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By Lorene Rasmussen
Thanksgiving Day is a traditional North American Holiday that is generally celebrated with family and friends around a bountiful feast. Of all the holidays we observe in the United States, this one is considered the favorite among adults, and for good cause; it is an occasion for all of us to take a break from life's hassles and hurries and well , , , give thanks. As a citizen of the United States living in Boise, Idaho, I
openly admit it is easy to take things for granted: clean
water, fresh air, a safe community, and a warm home. I
appreciate my education, life experiences, and many
wonderful possessions, which includes, Emily; a one
year old, 55-pound standard poodle, who is my 2008
running mate. I am blessed to have been born into a
large loving family, and raised by two hard working
parents, who taught me right from wrong. I am deeply
grateful for a husband who loves me unconditionally; for
two grown sons who have beautiful wives and lovely
families; and I am moved to action by friends who believe
in my abilities and see qualities in me, that I often miss.
It was Thanksgiving week 1998. I was taking a marketing
class at Boise State University, and getting ready to
submit a "big" semester project, when I asked Phil
Eastman to review my assignment; a mock business
plan for a coffee shop and bakery named the Rasmuffin.
I had spent three months researching, dreaming, and
working on the project, that if handed in early would be
given ten extra bonus points. As a non-traditional
student, I enlisted all the help possible; and even used
home baked goods to make the assignment come alive
for Professor Bourff.
Phil Eastman had recently left the banking industry as a
retired CEO, to start his leadership consulting firm;
Leadership Advisors Group. I had just returned to BSU,
after sending my youngest son off to college. Phil and I
had little in common, except for our place of worship and
heartfelt interest in promoting authentic leadership.
I remember the scene as if it were yesterday. Phil
stopped by my house to pick up his copy of the business
plan and of course, home baked goods. I felt excited and
nervous all at the same time. I couldn't wait to turn the
assignment in so I could concentrate on my other
classes, but I was afraid that Phil would find too many
mistakes and items that I had over looked during
research.
Whether as the CEO of Key Bank or the founder and
president of Leadership Advisors Group, it has been
Phil's personal mission to significantly impact individual
lives. He was challenged, trained, and mentored by
various leaders throughout his 17-years in the banking
industry and now believes it is his turn to give back.
Phil Eastman was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho
and graduated from Idaho State University, were his
father was on staff. Phil received his Bachelors of
Business Administration Degree in Management and
Organization and began his banking career with Idaho
First National Bank in 1981.
As Phil grew personally and professionally, he moved comfortably through the ranks and responsibilities within the banking industry. Phil took positions that helped develop his leadership skills and challenged him technically. He graduated from Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle, Washington, were he now teaches Strategic Planning. At the ripe young age of 36, Phil was appointed
President and CEO of Key Bank, Idaho. He was
responsible for the overall operations and sales of
Idaho's third largest bank with total assets of $1.4 billion.
In that role, his major areas of responsibility were: sales,
regulatory compliance, managing profit plans, expense
control, credit quality, facility management, and
security.
Phil's integrity, character, wisdom, and executive experience have earned him the reputation as a trusted advisor. When ever he is coaching, facilitating, or providing strategic direction, Phil's one focus is for his client's uncompromising success. Phil's influence has resulted in individuals calling forth their best with a renewed confidence, to go further then they ever imagined. Since the inception of Leadership Advisors Group, the
mission has been to optimize the personal and
organizational effectiveness of leaders. Even though the
principles for effective leadership in small and large
organizations are similar, Phil has the ability to tailor his
consulting approach to fit each unique situation.
Business for business sake, is not Phil's passion. He
has always loved history and generally draws from
relevant historical accounts when working with leaders.
As a child, Phil dreamed of being an entertainer, so he
could make people smile and feel better. It would be safe
to say, that Phil believes that, "well-placed humor is no
laughing matter."
It's been ten years since Phil reviewed the Rasmuffin project. That one act of kindness, laid the foundation for an on ongoing mentoring relationship. I expected criticism but what I received were supportive words and thoughtful encouragement when he said, "I have loaned a million dollars on less information than you presented in this business plan. If you don't get an A, I will talk to your professor myself." Phil, thank you for the significant impact you have
made on my personal and professional life. It is an
ongoing privilege to work along side you, in the pursuit of
leadership excellence.
Epilogue: I received a 108% on the assignment and
Phil didn't have to talk to the professor.
A Season of Thanksgiving
is #10 in a series of interviews with local leaders,
business
owners, and personal heroes.
Lorene Rasmussen is the Partner for
Business Operations which guides and supports
the daily and strategic operations of Leadership
Advisors Group. She combines a unique sense of
fun and organization to insure operations run
smoothly and that clients receive the highest
quality service possible.
Lorene earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in marketing from Boise State University and is a certified Life Coach through Genesis Enterprises in Seattle, Washington. |
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Leadership Advisors Group helps clients
achieve success through:
You are receiving this email from Leadership
Advisors Group because you are a valued
client, have requested information regarding our
services, or you are part of a highly respected
organization. To ensure that you continue to
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During this Season of Thanksgiving, we would like to express our deep appreciation for you.
Phil Eastman & Lorene Rasmussen
Leadership Advisors Group
email:
phil@leadershipadvisors.com
phone:
(208) 344-0471
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