Today’s post is from Soles4Souls’ CEO, Buddy Teaster:“You can not be happy until you are thankful.” This is a quote from Bobby Sager, a business man, a leader, a rebel, a philanthropist and one of my heroes. If you want to read about a guy who understands “eyeball to eyeball philanthropy” you could do no better.
He was talking about the idea of giving back for “selfish”reasons, (appreciating the joy that comes from giving and recognizing that as a benefit), long before it became less than heretical to do so. He radically challenged business owners and leaders to use their business skills to make a difference and not just stop at check writing. For example, he helped create a business structure that allowed Hutu and Tutsi women in Rwanda to work together. These were women whose husbands had killed the others’ family. He used this work as a way to promote reconciliation. He took his kids to live in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan for months at a time, hiring tutors so they didn’t fall behind in school but also deeply experienced being in another person’s shoes. He also gave lots of money, time and visibility to the example that compassion, leadership, courage and commitment are what is really needed in the most difficult places of the world.
So when I saw this quote, I paid attention. Bobby has looked the most desperate people in the world straight in the eye and found an immense happiness. He’s made a sizable fortune, given a lot of it away and truly knows what it means to be thankful.
There’s inspiration to be found in many places, every day. I know I find it in the people who collect shoes for us, who receive shoes after a natural disaster and who get up everyday to drive their micro business forward. I’m energized by the people who work at Soles4Souls. I find it in the stories we hear continually of struggle and loss and heartbreak. I find it in the stories of perseverance and hope in the face of the longest odds. And I also find it in the words of a tough Boston business leader who, more than just about anyone I know, has had the courage of his convictions.
Today, one of the things I’m thankful for is knowing Bobby Sager and the work he’s done and will continue to do. I am striving to keep his advice in mind each day.