For me there are two: Einstein and Chuck Yeager.
Einstein because, obviously, he was brilliant and intelligence for me is like pollen to a bee -- I love it! One of my favorite things about him was that he only ever wore black pants and white shirts so he didn't have to give any thought to clothing (other geniuses are the same -- think Steve Jobs and his turtlenecks!).
I employed that dressing philosophy for nearly the whole 10 years I traveled for work (it made packing a snap!), but have to tell you that wearing only black and white day after day becomes depressing. We all need some color in our lives!
Chuck Yeager, on the other hand, has always been my biggest inspiration. An aviation pioneer, he was one crazy man! Well, maybe not literally, but he was fearless and pushed beyond all limits. He never quit, never stopped moving forward, and he didn't listen to naysayers. That type of tenacity and perseverance gives me goosebumps!
Chuck Yeager was born in 1923 so he is 94 years old now, but when he was a mere lad of just 81, I was not only fortunate enough to see him in person; I also shook his hand and spoke with him!
I am a charter sponsor of the Air Force Memorial in Washington DC. In 2004, they held the groundbreaking ceremony and I attended. It was full of dignitaries and while I can't remember them all, I do remember Ross Perot and several four-star generals and, sitting across the aisle from me, Chuck Yeager.
I was awestruck and for the only time in my life, I was also star struck! What an honor and opportunity! If you were that close to one of your all time inspirations, would you speak to him or would you be grateful just to be that close? I struggled with that thought throughout the entire ceremony.
In the end, we only regret the opportunities we do not take soooo... After the ceremony as everyone got up to leave, I went over to him and reached out to shake his hand. He took it and I said to him, 'Thank you for being a pioneer for aviation and America'.
He said 'what?' (it turned out he was a bit hard of hearing) so I repeated myself. In fact, I had to repeat myself a total of three times. Finally, on the fourth try, I simply said loudly 'I'm a pilot' to which he replied 'me too'.
If ever there was an understatement that was it! If ever there was humility that was it! 'Me too'. Wow. Um... how do I explain how profound that was? If you haven't read his autobiography, consider making time to do so. It will help you understand why 'me too' is such a big deal.
The lessons I learned from reading Chuck Yeager's autobiography back in the 90's are: never give up, be unafraid of the unknown and believe in your own ability to accomplish anything you set your mind to do. Meeting him in 2004 reinforced that for me; not because he said or did anything remarkable at that time, but because meeting him in person brought his inspiration back like a flood.
For many years I felt compelled to start my own business. Finally, in 2006, I started Executive Errands® and I have thought often of Mr. Yeager over the last eleven years. He is the impetus for my resolve. He drives me, unseen, like a ghost or guardian angel, encouraging me to follow my dreams and to make my own mark in the world. Thank you Chuck Yeager.... I am forever grateful for your inspiration.
Check out the AirForce Memorial Website
