Talladega Nights

9/14/24

“Surround yourself with people smarter than you and worry about their success as much as your own.” —Terry Cook…?

My dad shared this wisdom with me when I was in college. It stuck with me. I’ve tried to apply it consistently throughout my career. The successes I’ve had are rooted in this message. I’ve never done anything of significance by myself. It has always been the people around me who have helped me solve the tough problems and do the hard work to create the success.

Last week I spent time writing down my thoughts on the topic to share in a post. I decided to get my dad’s thoughts on the subject and add his perspective as a finishing touch.

Timing is perfect because I am meeting up with my parents this weekend in Oregon on our way to different places. At breakfast this morning I told my dad I was writing this thing about the leadership wisdom he shared with me almost 30 years ago and I wanted his thoughts. When I told him what he said to me years ago he replied, “I said that?” Now I know how Ricky Bobby felt when his dad crushed him by telling him the “wisdom” he got as a kid was just gibberish from his stoned father (“If you ain’t first you’re last!”) I almost spit my coffee out of my nose. I had to explain the humor to my dad since he hasn’t seen the movie.

My situation is a bit different than Ricky Bobby’s. My dad may have forgotten what he told me, but he can’t deny what he showed me. Growing up, I spent many afternoons in my dad’s office after school. I saw first hand what it looks like to hire good people and concern yourself with their success. An example that made a lasting impression on me.

A very unexpected Talladega Nights finishing touch!