GPS for Success

1 My Journey: Inquisitive, Driven, and Goal-Oriented

DOI: 10.4324/9781003260387-2

As a gymnast at Kent State University, my goals as an undergraduate student were largely two-fold: improving my athletic performance and competitive scores on the still rings, and which attractive co-ed I’d be taking out over the weekend. As I approached my senior year, however, I came to the sobering realization that continuing my education mattered and that my current aspirations weren’t going to pay the bills or, for that matter, lead to a meaningful and fulfilling professional career, as well as financial security.

Nearly four decades ago, I became fascinated with a simple question: “Why do some people and organizations thrive while others seem to tread water ...