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 job 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
