by Nathan Whittacre
Recently, I had the privilege of attending a conference where I listened to an inspiring speaker, Andre Norman. Before the conference, I had not heard of Andre, but I’m glad that I was able to get to know him. From his challenging journey from prison to Harvard, Andre's life story is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Power of a Purpose-Driven Life
Andre Norman starts each day by asking himself a powerful question: "Who can I help today?" This simple yet profound mindset shift highlights the importance of serving others and finding purpose in making a positive impact. He emphasized that true success lies not only in personal achievements but also in creating a legacy.
"Success is not a success without a successor," Andre stated, encouraging everyone to empower others and continue the cycle of positive change.
Serving People First: A Business Lesson
In my technology business, I often talk about personal relationships and the importance of remembering that we serve people, not just work in technology. Many other businesses have taken a similar approach. I recently saw a sign inside Texas Roadhouse that read: “We are a people-first company that just happens to serve steaks.”
As business leaders, we should adopt this people-first approach, serving our employees, clients, and communities through our business operations. This philosophy enhances company culture and leads to meaningful success.
The Path to Negativity and the Power of Integrity
Andre shared his personal experiences of falling into negativity, explaining that giving up on a purpose can lead to significant setbacks in life. He recalled abandoning his passion for playing the trumpet and how that choice set him on a negative path. During his time in prison, Andre followed gang leaders for protection rather than standing up for what was right.
The Importance of Integrity
This experience taught him the importance of integrity and standing up for one's beliefs, even in difficult circumstances. One of the thought-provoking questions he posed was, “What's inside of me that is stopping me from changing?” This self-reflective question challenges individuals to confront their inner barriers and take responsibility for their personal growth.
Taking Responsibility for Your Reactions
I have sometimes felt the same way as an entrepreneur—blaming others or circumstances for my own problems. Whether it’s a vendor, customer, bank, or the economy, others make decisions that affect my business.
Andre explained that my reactions to external events could lead me down two paths: blocking me from achieving my goals or prompting the change I needed for personal growth. This reminds me of the popular quote, “Choose Your Hard.” While we can't always choose our circumstances, how we react and respond to challenges has the greatest impact.
Building Empathy and Seizing Opportunities
Through his experiences, Andre learned the importance of never judging someone out of ignorance. Cultivating empathy is crucial in building bridges and fostering a compassionate society. When given a chance, Andre made the most of it. His story is a testament to seizing opportunities and making the best out of difficult situations.
Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limitations
Many of us are trapped in self-imposed limitations that prevent us from realizing our full potential. Andre urged the audience to break free from these mental prisons and dare to dream big. His motto, “If crazy makes it, let's be crazy,” encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and think outside the box to achieve their goals.
The Power of Care and Vulnerability
Andre highlighted the significance of care in building a positive and supportive culture. When people genuinely care for one another, transformation and growth become possible. He emphasized that it’s okay to ask for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Value of Peer Groups in Business
For the past 15 years, I’ve been part of peer groups, like Catapult Groups in Las Vegas, where I’ve shared my business struggles with other capable leaders. Being vulnerable with them—and hearing their issues and opportunities—has dramatically changed my perspective. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and shared experiences.
Sharing Vulnerabilities: A Path to Growth
In a powerful moment, Andre spoke about the importance of sharing shame and vulnerabilities. When we open up about our struggles, we create a safe space for others to do the same. This openness allows us to grow and support one another in profound ways.
The Power of Compassion and Resilience
Andre Norman's remarkable journey from prison to Harvard showcases the transformative power of compassion, self-reflection, and resilience. His insights challenge us to reassess our own lives, embrace our unique paths, and find ways to uplift those around us. As we internalize the lessons from his talk, we can work towards creating a more empathetic and supportive world for everyone.
