Published by Andrew Rogers, Strategic Opportunities Associate
History books are full of extraordinary people, individuals whose singular achievements transcend time. Figures like Martin Luther King, George Washington, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln; these men need no introduction and their names are transcribed on the pages of millions of textbooks around the globe. The saying goes, “they put their pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else,” but we can all agree something is different about each one of them and the way they changed the world they left behind them. If you haven’t read Simon Sinek’s book “Start with Why” or heard his TED Talk I encourage you to do so, because he gives great insight into what makes many of these figures great leaders. But, not all of us will grow up to be the next Abraham Lincoln.
There are even more examples of “everyday people” doing incredible things like; conducting cancer research, volunteering in after school programs for at risk youth, investing in renewable energy, fighting poverty or feeding starving families around the world…the list could go on and on. Hundreds of thousands of people are investing their time, resources and money into incredible causes. But what about us, where can we make the most impact?
I would challenge everyone that the answer isn’t that difficult. Around the world we see examples of incredible visionaries making bold investments into incredible projects like The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, The Susan G. Komen Foundation, The United Way, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and many, many more. But, right here in Omaha we see philanthropists like Richard Holland, Charlie and Mary Heider, Warren Buffet, Walter Scott and even Ron and Jeanie Carson with The Dreamweaver Foundation. These are everyday people who have left extraordinary legacies in their communities, serving in communities they are passionate about.
We often talk about True Wealth, the idea of everything money can’t buy and death can’t take away. When we are able to live a life of True Wealth it is easy begin working on leaving a legacy that is larger than life on our community and the people in it. What are we doing to help others achieve their own True Wealth?