This month NJ Biz published a supplement about Business ICONs. A Business ICON is an old guy or gal who has experience to share. In this edition the group of ICONs were asked, who inspires you? I love this question because, when answered honestly, the information might just lead to the inspiration of future generations.

Some ICONs offered that a parent or teacher played a particular role in their life inspiring them to live their dreams each day in spite of many a tale of adversity. Others were like the hospital administrator who stands in awe of his nursing staff that performs everyday miracles with long hours and comparatively little economic reward.

Webster’s Dictionary goes so far as to define inspiration as originating from a divine source. There was a time in America when our hero’s were the source of our inspiration. From sports figures like Willy Mays or Mickey Mantle to great leaders like Washington and Lincoln! America and Americans had their hero’s. Role models in 2017 seem in short supply right now.

Regardless of your political persuasion, I find that the bombardment from our news media today is of the constantly negative variety; that reading or listening to the news on a daily basis is almost toxic and will surely lead one to become either a total cynic or downright depressed.

It is refreshing to hear from those who have, through all kinds of personal histories, “made it” in our society. I enjoyed hearing them speak from the heart about the things that mean the most to them and inspire them to get up each and every day to try to make a difference.

So, who is it that inspires you? Let me hear from you! I am sure that you have a story that needs to be told.

Regards,
Lawrence Dickstein