True Greatness

A lesson from one of the kindest men I know.

What makes someone a truly great leader?

Is it their resume? Their resolute stance on an issue? How articulate they can share it? The influence they can wield? The results they get?  Although the answer is nuanced, while being driven back to the airport last week I saw clearly what it means to embody true greatness. Let me explain.

While limping through afternoon traffic on the way back to the San Diego airport, I started talking life with my driver. At just 28, Orlando had already transitioned through several careers and learned some hard lessons, but he had a vision for what he wanted to do next. He shared vulnerably about the challenges he already had overcome, goals he had set for himself, and the impact he desired to make through his life.

After hearing his journey, I shared a little of mine. Orlando learned about the fire, the decades-long craving to hide from the scars, and the turning point in my life that opened my heart and launched this career that I love. I reminded him that life isn’t easy, but it is good, there’s reason for hope and the best is yet to come.

Orlando looked at me in the rearview mirror for a moment, smiled and said I reminded him of another speaker he gets to drive.

He then shared that occasionally he picks up a gentleman who came to the United States from Ireland in his early 20s. This person arrived with little money, began a career as a house painter, but after an accident was no longer able to do the work. Knowing no one in San Diego, he became a real estate agent and against overwhelming odds succeeded so fabulously that others began asking him for help in building their business. Eventually, he left real estate, started a coaching business and now leads the largest coaching business in the world.

In asking Orlando how he knew all this about somebody he only occasionally drives, he shared that although this guy is massively successful, he never acts like it. Orlando added that the gentleman even brought him into his house several times, introduced him to his wife and kids, and treated him like he, too, was family.

What Orlando did not know is the man he was referring to happens to be a dear friend of mine. His name is Brian Buffini. And he is the quintessential American success story and one of the kindest men I know.

Years ago, Brian learned of my story and personally reached out to simply encourage me on a phone call. He later hired me numerous times to speak, repeatedly offered his time to elevate my work, has invited me onto his podcast, made time to join me on mine, and has opened his house to me where we’ve shared meals, laughs and life. In other words, Brian has treated me like family, too.

Here’s the thing: Brian wasn’t kind to me because he could get something from the relationship.  And he wasn’t generous to a driver because he might benefit from that relationship, either. He invests in others because he recognizes the mighty blessings in his life and knows the little things done for others can have lasting effects in their lives.

So, what makes someone truly great?

In the life of Brian Buffini we have a living embodiment to the question. Brian’s life illuminates the characteristics of humility of heart, generosity of spirit, devotion to family, conviction in faith and joyful love of life.

This is True Greatness.

It’s not about accolades or recognition. It’s about the quiet, consistent efforts to uplift others and make a meaningful impact without seeking anything in return.

Don’t believe that kind of greatness changes the world?

Just ask two guys on the way to an airport last week who both were positively impacted by one man.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.