Subject: Re: Introducing myself
Hi Cynthia!
Thanks for your note. Iām really excited about this. We already have some things in common. You spent some time in the city I was raised ināBostonāand I also had a bit of a career jolt.
I spent every single day since I was eight years old working towards a career as a professional baseball player. I was actually a pretty good shortstop, which led to a free ride to Milton Academy during high school (that would never have been in the cards for a kid like me from the North End). I batted .395 for four years. I am pretty proud that they retired my number when I graduated. My parents didnāt care about my batting average, though; they only cared about my grade point average. As long as I made Headmasterās List, they were OK. Thank goodness I did.
Remember the movie āBlind Sideā? At the end of movie all the college coaches came knocking at this talented high school football starās door to recruit him. That was meāonly smarter and a baseball player. I was heavily recruited by colleges all across the country but chose Boston College. It made for an easier move and my parents were pushing the Jesuits. I was totally focused on getting drafted and playing in the majors. No other goal was remotely possible.
So, kind of like you, the door slammed in my face. In my junior year a runner slid into second base during a double play. I held the ball and got the out, but his cleats ruptured my Achilles tendon. Unfortunately, I returned too quickly to practice and reinjured it, and was told it was never going to be right. It hurt like hell both times, but not nearly as badly as the loss of my dream. That was almost 6 years ago.
You asked me to respond to your 6 questions. So here goes.
How did I get to CTBN?
Every summer for most of my life I was in some kind of baseball program. But the summer of my junior year, bored out of my mind and hobbling on crutches, I needed to do something else. Then a door opened that I never expected. One of the booster club members, a senior VP at McCowenās, got me an internship working in supply chain management. I was surprised how much I liked being in a business that had nothing to do with swinging a bat. I actually enjoyed analyzing numbers on a page and deciphering them so they made sense to other people. It was hard to let go of a lifelong dream, but maybe my discipline from sports helpedāI put the same energy I used to put into training to set a new career direction. Anyway, I graduated BC with a business degree and I took a job with CD Worth as a financial analyst.
About two years ago, a former teammate (Jack Fallon, he works in sales) called to tell me about a job opening here. It was for more money, which didnāt hurt. Plus, the draw of watching pro ball teams do spring training in the Cactus League in Phoenix was very appealing. I had never participated in any formal leadership training, so I was psyched when I heard about the CTBN NextGen Leadership Program.
What are my career aspirations?
I always try to do things to the best of my ability. I have no tolerance for mediocrity in my team or myself. I learned that from baseball. Iāve never been afraid of hard work. I do what it takes to win, and I expect others to do the same. So down the road, I am hoping that my skills and talent will be recognized by senior leadership. I want a place in this organization where I can advance and make an impact!!
What are my strengths and challenges?
My strengthsāI take on a leadership role in whatever I do. On the baseball field or wherever, I push for best effort from everyone. I am not afraid of a challenge, and not afraid to fight for an issue I believe in. I go for results and cut through the BS. I can put in a long day and get a lot done. And I can still hit a fastball deep into center field.
My challengesāLike everyone, I have my challenges. I struggle with people who sit around and complain about a problem rather than work on the solution. I get frustrated with people who arenāt getting the results they need, but wonāt ask for help or try a new approach. I also get frustrated when leaders keep doing the same thing, using old systems and technology. It keeps us from being efficient and competitive, even though they donāt seem to care. It sets us up for losing and that is really intolerable for me.
How do I let off steam?
I still play a little ball on Saturdays in a menās leagueānothing serious. Canāt completely let go of baseball.
I also work out regularly, and I am in the gym, pumping iron.
Why did I choose you?
When I was asked to submit three names of potential mentors, your name came to mind immediately. I watched you present at the Ops meeting last spring and I was very impressed. You have made a big mark on CTBN, and everyone respects you. You reminded me of what it felt like to be up at the plate, bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, with everything on the line. The crowd expects big things from you, and you deliver a walk-off run. I am hoping to be in a job someday where I can have the same power and influence that you do.
What would I like you to know about me?
I am not sure there is more to tell, but I will summarize by saying I am hard working, interested in learning and getting ahead. I want to be able to make a contribution to any organization I am with, and I hope that organization wants me to make a difference too.
Meeting with you is a great start. I look forward to Friday.
Regards,
Rafa
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