else? As Thomas Carlyle said, "Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct." Let your thoughts reflect your spirit, your words reflect you intention, and your actions reflect your character. It's time to take a stand and live by your convictions.
|
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
-
Know what you believe. Take time to understand your core beliefs - not just your inherited beliefs (i.e. what your family or friends say you should believe in).
-
Follow your convictions by taking action. Lead by example. Get involved in community activities that support your cause.
-
Make a difference in another person's life. It could be someone close to home, such as a sister, a nephew, or a friend.
-
Reach out to those who have been there for you. It could be a grandparent, a colleague or a teacher. Show them your gratitude.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Today, I follow my convictions.
I understand that I have distinct talents to share and my voice needs to be heard. I take a stand for what I believe in. I inspire others to share their gifts and to live up to their potential. I lead by example. I know that my actions demonstrate my character.
Today, I follow my convictions.
|
Listen to the Affirmation:
|
|
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Read more about Jesse Hill, Jr. under our Advisors section.
|
Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy is President of Power Living Enterprises, Inc. and Founder of PWR Brokers Incorporated. A former vice president at MTV Networks, she has a Ph.D. in World Religions, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and certifications in Holistic Health, Yoga and Fitness. Contact her at info@power-living.com, or 212-901-6913.
Power Living® Column Vol. 58.07, originally published February 2007. Terri Kennedy has written over 70 "The Power of..." columns that are available for syndication. Call 212-901-6913 for more information.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
