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Why I Speak
"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece by thought, choice, courage and determination." - John Luther
It was a busy week. An after dinner keynote in Florida on Wednesday evening - three hours of sleep - a four o'clock Thursday morning departure to St. Louis in a small private plane - turbulent weather during the four hour flight - late morning presentation at an executive management conference - four hour return flight (in more turbulent weather). It was a great day! Here's why…
He, a successful Fortune 500 company executive whom I had met several years prior, approached me with tears in his eyes, asking, "Can I have a few minutes with you before you speak?"
"Sure," I responded. He continued, "I heard you speak about five years ago and you shared the story about the last conversation with your mother before her death. If I remember correctly, your mom was questioning your integrity as a husband, as she sensed that your behavior was close to destroying your marriage. To get your mother off your conscience - sure that she would drop the sensitive subject, as she deeply loved you, her only son - you responded, "But mom, I'm a good person." I will never forget your mother's response as she looked in your eyes and, without hesitating, said, "Son, there are a lot of good people in hell." You went on to say that this tough love conversation saved your marriage and that your wife was now your best friend. You went on to say that the point of the story was that "true friends tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear" and that "trust once lost is almost impossible to regain." You closed with these words of hope, "The past doesn't have a future, but you do."
The tears really started to flow from his eyes as he said, "Byrd, when I heard you tell that story five years ago, I was in the middle of an affair." I will never forget his hug and parting words, "Byrd, thanks for saving my marriage."
You now know why I speak. And remember the words of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale: "The softest pillow is a clear conscience." I hope you sleep well.
Your friend,
The Best Way to Reach Byrd
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True Growth Academy
True Growth Academy II
We are pleased to announce the premiere this September 18th-20th of the True Growth Academy II leader development experience. It is designed for graduates of the True Growth Academy and the content will help them grow from authenticity to legacy leading.
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Optional Portable Sessions
Optional portable True Growth leader development programs now available - perfect for management retreats.
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The Path
You will be inspired by this poem written by Heather Fitzpatrick in the 7th grade. She had wisdom beyond her years.
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The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni
Lencioni, the author of the best-seller, The Five Dsyfunctions of a Team, has hit a home run with his newest book. If you're looking to learn more about developing a healthy organization, you've gotta get this resource.
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Desktop Wallpaper Download
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Can You Trust Me?
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The title says it all. Apply these proven principles and disciplines to your life and you'll live with no regrets. Click here for a sample. |
Charisma-Based Leadership
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Byrd's newest book on leadership (coauthored with Dr. Larry Cole) now available. If you're looking to become the leader people want to follow this book was written for you. |
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New eBook Series
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Click here for the newest e-book series from the True Growth Associates.
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Themed Sets
The Soul of Winning
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