Profile of a Truly Inspirational Leader

I am taking a different approach this week with my Ideas & Advice message. This is about my good friend, Mark Williams. Just a week ago, we received the best news!

Mark has had a successful heart transplant! He has been suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for nearly five years now. If you are not familiar with this disease, it is a thickening of the lungs, and there is no cure. One’s lung capacity decreases continuously. Life expectancy from the time of diagnosis is about five years.

Mark could have suffered mightily, knowing not only his life was being cut short, but also that the quality of his life was diminishing as he experienced loss of energy, difficulty speaking, a need for a portable oxygen tank, and little and then no golf, a game he loved with a passion.

For most of us, such a life would lead to one feeling sorry for our fate, and maybe depression and/or anger.

Yet, I have never heard Mark speak about the hand he was dealt with a hint of anger or depression. Throughout his illness we spoke frequently and I’d ask how he was, and the answer was always, “Okay, tired, but enough about me, how are things in your life?”

Mark at all times had this positive attitude, an incredible love for his family, especially his four children, which was what mattered most to him, and he continued his keen interest in life and in the families of his friends, and using his wonderful mind and legal knowledge to help his community on Long Island.

We’ve all known people of courage, who have wonderful stories. I know Mark’s story and example may or may not seem rare to you, but I assure you, to Mark’s family and friends, he has given us a lesson – the power of a positive attitude and a genuine love of life and of others!

Mark has always been grateful for what he has, his family and many dear friends, his brilliant and curious mind, and his many interests and passions.

I am not a life coach, yet I know the importance of positive energy and spirit in life – just as I know their power leads to success in business!

Mark’s honesty, sincerity, his love for and his interest in others, and his selflessness make him a role model as a person, as a citizen and as a business leader!

Anyone who can measure up to Mark and his character strengths and qualities will be a success!