Alive and Well!
Wow! I have been away for so long that even accessing my blog site proves to be a test of memory! But with all that has happened since my last entry, in 2005, I figured that I’d best provide some evidence of my continued existence and the exciting things have have happened over the last year+. What a year it has been, for coming to see the world through a different lens, understanding organizational life with a sharper acuity, and ultimately understanding myself and others more completely. I’ll hope to share some details on these discoveries in the days ahead.
Since October of 2005, the bulk of my time has been occupied by Winds of Peace Foundation. This private foundation works almost exclusively in Nicaragua, using grants and microloans to assist and accompany women’s organizations, Indigenous people and the rural poor. The work in many ways is on another planet from where I have been during the past 31 years of corporate existence. And yet, the degree of overlap between an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) world and the rural existence of Nicaraguans is stunningly huge. My experiences within the employee ownership world is a completely unexpected and exhilarating resource for the work of Winds of Peace. I’d love to tell you more.
A portion of my time, appropriately, has continued to be spent in the employee ownership community. I have continued speaking at ESOP company and ESOP Association Chapter gatherings, provided some consulting services based on the Foldcraft Co. experience in ESOP, and begun speaking at a “grassroots” level to civic and business audiences on behalf of ESOP and The ESOP Association. Going into 2007 I am already scheduled at 10 forums, ranging from universities to Rotary Clubs to Chamber of Commerce. The message is great fun to deliver and is thus far seemingly met with great curiosity and enthusiasm. That should be no surprise, since the ESOP message speaks positively for itself. There’s lots of undiscovered interest out there. I’ve got to tell you more.
Another segment of my time has been dedicated to ongoing ESOP company board work, where I am able to provide some experience perspective to other companies and to benefit by learning from other organizations. The opportunities to serve in this capacity outnumber the hours available to give, but these are great chances to both give and receive. There’s a lot to tell, and I really want to tell it.
So I’m alive and well and very appreciative of those who have read my now-archived Foldcraft CEO blog and wondered about my life after Foldcraft. I’m looking forward to sharing this new ride with you in the days and months ahead, and here is where I’ll tell it!
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