Every company, every boardroom in which I sit, has a plan, and they have objectives, goals, and a process. And to make it work, the pressure and incentive have to come from the top.
Vernon JordanRead
I'm here because I stand on many, many shoulders, and that's true of every black person I know who has achieved.
Interpretation
Acknowledging the contributions of others in one's achievements.
This quote highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the support, sacrifices, and legacies of those who came before us. It underscores that personal success is often built upon the foundation laid by a community of people who have contributed to one's journey, particularly within the context of the black experience in America.
In practice
In a graduation speech, acknowledging teachers and mentors who helped you along the way.
Every company, every boardroom in which I sit, has a plan, and they have objectives, goals, and a process. And to make it work, the pressure and incentive have to come from the top.
But there will come a time and a place to give back, and each individual will recognize that time and place.
Generally speaking, investing in yourself is the best thing you can do. Anything that improves your own talents; nobody can tax it or take it away from you. They can run up huge deficits and the dollar can become worth far less. You can have all kinds of things happen. But if you’ve got talent yourself, and you’ve maximized your talent, you’ve got a tremendous asset that can return ten-fold.
A familiar name on its own, however, does not carry its bearer far unless the talent is there, and the will to work.
I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field.
I was around when my father finished the last payment of his house. I remember like it was yesterday. He had worked all those years to own that house and he cried. He was so excited and so happy and I want to see other people get that feeling, too.
The major fortunes in America have been made in land.
If you want to make money playing poker, find a game with a few suckers, fish, donkeys, live ones, or whatever you choose to call a bad player. Just don't let that sucker be you.
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