Learning from successful people

I ran a set of meetings last week in Las Vegas.  Eight days locked up in Mandalay Bay; I left twice to take clients to dinner.  I gambled once and lost $20.  So much for "fun" in America's unique entertainment mecca!

I did have the opportunity to spend time with two "celebrities" and learn a bit about their world views and what makes them tick.  They could  not be more different.

Henry Winkler aka "The Fonz" spent his younger life struggling to get through school and please his parents.  They wanted a doctor; he wanted to be an actor.  To the surprise of many, he ultimately graduated from acting school at Yale and won acting roles by being his authentic self and not taking things as they seemed.  Later in life he learned he had dyslexia.  He since has written 16 children's books to help others like him cope with and overcome learning disabilities.  He now speaks on this topic and encourages us to value all children.

Oliver North aka Lt. Col. Oliver North came from a military family and was a medal winning Marine in Viet Nam and rose to become President Reagan's deputy director for political-military affairs on the National Security Council.  He hit the headlines when he was grilled by Congress on his role in the Iran Contra arms for hostages debacle.  He holds patents on military equipment and was an executive for a smaller defense contractor.  These days he is Fox News' military correspondent, reporting from Afghanistan, Iraq and other hot spots around the world.  Lt. Col. North's message is that those serving in our military deserve our gratitude and help, especially in finding employment after they are discharged.

So what can be learned about strategic thinking and action from these celebs? 

Henry Winkler is a prime example of overcoming deficiencies and relentless pursuit of a long term goal.  He knew very early that he wanted to be an actor. Nothing else was in his sights.  He did everything he could to get there - overcoming a big disability, working harder than his peers, not taking things at face value but digging in, doing far more than the minimum required.  He won the part of "The Fonz" because he sawthe character as more than a stereotype, as a person with issues just like the rest of us.  Henry's Winkler's obsession, intelligence, curiosity and winning personality carried the day.

Oliver North is a great example of building on strengths.  It was the norm for a male in his family to be in the military.  He understood the culture.  The Naval Academy was a natural stop for him.  He shined in combat because that was expected and he was well trained.  He built his career from there, taking advantage of his record, profile and pedigree.  He married well, his spouse being a descendant of Confederate General Jeb Stuart.  In government he helped orchestrate the rescue of 804 medical students on the island of Grenada and played a major role in the capture of the hijackers of the cruise ship Achille Lauro. After his term in government and the Iran Contra blow up, he shifted to the private sector, ran for the Senate and then used his even higher profile and expertise in defense contracting and now the media.

Two people, two paths.  Lock on a long term goal and give everything you have to get there, no matter how far back you start.  Overcome your weaknesses.  Or, keep focusing on and building on your initial advantages and strengths and, sometimes in spite of missteps, you will go far.