(Keywords: Giving Back)
This past week, several of our OWA Members were reflecting on the inspiring speech given by Holly Rush (CEO of Costa Del Mar) at the 2018 Champagne Breakfast at Vision Expo East. I hope you were fortunate enough to be there and hear her message live, as her delivery was one that will resound with me for a lifetime. If not, let me share with you my takeaway from this special moment.
Surrounded by over 300 men and women who affectionately call the optical industry their second "home", Holly delivered a message that was accentuated by a bracelet symbolizing the call to action and, ultimately, the hashtag: #DoMore.
Now, as a sales director in the industry managing the Eastern Region who hasn't seen my "first" home for more than a few days this past month, the idea of "doing more" could be a little daunting. I am sure many of you reading this can empathize with me! But "more" for the sake of "more" was not the point. The message I heard emphasized the importance of selectively investing your time, your energy, and yes - your heart - in actions that give back, give hope, and give a leg up to others.
Holly reminded us all that we have the good fortune to serve in an industry that improves the quality of life for so many. This already is an extremely worthwhile endeavor! But if we thought about whether there was a chance that we could connect, inspire, and lead in an even "more" meaningful way, well . . . wasn't this our time?
I have spoken to many women about their work-life balance, with them wondering if they have time to commit to conventional ways of promoting the development and leadership roles of women in our industry. But this doesn't have to be so formal! You merely need to engage. Trust that your experiences and skills are valuable to others. Enjoy the opportunities available to you to benefit from the wisdom and follies of the optical industry's amazing women! Understand that being "all in" doesn't mean being perfect. Give what you can, when you can, and take joy in the rewards that come back to you!
So when you see #DoMore, do something most of us don't do enough of: Reflect on what you ARE doing. Purposefully commit to how you want to spend your valuable time. Treat yourself to enriching your own life, while enriching the lives of others around you. I hope to see each of you along the journey of paying it forward!
Deb Bulken is Regional Sales Director for Luxottica and Membership Committee Co-Chair. You can reach her at .
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
