Bruce Kasanoff* describes the benefits on both sides when leading executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith agreed to spend time teaching others everything he knows — for free.
It all started when award-winning industrial, brand and graphic designer, Ayse Birsel inspired pioneering career coach, Marshall Goldsmith to teach 25 people everything he knows — a treasure chest of insights — for free.
One thing led to another and some 350 people — other coaches, leaders, authors and others have benefitted from Marshall’s insights.
I am blessed beyond words to be part of this incredible group.
Marshall (pictured) is still teaching us everything he knows for free, and he is a compassionate and gifted teacher.
Here are some of the things I have learnt.
Each one of us — this includes you — has the capacity to do what Marshall is doing.
We can be generous with our talents and give of ourselves in ways that are more impactful than we ever previously imagined.
The time to be generous, warm and compassionate is now.
Not next year; not someday; now.
When you open your heart to the world, you attract incredible people.
In this regard, Marshall has vividly demonstrated what it means to open your heart.
He wants to improve the lives of the people he touches, and thus he offers gifts of insight without obligation or expectations.
He is incredibly supportive, but quick to offer frank feedback when he sees you turn in a counter-productive direction; he literally gives away his intellectual property for free.
To put this more simply: he gives and gives and gives.
If you want to be fulfilled, then go out today and earn that feeling of fulfilment.
Then do it again tomorrow.
No matter what mistakes you have made in the past, with every breath you take, you are a different person.
Every new moment brings a new opportunity to be the person you want to be.
Throughout most of my life, I have tended to have a very narrow circle of a few close friends.
This time with Marshall has made me realise the degree to which he has changed my life.
I now count so many of these extraordinary souls as friends, and the richness of my life has expanded immeasurably.
Most of all, I have learned that generosity is a superpower we all can possess.
*Bruce Kasanoff is the founder of The Journey, a newsletter for positive, uplifting and accomplished professionals. He can be contacted at kasanoff.com.
This article first appeared at kasanoff.com.
