Remembering the First Decade – What now?
Do you remember December 31, 1999? I do. I was filled with excitement and grand possibilities. We were expecting our third son, life was great and our expectations were running high of what the new century would bring.
I must say that my expectations are still high of what good this century will bring and more specifically this next decade. It will be interesting to see how history records this first decade of the 21st century. I doubt it will look very favorably on it. The headlines of 9/11, terror, anthrax, corporate greed, executive greed, infidelity of political and sports leaders coupled with two wars and the worst economic period since the Great Depression will more than likely snuff out most of the good things that occurred.
On a personal level the adverse events of this decade really influenced me for the better. It helped me understand my own mortality in a new and significant way. It increased my awareness of the amount of time I wasted on things of little importance. It caused me to focus on what really matters, things that will last well beyond my life expectancy.
This renewed and more focused since of purpose led my wife and I to travel north of the Arctic Circle to adopt a seven year old boy and it caused me to co-found AmeriStride, a company whose mission is to help leaders build organizations that continue to learn, lead and last. Organizations that are based on sound principles and led by individuals of integrity. Organizations that exemplify what American corporate stewardship is supposed to be.
America is still the land of promise, opportunity and where dreams come true. I hope each of you are as bullish about this next decade and as committed to restoring the confidence of the American people in the business community leadership and in our economy as we are.
We wish all of you a Happy New Year of joy, peace, good health, and sustainable business growth.
by: Terry L. Massey