One of the best lessons I've learned as a young careerist...

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned in my early career - Treat your first few years like a buffet: TRY IT ALL

You owe it to yourself to try stuff and figure out what you like/ don't like, excel at/ drains you, motivates/ discourages you, the best communication style for you to receive/ deliver information in, the types of people you work/ don't work well with. Jump around and don't be afraid of making the wrong career choice because you can't.  As long as your head is in the right place and you go into everything with the intention of fully contributing and learning as much as possible, there is no way you can lose. You'll benefit your organization/ future organizations so much more by allowing yourself to figure out your success formula.    

Everyone is different so don't listen to any blueprint advice as it won't work for you, not in the long run anyways because no one can sustain being something they aren't.  We all have a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, natural competencies, established skills, personality characteristics and it's not about changing who you are, it's about learning your own special formula for success and happiness.  

If you don't get a lot of exposure to different perspectives in the business world, you won't be an effective leader later either.  People with one dimensional experiences really can't make decisions that benefit the business overall because all they know is what is needed for their business unit to succeed. The more you move around early in your career, the more well rounded your business acumen will be which will benefit you because people will respect your opinion and they'll want to work with you as you won't be an opponent  with competing interests, but a partner because you understand their unique challenges, goals and objectives.

Maybe this is just me, it could be totally different depending on your career path/ industry...what do you think?

Supporting women in the fight against Breast Cancer!

Susan G. Komen RFTC 2011 in Summary

I got a call from the San Antonio Susan G. Komen foundation on Thursday to say thank you for my fundraising, reminded me that I still had some thank-you's to give myself.  My personal campaign ended up totaling over $6,200 and my Rackspace team ended up raising over $50,000 which makes such a huge impact on so many lives.  Participating in the 2011 Race For The Cure was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  I almost lost my grandmother to breast cancer and contributing to a cause that allows others to be so lucky is truly a blessing.  

 

Thank you to all of you who supported me via donations & encouragement:

* Tiffaney FoxQuintenia (my wonderful director whom I admire so much) 

* Wayne Roberts (Rackspace Exec who generously matched my $3,100 campaign funds, bringing the total to over $6,200 for 2011)

* Tom Welch (for having the biggest heart in the entire world whether he wants to admit it or not, hehe)

* The Rackspace Cloud marketing Team 

* My ex-team Cloud System Operations ( I love you guys, you're an amazing group & I miss seeing your faces everyday!)

* My awesome friends on Facebook (you guys were amazing, thanks for making it so much fun)

Can't wait to do it again next year!  

 

Race For The Cure Fundraising Update...looking good!!

Thank you so much for all of the support...

I'm at $1,710 with 10 days to go!  

*Every dollar I raise will be matched dollar for dollar by one of our Rackspace founders. Donate and double your $ to finding a cure!!

Please continue to support me in fundraising for the 2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, anything you can think of (again, within legal and ethical boundaries) for me to do in exchange for a donation is possible.  Seriously!!

Read why finding the cure for Breast Cancer is important to me here:   

      My story and campaign

Here is an example of my latest donation adventure...totally shameless ;) 

My personal challenge for the 2011 Komen Race for the Cure! (We're saving boobies)

Here is my personal challenge to benefit the 2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure...All proceeds go to the 2011 Rackspace team contribution!

Click here to visit my personal RFTC donation page

I'm having some fun with my personal 2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure fundraising, benefiting the fight against Breast Cancer. I came up with this little promo to provide an opportunity for businesses, friends, online marketers, social media BFF's & otherwise to promote their causes and make an impact on the fight against Breast Cancer.

PLUS, one of our Rackspace execs has agreed to match the top contributor dollar for dollar, so far that's me so think of it like you're donating double :)

For anyone* who donates to my personal fundraising effort:

$5-10 donation = I'll 'like' anything you request and facebook/twitter post something in your honor or per your request!

$10+ = I'll write you a personal poem and Tweet/Blog/ Facebook post it on your wall AND personally post something you want to promote (business/event/favorite team/something funny)

$100+ = I'll give you 5 hours of labor for (San Antonio locals) OR the equivalent in online promotional services (lots and lots and lots of tweets hehe)... Yes, I'll clean your car/dog/house, run errands for you, promote your business, promote your event, volunteer at your favorite charity...ANYTHING(within ethical and legal boundaries!)you may desire. 5 hours of labor + saving boobies = WIN WIN

Top contributor = I'll change my Twitter & Facebook profile picture to whatever you choose for a week AND give you 20 Tweets/Posts of your choice(that's advertising gold!) AND write a blog article on anything you choose. Can be your business, Something you're passionate about, research/investigative, a comical short story...it's in your hands, be creative!!

* Just added to the top contributor pot > My girlfriend is donating her 5 hours of $100 donation labor (Thank you Stephanie) to the top donator as well!

Please leave your name with the online donation!

*Disclaimer: Everyone except Tom Welch is eligible, because no one will beat you so they won't play...we can discuss alternate arrangements.

What am I doing?

I'm participating in the Susan G. Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure because I want to make a difference in the fight to end breast cancer. Please help me reach my fundraising goal by making your donation today!

Your breast health:

The greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being female and growing older. Breast cancer knows no boundary, be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That's one in eight within your company, school, church or organization!

The key to survival is early detection. Three simple steps for early detection are regular mammograms, clinical exams and breast self-exams. And, remember, breast cancer affects more than just the patient; friends and family need support too.

What does Komen San Antonio do?

Susan G. for the Cure is an innovative leader in the breast cancer movement and the battle that threatens our mothers, daughters, wives, sisters and friends. Seventy-five percent of funds raised through events like Race for the Cure support local nonprofit programs providing vital breast cancer screening, treatment and education right here in San Antonio. The remaining 25 percent goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research and scientific programs around the world.

Imagine a life without breast cancer? I am asking for your support to make this a reality. No donation is too small, anything you can give is appreciated!

We WILL find a cure!

Inspiration

My 13 year old sister covering Katy Perry's 'Firework'. Couldn't be prouder of her, made me a little misty eyed ;). Love to see people chase their dreams and develop their talents (especially my beautiful little sister). Guitar lessons are paying off Dad, Bravo!!

John Bush Arrested For Protesting Outside Free Speech Zone At U.T. Austin

It's critical that the constitutional rights of US citizens are protected. Not only in tumultuous political times such as now, but always. We need unrelenting adherence to the constitution, it's all we really have. I'd like to know how UT is going to respond...I really hope they make this right; take accountability and admit that this was a violation of his constitutional rights, if not, we should all be worried.

Me on working at Rackspace

My friend Tre asked if he could interview me for his senior project, apparently his group has been researching Rackspace  all semester and  wanted an inside opinion. They did a great job, the video turned out really well...Bravo!  Plus, you find out whether I'm Team Jacob or Team Edward ;-)