Today I wrote a letter to Virgin Founder, Richard Branson. Since he doesn't seem to have a contact that isn't in the public forum, I had to post on the
Virgin: Ask Richard 16 site. Since it's now out there, for all to see, I thought I would ask for your advice. Feel free to leave a proactive comment. Thanks.
sent: 11:45am, 14/08/14
Good morning from Australia,
I am probably at least the 527th
person to ask you for advice today, but I thought I'd throw my chips on
the table and make a bet that you'd reply.
I have a gift that
I'm not quite sure what to do with. A gift for changing people's
perceptions, and improving company culture. I have recently turned forty
one and am just now realizing it's potential. Let me explain:
Upon leaving a company, whether it be thirteen years Editing and
Producing in Canadian Television, selling Apple products, or working the
Front Desk at a hotel, employers and employees still tell me how much
they miss me, how the workplace isn't the same now that I've left, and
how I've made a positive impact on the culture and workflow.
As of three years ago, I picked up and left my home country of Canada, walked away from a secure j
ob
in the media, and moved down under with my Aussie wife to help her
overcome her depression. As I wrote in my blog, jimmydownunder:
"Due to life's cruel sense of humor we ended up separating. Ha, Ha,
very funny life! I had to decide to return to Canada or stay down under.
The way I see things, a person doesn't move across an ocean, spend a
crap load of money, and experience a life changing event and then run
back to mama. So, I am going with the thought that I'm destined to be
here. This is my journey…"
I now have significantly less money,
but I live in paradise, steps away from the azure Coral Sea, and have
recently met a beautiful lady who I'm truly destined to be with. I did
the bucket list thing and am now employed as a Gold Coast tram
driver/Regulator (think Fat Controller).
But there is a piece of my life puzzle missing.
The question you ask? How do I take this gift of changing people's
perceptions and developing company culture, and train employees and
employers the notion of "'Working for a company', shouldn't be of
selfish pursuit (a pay cheque or promotion), but be of common interest"?
And turn that notion into a business or career?
Changing the way
we see our job, and do that job using the "think like a customer
approach", can bring satisfaction in ways unimaginable. 'Working for'
the company's growth benefits everyone.
I want to change lives
on a larger scale. I need someone, or somewhere, that will point out
the pathway to success. From your articles, blurbs, and video clips, you
are the most accessible, and genuine businessman I can think of. Virgin
seems to have a comparable culture to the one I subscribe to, one which
comes naturally to me.
Everyone has a gift. I want to show
them how they can apply that gift 'working for' their company. Let's
change lives together.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
James
