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2 days ago

“What was the most important thing anybody ever did for you?”I was asked this question by a 15-year-old student at Desert Christian Schools in Tucson, AZ last month. For the past hour, they had heard a story about profound challenge and tragedy as well as overwhelming grace and love. They had heard a story of repeated failures and continual overcoming. They had heard the story, ultimately, of individuals faithfully showing up when I desperately needed encouragement, what these people did, the impact they made and what it means for the rest of us today.So, what was the most important thing anybody ever did for me?Well, I stumbled and rambled a bit about my parents and the unfailing wisdom they provided, my siblings and the support they gave, the hospital staff and the healing they offered, the volunteers and the kindness they showed, my wife and the unconditional love she gives.And before rocking this student completely to sleep with the answer, I summed it up with this: “You know, when an impossibly difficult situation happened, when it seemed totally impossible for anything good to come out of it, an amazing group of people said yes to serving, they actually showed up, they had the audacity to come back and then they even brought friends.”Say Yes. Show Up. Come Back. Bring Friends.That motto was lived out by those loving a little boy in a hospital bed three decades ago and it positively changed my life.That same motto has been passionately lived out by a dear friend, a fierce executive and one of the greatest forces for positive change I know, Becky James Hatter.For the past 28 years, Becky has served as President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. In 1994, Becky took over the position with a $300,000 budget, a staff of seven and a goal of serving 300 young people. At the time, BBBS was struggling and the kind of long-term volunteerism that Big Brother Big Sisters requires had been declining for several decades.In spite of those stiff headwinds, under her leadership and propelled by her unrelenting drive to put young people first, today this organization has an operating budget of more than $6 million and a committed staff of 70 who serve more 9,000 young people and their families. The organization of BBBS, and far more importantly, the children they support, are thriving.Through Becky’s infectious dedication, Beth and I were matched with a little named Travion 16 years ago. It was not always easy, but being part of this young boy’s life, witnessing as he became a man, cheering as he successfully graduated high school and then celebrating as he’s launched into life has been a gift for us.Three years ago, Beth and I became active with another little brother, Calvary. His contagious joy for life, his excitement of spending time with my kids, and their love of their little brother Cal is positively changing our lives again.Yes, this work is hard. But it’s worthy.As a Board Member for the past six years of Big Brother Big Sisters, I’ve observed the life changing power of what happens when we consistently show up for these littles and for their entire families. It fundamentally changes lives.And it is obvious to me and to all who have been paying attention that the transformational growth and impact within our community is the direct result of Becky James Hatter’s ceaseless commitment to being there for kids.Later this month, Becky will retire after 28 impactful years with BBBS.When a leader leaves an organization, frequently changes are made, momentum slows and gains made begin to fade. As with any truly great leader, though, Becky has attracted, developed and inspired a remarkable team that will ensure that when she departs the organization, the work will not only continue, but will expand.So, Becky, thank you for your example. Thank you for saying yes, showing up, coming back and bringing lots and lots of friends. I’m certainly grateful to be one of them and am certain your best is yet to come.And my friends, instead of passively watching the news and wishing for less violence, less racism, better attendance at schools or safer communities, get involved.Anybody can look at a dire situation and feel pity for it. We are called, though, to identify what’s wrong and to strive to make it better.There are plenty of opportunities to serve, but if you don’t know where to begin considering reaching out to Big Brothers Big Sisters.You’ll change at least one life: yours.This is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

4 days ago

Yesterday I got to spend time with my dear friend and client Mike Hall of Henry Schein One.How I met Mike was quite unexpected. You see, last year the valet at my hotel spent more than 30 minutes searching for my rental car when they finally broke the news: they lost my minivan. Now running late for a speaking engagement, I could have easily lost my cool. Yet, I gave the valet attendant a hug and told her everything would work out just fine. What I didn’t realize is a stranger that I now call a dear friend overheard this entire interaction. [Read more about the genesis of Mike and I’s relationship here: johnolearyinspires.com/2022/01/losing-car-finding-friend/]My friends, as we’re amid the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, choose to treat others with dignity and compassion. Soften your voice, smile more often, laugh often, seek to understand, unclench your fist, open your heart and recognize that this life – that indeed your life – is a profound gift. ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

5 days ago

I don't want to take ALL the credit….. but if the football shoe fits….wear it, right? Our U.S. Soccer team plays this weekend after advancing through the qualifying round. For three grueling matches on the world's biggest stage, Team USA has shown focus, resilience and amazing perseverance in this World Cup. (Not to mention some pretty amazing physical fitness--"winter" in Qatar is no joke!). Earlier this year I had the honor of speaking with our team. We talked about--you guessed it--focus, resilience, perseverance … and choosing to love one another even more than we love ourselves. Unquestionably, our USA Soccer Men's National Team has revealed that determination on the pitch so far. And we’re just getting started! What More Can We Do, boys???! My friends, with a big match ahead this weekend, we wanted to congratulate our friends on an exciting tournament so far. And of course we can't resist a special shout out to our St. Louis brothers Tim Ream and Josh Sargent and [The real reason thhis team is so mentally strong, my friend and their Leadership Coach] Travis Thomas (Live Yes, And). We love you and there is nothing you can do about it! #fifaworldcup ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

6 days ago

Did you know that in the United States, one in every four women and one in seven men will be abused in their lifetime?Growing up on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad, Lovern Gordon watched her father brutally abuse her mother and four siblings. After migrating to the United States as a young adult, Lovern never expected to find herself in her own abusive relationship.Today, Lovern has risen from the ashes of these two severe domestic violence situations and is helping others thrive after leaving toxic situations through her Love Life Now Foundation, Inc..With strength, positivity, and perseverance, Lovern joins us to share her journey and offers the tools to become part of the solution by providing resources to victims and survivors.Whether you’re a survivor of trauma or want to support those in need, this conversation is for you.Listen to Lovern Gordon on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 520 now.My website: johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/lovern-gordon/Your favorite podcast app: link.chtbl.com/tOmM9ExS ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

1 week ago

It was an honor being on the Ed Mylett Show... and I knew we were in trouble when both us were emotional before we even started recording! Click the link below to watch or listen now! #MAXOUT 👇🏽👇🏽linktr.ee/edmylett ... See MoreSee Less

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