My book, The Spark, the Flame, and the Torch, is a manifesto for living an inspired life and creating inspiring organizations. Its first assumption is that we can’t inspire others unless we first become inspired ourselves – you can’t give what you don’t have. The Spark section referred to in the book’s title, describes some of the ways in which we can fill up our own tanks so that we can then do the same for others. This is one of the hallmarks of a great leader.

At  The Secretan Center Inc., we are very picky about those with whom we do business – we look for organizations (and often, they find us ) who are conscious, care for people and the world, and generally want to leave things in better shape than they found them.  All our clients are this way – that’s how we choose them. Let me share an example with you:

On May 21, 2014, at 7 pm, at the  intersection of 28th and Clarke in the Metcalfe Park District of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 10-year-old Sierra Guyton was caught in the middle of crossfire while she played in the playground across the street from her home. She was shot in the head, receiving serious injuries.

While Sierra Guyton was recovering from her injuries, her neighbors, friends and family gathered to dance and sing in the neighborhood where she was shot. Denisha Tate  was there, rallying the crowd, saying, “Today was a sign for the family that we’re not going to go forward with business as usual”. She had helped create the rally and produce the orange T-shirts that many wore which proclaimed, “Let our children live,” a message that Tate hopes will capture people’s imaginations across the city, and spur them into action. Two culprits have been arrested, and the mayor of Milwaukee, the chief of police and the governor of Wisconsin have already called for greater community action to reduce gun violence.

Sierra Guyton is a member of The Boys And Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and Denisha Tate is their Chief Operating Officer, and we are privileged to work with this inspiring organization as we help them to to build their ONE Dream®, and work closely with their leaders on numerous projects.

We are proud to be a part of this great organization’s contribution to society – The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee provides services to over 41,000 young people in Milwaukee each year. And we are inspired through our work with them every day. This is what fills our tank and enables us to inspire others. If you would like to begin your day today with an inspiring moment, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXVKy2vO9Xg&feature=youtu.be

Thank you Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee for being an inspiration to us all.