Good afternoon, all.
It has been a month since my last post – a lot has happened in a month. I wanted to sent a quick post.
Today is the first day of some serious snow – check it out. I am looking forward to ice skating beginning at Rosa Parks Circle.
Yesterday, I read a press release from the Department of Justice: Former Charity CEO Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Political Corruption Scheme
Wow.
The Press Release goes on to summarize the allegations:
Marilyn Luann Nolan, 68, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Friday, Nov. 9, to one count of conspiracy to embezzle and misapply the funds of a charitable organization that received federal funds.
By pleading guilty, Nolan admitted that she conspired with others from 2008 to June 30, 2017, to misapply millions of dollars of the charity’s funds for substantial, undisclosed payments to lobbying firms and political advocates, monetary and in-kind contributions to the campaigns of candidates for public office, and to bribe public officials. Nolan also admitted that she knew her co-conspirators defrauded the charity in order to enrich themselves, and her.
In a prior post I wrote about the need to be authentic as leaders. It is true, that, we all get to choose what parts of our story we reveal to other people.
It is a tremendous temptation to only reveal to others what looks favorable about ourselves – to shine the light on our achievements, awards, skills, and the things that we can so easily take pride in.
You know what I am talking about.
The things that fall into the “look at me, I am important.” category.
This is especially true for those in key leadership positions.
Last month, in my 40 Second Story I hoped to convey authenticity. Being real.
That is not a comfortable thing to do, particularly if you are like me and don’t have it all together. (none of us do).
In fact, when my story was displayed in front of 500+ people last month, I was extremely anxious. It was not a comfortable feeling. But, I know that it is OK not to have it all together.
Applying this concept of Authenticity to Ms. Nolan’s story – I am sure she that she did not set out running a multi-million dollar non-profit organization with the goal of breaking the law and the public trust.
But at some point, I imagine that the lie she was living became too big in her mind to disclose to others until it was too late.
In light of National Philanthropy Day I wanted to highlight this point:
There is a desperate need for leaders who are willing, in humility, to be authentic.
Humble authentic Leadership.
I’ve heard it said by Craig Groeschel
Be yourself.
“People would rather follow a leader who is always REAL than one who is always RIGHT.”
As for me, I’m striving to be a leader who is real.
In order that God might be made powerful in my weakness. – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Questions? Comments?
Jeshua@dwlawpc.com
Connect with me on Twitter: @JeshuaTLauka
Purpose Driven General Counsel 