A Sense of Service

Take a few moments to think over your career as an international business executive.   What was your first job? Remember your first promotion and the feeling of success that brought with it. More promotions followed. Maybe you changed companies or relocated to another country to land a higher position. A strong desire to be successful was the driving force.

But along the way, did you also feel that something was missing from all of your achievements?

When I started my career in banking, I was thrilled to use the Spanish I had studied for 14 years to assist in renegotiating the Latin American debt at the time. I then switched to Global Custody, excited by the idea of working in a completely international environment.   The next step was moving countries to a position in International Asset Management.   Although I very much enjoyed my work, I had an inner desire to make more of a meaningful contribution to the world.

This feeling stayed with me over the years.   After speaking to friends and colleagues, I learned that many felt this way. Although people were professionally successful, most searched for deeper meaning in their work.

Where does this feeling come from?

We each long to find the place where we belong in the world. To follow our heart's desire. To have a sense of purpose. We want to figure out what it is we should be doing to contribute to the greater good. To be of service.

With this thinking, I saw things differently. I understood that in my work I played a role in the financial success and stability of governments, pension plans and insurance companies for millions of people around the world.

How are you being of service?