Who Are You Influencing?

This week I turned 65, an age that in my mind I thought I would never reach. Not because of death, but because I never felt that I was anywhere near 65, and I have never acted my age, but here I am!

As I was celebrating at a beach house in Portsea, VIC with my family, I reflected on the people I have had in my life, who have influenced who I am today.

My father was a man ahead of his time and possibly the bravest entrepreneur I knew; he taught me to be brave and to be resilient.

My English teacher in High school, the poet, Flexmore Hudson, helped instill in me a love for the English language and the love for writing. I can’t say the same about my math teacher!

Richard Branson has long been a hero of mine and taught me the power of standing up against injustice and creating something better that actually met the needs of the people. Skills that have helped me considerably in building Proteus Leadership.

There are many more people who have impacted my life, but the bigger question is, whose life have I impacted on in a positive way?

We are not islands, everything we say and do has the ability to have a negative or positive influence on the life of a person or group, and we can choose which one it is.

So, how do people see you and your leadership right now?

Will they look back in years to come and say that you inspired them to be better, or will that time in history just be a blur?

The great thing about having an impact on a person’s life is that age does not matter, we will always have a role to play. That’s what leadership is!

So, I encourage you to both look back and reflect on the people who influenced you, and understand how, and also consider how you can/are influencing people around you.

It truly is a privilege to be a leader and helping people to grow and thrive is one of the rewards we get for the time and effort we put in.
Inspire someone today!

Des Penny - Co-CEO
Proteus Leadership