Clyde Lear is blogging the history of our company, which he founded 35 years ago. This is a great use of the blog format and the idea was his alone. I’m helping get some of the audio added to his posts but this is his baby. And –as Clyde observed– if he doesn’t do it, it won’t get done.
His latest post includes a 10 minute air check –from one of our first radio station affiliates– of one of our first programs on Day One. Good stuff. Let’s give him lots of encouragement.
Learfield CEO Clyde Lear proudly displays his new MacBook Pro. Clyde insists it’s for his lovely wife Sue. If that’s true –and we hope it is– Clyde will soon be trekking back to the Apple Store in St. Louis. I think it would be nearly impossible share a MacBook.
For now, we’ll add Clyde to our gallery of Mac Sliders. Someone call Cupertino, we’re gonna need more Kool Aid.
“Throw yourself into your job. Learn it very well. Show your superiors you’re grateful to have work — many don’t. Be inquisitive about Learfield, about what all is going on around you. Ask about things you don’t understand; push for answers. Feel free to offer suggestions. Don’t feel hurt if your great ideas are scuttled; push for reasons why. Go to lunch, or otherwise find outside social opportunities to be with associates — all of whom probably outrank you. Arrive early and stay late. Walk briskly with your head erect. Dress better than average. Remain quiet –not outspoken– in departmental meetings. Become involved in a community of friends outside of work. Be respectful, but not intimidated, by management; feel free to email or stop by our offices anytime. Expect to advance and be bold in seeking new opportunities. And, read my blog everyday!”
That sound you just heard was a meteor the size of Nova Scotia missing the Earth by about 5 miles. Today at a company-wide meeting (webcast on our intranet), our president and CEO announced that he had sold 40% of the company to four of our senior managers. This after turning down a gazillion dollars from a Big National Media Company. Two of the four have been with our company 20 years and they’re all good, smart guys that I –for one– like working with and for. Had The Big Guy sold the farm, I’d be lugging a cardboard box of desk toys up to my room and wondering what I’d be doing tomorrow. Long-time readers have heard me gush about Learfield Communications and –after 20 years– I’m hardly objective. I finished off my tub of Kool Aide a long time ago. And anything can happen down the road but, for now, I’m more convinced than ever that I work for one of the best companies in America.
Friends, family and employees helped Clyde Lear celebrate his 60th birthday this week. Clyde used those years to make the world a better place (and continues to do so). A wonderful video clearly showed how much Clyde is loved and loves. I found myself wondering if such a video could be cobbled together for my 60th year (just four short years away). Might be tough. Note to self: try to make each day a highlight clip for the Final Video. I reminded Clyde that, in ancient times, Kings would grant pardons and make proclamations on their birthdays and asked if he cared to do so.