Some of the most frequently asked questions since I left the Milken Institute were “Who was the most famous person you’ve met?” and “What were some of the most memorable encounters during your tenure?” I was inspired to reflect on these questions again when I came across stories of how Shohei Ohtani defused a potentially bench clearing conflict during a MLB game against the Padres a few weeks ago despite being hit by a 100 mph fastball, an act which led many to reaffirm what a class act he is.
If you know me, the higher the stakes, the calmer I am. This trait had set me up for success interfacing with the most famous and authoritative figures Milken Institute hosts regularly. But even I, of course, had encountered a handful of individuals for whom I’ve lost my composure prior to meeting them. Spoiler alert: They are not your usual suspects of celebrities and industry titans!
I guess that brings to question what qualities do these people I admire have in common? They are usually individuals whom I’ve had the privilege of witnessing their grace, dignity, kindness, professionalism, or integrity in a private moment and/or on a personal level. Sometimes, even moments of vulnerability. That’s authenticity. That, to me, is you revealing who you truly are and your values beyond what your professional identity calls for. That is a powerful invitation for me to connect with you on that same personal level. The moment Alex Honnold held out his hands to show me his muscular fingers that took him up El Capitan after sticking around to chat with me about all things rock climbing for over 20 minutes will stay with me forever — such humility despite the fame and success he received from the Free Solo film. Just as Ohtani’s calm demeanor de-escalated tension in a critical game, Honnold’s genuine humility transformed a professional encounter into a personal connection for me.
Coming back to the business world, it’s no different. I think when you are operating at an executive level, intellectual excellence is often a given. Under intense pressure and demanding workload, it is that much more impressive when you take time out to connect with others authentically. And these are the leaders I hold the most respect for. Beyond all of our autopilot modes, we all have a unique background, wealth of life experiences and personal stories. Sharing a slice of your humanity is the quickest way to connect authentically, and it is even more awe-inspiring when you do that regardless of a person’s stature. It always makes such a world of difference when the CEO of XYZ firm recognizes me from past calls and asks about my day on the sideline of a busy social situation. These moments when a leader truly connects sticks with people.
In a similar vein, that’s how I try to conduct myself too. I would like to be present and available to family, friends, bosses, colleagues and connections alike. I strive to be the calm and reliable presence others can look to. But I also want to remain authentic and vulnerable to connect with each person. Is that ambitious? Yes. Is it doable? Why not? Like Ohtani's quiet strength on the mound, I hope to embody the same composure and authenticity in my own life.
