What do you want to be KNOWN for?
by: Jude Smiley

Have you ever taken a moment to ponder a question like that? What do you want the world to know about you before you leave it?

In a recent discussion with some peers the topic of legacy came up. All around the table the views and perspectives varied. Some wanted to be known as brilliant strategists and others as wonderful fathers. A few ladies in the group stated that they wanted to be famous. And then, someone suggested an exercise in which you are asked to really consider this question and determine what is truly valuable to you. The exercise involves writing your own eulogy.

Creepy thought at first you might say. But I would ask you look a bit deeper. When you leave this world and your friends and family come to say goodbye, what are the thoughts and feelings you want to leave behind?

Over the last year many of your CAWEE friends have endured a painful loss of some sort. Some have lost parents, others have lost friends, and some have even lost children and pets. Others still have lost jobs, mourned a breakup or suffered a business failure. This experience brings to light just how fleeting life can be and how quickly things change. But amidst the sadness there is often quiet reflection on the life that was lived and appreciation for the gift that life or experience brought with it.

Hopefully, it is also cause to ponder what you want to create for your own life and your own legacy.

Ever since I was little my father has been a huge, influential figure in my life. Although he passed away over 17 years ago, the lessons he taught my siblings and I, and the principles that he imprinted on us, have not dulled. One of the biggest lessons he ever taught me was the value of reputation. He used to say, ‘when you get to heaven I’m going to ask you one thing, “What have you done with my name?”’ That question and his powerful voice have followed me into every transaction and every dealing I have ever had. At the end of the day, what have I done with the name my father gave me?

Have I been loyal, truthful and fair? Have I been kind, gracious and forgiving? Have I been strong, brave and good? Have I done my best to leave the world better than when I arrived?

As your exiting President, thoughts like this have fueled my work for the last year. Ensuring your new President, Kathryn Quirke has the tools, the information and the people around her to ensure her own success and that of the Association’s as it moves forward. It has also been a time to reflect on the wonderful friendships and connections that I have made over the last 6 years. There are too many amazing people and situations to number but the most important thing I can say is thank you. For the memories, for the opportunities, for the challenges, and the successes, I am truly grateful.

I am not going far my friends, for I will always be a huge supporter and loyal participant of the CAWEE brand and the community. But like everything, there is change and so I will watch with joyful anticipation how CAWEE changes and grows over the next few years. And I will delight in the change that will occur in my relationships with CAWEE members and specifically with the friendships I have made on the Board.

So thank you ladies, for the legacy you are leaving. And for the footprints you have left on my life. I hope I left a positive impact and infused you with inspiration and desire to reach your full potential. Because after all, that is what this life experience is all about.

And to those who have suffered a loss, I leave you with this reminder “what earth loses heaven gains.”

Namesté

Jude Smiley
CAWEE President