Mike Walsh interview - 10/5/12
As an interviewer, I delight in not only learning about the person I'm interviewing, but also having the opportunity to learn "life lessons." That's what occurred as I talked with Mike Walsh whom I have known for over 30 years.
At age 59, Mike found that his department in Schering-Plough was being dissolved, and he had the option to look for a position within the company for whom he had worked for 36 years or retire. For someone who had added value to his company for so many years and in so many ways, the thought of retirement hadn't really entered his mind.
Rather than retire, Mike opted to consult for a variety of companies which he did for another 15 months. During that time, especially after a trip to Ireland where he had an opportunity to play golf at fabulous courses, he discovered there is life after work; there are opportunities for fulfillment outside of the work place.
Interfacing with top management from major drug chains in the Northeast was particularly satisfying for Mike, as was meeting his yearly goals and strengthening his company in the marketplace. He soon learned, however, that there were potential aspects of retirement that were even more satisfying; namely, less regimentation, more choices, fewer deadlines, lack of pressure, and most importantly, freedom to do what he wants to do.
Mike had a very successful, albeit, regimented life--up at 6:15; in the office by 6:45, always on time, never late, conscientious, goal driven. He learned those work values at an early age when an uncle hired him to work in his factory, a menial job he was grateful to have. In order not to disappoint his uncle, Mike worked harder than anyone else. He was determined to be the best worker in the factory. On his last day of work, he was rewarded when his boss's boss told his uncle that it will take two people to replace his nephew. Mike remembers seeing his uncle smile, showing that he was quietly pleased. What wonderful praise! And what a wonderful life/work template to follow throughout his career!
This same uncle influenced Mike in a way that profoundly affected Mike's career. Mike didn't know which major to choose in college or what career he wanted to pursue after he graduated. His uncle looked him in the eye and said, "Get into marketing. You should run something." And he did!
Those same traits that led to his corporate success are still in force but in a relaxed, more gentle manner. When he retired, Mike made a promise to himself: "Do what makes me happy." What makes him happy obviously reflects on his family--his beautiful, multi-faceted wife, Darielle, his two children, and three grandchildren (ages 9, 7, and 4)--and makes them happy. He's there to admire their Halloween costumes, watch their games, and babysit when necessary. He loves playing golf in season and reading history-based books off season. He's actively involved with his golf club and a non-profit organization, socially as well as in leadership positions. He is doing what makes him happy.
When I asked if he found himself using skills in retirement that he used while working, he responded that he used more skills learned in the Army where he was an officer, skills he needed in order to motivate, organize, and lead his men. His overriding concern then was, "What do I need to do to make them follow me?" The skills he used then are skills he used when raising his kids, when interacting in business, and currently when participating in his new job of retirement. After his experiences in Vietnam, he felt capable of handling any crisis that arose in his job, e.g. "No big deal!" Nothing compared to what arose in combat.
Mike is still close to his friends from his military fraternity at Seton Hall University. The group, the Persian Rifles, a precision marching team and rifle-handling group, achieved high honors with their routines, even receiving recognition through a national TV campaign which utilized their skills to promote the advertiser's products. That most of the men from the military fraternity have stayed together all of these years is remarkable.
To perpetuate the ideals of this fraternity, Mike writes a monthly blog, featuring articles about the military and keeping readers up-to-date on their members.
Having the time to indulge in his love of history as shown through his choice of reading materials, his desire to visit Normandy Beach to study the logistics of the location, his visceral reaction to the Tom Hank's movie, "Saving Private Ryan," are satisfying aspects of his retirement. Now he can fulfill his desire to learn more. He is doing what makes him happy!
Today Mike is busier than ever. He, his wife, and their friends travel wherever they desire--Ireland, Italy, Russia, Scandinavia, the United States and wherever their hearts desire. He would love to visit Hawaii again, having been there for only three days during his "R and R" Army days. He is living a very satisfying life and helping others through his volunteer efforts at the same time.
With all of his achievements, Mike expressed his tremendous pride in his sons, particularly in watching his married son guide his children as Mike had guided him--that's the ultimate compliment, the ultimate validation of one's own life!
Mike is a conscientious guy. He loved his job and was very successful at it. I felt he experienced some trepidation regarding retirement, as many people do; however, he has taken the same qualities that made him a successful businessman and applied them to his retirement activities.
What I learned from interviewing Mike is how great a part "belief" plays in one's life. Mike "believed" he could succeed--starting with a factory job, being an Army officer, and successfully working for a major corporation while being a major player in a very close-knit family unit. He is a man who walks his talk and is now deriving the satisfaction of seeing his values and beliefs being perpetuated through his children and grandchildren. Mike is fulfilling his ultimate retirement desire; he is doing what makes him happy!!
Perhaps the biggest lesson I took away from this interview relates to Mike's doing what he loves, loving what he does and, as a result, finding tremendous satisfaction while continuing to make a difference through his retirement activities.
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