I can’t go another week without writing about the tragedy we’re all witness happening in Ukraine. The stories, pictures, and videos capturing this war are gut-wrenching. Ordinary peace-loving citizens are showing exceptional courage and strength.
I know this is touching on the hallowed ground and not something we would typically cover in my weekly newsletter. We try to stay focused on business.
I waver on this today because even with this tragedy unfolding in front of our eyes, we can all learn from great takeaways during this invasion.
First, never take our freedom for granted. This country, too, has gone through extraordinary struggles, and many have given the ultimate sacrifice to provide us with the freedom to choose, explore, question, and succeed.
Second and probably the most obvious of these is leadership. The leadership skills exhibited by Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, are extraordinary. His ability to get out front and communicate with the people of his country and the world laying out the dire position their country is facing, has led to comparisons to Winston Churchill leading his country through a similar invasion. He has stepped up as a leader and exposed the grave issue they’re facing, nothing sugar-coated. And then he’s instilled courage and hope. Zelensky has led by example and is not afraid to confront a bully.
What an example for us all.
The question is how we would respond if suddenly our world were turned upside down, our families threatened, uprooted, and broken up. Would we have the courage to defend and confront a challenge that could be life or death?
Please remember the people of Ukraine, all the people, the old the young, mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers who just over 2-weeks ago could be you and me here in Escondido minding our own business on a sunny late winter day.