Tag: corporate leadership

Categories
Community Corporation Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS Guiding Lights: A Journey of Courage, Compassion and Faith Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Legacy of Learning and Community: The Story of David Jones Sr. and the Familial Roots of Humana

In a compelling narrative of legacy and entrepreneurial spirit, David Jones Jr. presents his late father David Jones Sr.’s journey, an account that resonates deeply with listeners such as Di Tran. Tran, a small business owner who also ventured into authorship as a tribute to his own mother, finds a kindred spirit in Jones Jr.’s dedication to completing his father’s book.

David Jones Sr.’s story is one of a modest beginning, borrowing a mere $1,000 to build what would become Humana, a testament to the family-oriented business ethos that still permeates the company’s operations in Louisville. This same commitment to community and family values echoes in Tran’s business philosophy and his written work, “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERs.”

Jones Sr. was a voracious reader, known for his wagonful of library books, and his proactive nature in applying learned knowledge is highlighted as a key to his success. This appetite for learning and immediate application is an inspirational takeaway for entrepreneurs like Tran.

The foundational pillars of education and faith were also pivotal in Jones Sr.’s life. His advocacy for public education, specifically the Jefferson County Public Schools, and the structured, community-centric environment provided by church attendance, were not just about religious doctrine but about instilling discipline, responsibility, and a sense of community in his children—values that have undoubtedly contributed to the family’s lasting impact on the business and philanthropic landscapes.

As Tran reflects on these learnings, the story of the Jones family not only honors the memory of a father but also serves as a beacon for current and future generations of entrepreneurs.


P.S. – In a moment of heartfelt gratitude, Di Tran approached David Jones Jr., extending a handshake filled with appreciation. “Thank you to your family, and Humana, for you made me who I am today—an American, an engineer which I was the principal software architect, holding the top ranking as an engineer and living the American dream right here in our proud Louisville, Kentucky,” he expressed, his words echoing the profound influence of the Jones family’s legacy on individuals and the community at large.

Categories
Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS Immigration Information Technology Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Understanding Fear, Inner Child, and Love: Di Tran Reflects on Shawn Dawley’s Captivating Speech

Shawn Dawley, president of OT2 Consulting, is an accomplished leader, leadership educator, and keynote speaker committed to empowering leaders at all levels to realize their power, passion, and purpose. His extensive experience, drawn from his roles as a Director and Vice President at a Fortune 100 company, a nationwide firm, and a 25-year stint as a combat pilot, commander, and inspector general in the United States Air Force, paints a rich tapestry of leadership and resilience.

At a recent gathering at the Rotary of Louisville, Dawley, a former Fellow at Harvard University with a diverse educational background, shared a profoundly insightful speech that resonated deeply with the audience, and particularly with Di Tran, author of “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS” and the soon-to-be-released “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH.”

Dawley began his discourse by discussing the roots of insecurity. He proposed that insecurity is fundamentally rooted in fear—a primal, inherent emotion, often intensified during our formative years. This perspective struck a chord with Tran, who has spent his literary career examining the internal mechanisms that hinder and facilitate human growth. He affirms that understanding fear as a natural and nurtured response can help individuals confront their insecurities more empathetically and effectively.

Building on this, Dawley then presented the intriguing concept that an eternal “baby” or “inner child” lives within every adult. This nascent persona, shaped by our earliest experiences, can be a source of strength or a trigger for shame. Tran echoed this sentiment, noting that acknowledging our inner child can empower us, providing a reservoir of resilience. However, if left unaddressed, this same inner child can also harbor debilitating shame. In his upcoming book, Tran aims to further explore how acknowledging and embracing our fears and insecurities can lead us towards a path of unshakeable faith.

Dawley, leveraging his decades of leadership experience across the cockpit, combat, command, and corporate sectors, underscored a powerful parenting mantra: “You grew up with a shower of love, not pity.” As a parent himself, Tran found this adage deeply resonating. He believes that cultivating an environment of love, rather than one steeped in pity or shame, allows children to flourish and tackle their fears more confidently. This concept aligns seamlessly with Tran’s philosophy, as expressed in his first book, where He advocates focusing on others’ strengths and fostering a supportive, nurturing environment.

In conclusion, Shawn Dawley’s enlightening speech offered a refreshing perspective on understanding our fears, embracing the inner child, and harnessing love as an empowering tool. For Tran, these insights not only reinforced his beliefs but also sparked new contemplations for his next literary endeavor. As we anticipate his upcoming book, these reflections serve as a timely reminder of our shared human experiences, inspiring us to navigate life with empathy, understanding, and above all, love.