Last edited Thu Oct 19, 2017, 12:55 PM - Edit history (1)
Years back, one of my closest encounters with fame was at a dinner that included a meeting with Olympic athletes. It was an interesting experience since the room was full of donors, accomplished athletes and the people who brought them together for the purpose of soliciting donations for the next bid for Olympic prominence.
I had an incredible experience with a gold medalist, who was about to start her next great feat. She was just weeks away from becoming a mother. I was just in awe of her. And, then it happened. Reaching out to try to connect with her on some personal level, I dropped a name that I thought she would know. I mentioned that the person lived in my neighborhood.
Her reaction changed so rapidly, that I knew that I had intruded on some terrible memory. She could not know that I didn't associate with him or his circle of friends. I thought I would hear fond memories of her childhood in training. But I received the opposite. I just stood like a statue and watched her back up, yes, back up in retreat. The look on her face, I will never forget. She was trying to read me and in the end, decided that precaution was the best option.
It was one of the most real moments I have ever had with someone, where not one word was exchanged. I never knew what her issues might be with the person. Could have been a financial disagreement.
I walked away feeling terrible for giving this soon to be young mother a reason to feel alarmed. But I learned two things that day. The first, if people don't know you personally, they will judge you by your neighbors. And the second, just because a businessman reaches prominence in a community, it doesn't mean that he should find a mantle of protection because of the economic value he might bring into the community.
I hope the times are changing enough to make a difference.
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