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Dear ,
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Welcome to Issue 343. The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships.
Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.
Did you miss a previous issue? Click here to view an Archive.
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From Humble Beginnings to a Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy
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This issue is a tribute to Byron Gregory Thompson, Sr., a longtime friend of the Gordons, who recently transitioned from this life. Born in the depression era in rural Northwest Missouri, he owned but one pair of shoes and one coat. Byron had great respect for his mother and father, who instilled in him a strong work ethic and sense of personal responsibility. When Byron was in his twenties and still in his formative years, the passing of his father was devastating. Where would he turn for the fatherly and wise mentorship that he suddenly lost? This was a turning point in his life. "For the rest of his life he sought out mentors and father figures, from whom he could gain the wisdom of their experience and years. He never ceased searching and never stopped learning." Rev. Don Farnan, homilist at the August 10, 2015 "Mass of Christian Burial."
Byron, the founder of Country Club Bank and Country Club Trust Company, participated in many civic and religious activities and served on many boards. He leaves a great legacy to his family, associates at work, his church and his community. He recently received two awards of distinction as the Kansas City Entrepreneur of the Year and as the Business Philanthropist of the Year. His humble response to that was "It's not about me" as he emphatically gave all the credit to the talented people in his life. Click here to watch Byron, the mentor, in this one minute video.
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Byron's Philosophy and Mentoring Style
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Byron himself became the wise mentor to the eleven Thompson children, to the many coworkers at Country Club Bank and Country Club Trust, and to all who sought to learn from him. His philosophy and motto is inscribed on the flag that flies over his Kansas City home, "Don't Give Up the Ship." Rev. Farnan observed that Byron "surrendered to nothing and knew that with a little more thought, a little more muscle, a little more effort, the problem could be solved or the answer could be found. Hard work was rewarded." Byron knew how and when to share his philosophy. He knew when to correct and when to encourage and, as noted by Rev. Farnan, "Though tough on those who are strong, he was at his best with those who were beaten down."
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"There's a huge difference between getting it done and done well."
- Byron Gregory Thompson, Sr.
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| JOHN'S BIO | John has owned several businesses and is an attorney who has practiced in the business and estate areas. In addition, he coaches business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, speech makers and presenters. He also coaches persons who are determined to accelerate their careers and leadership skills or who are considering a career move or retirement. John uses coaching as a tool in his leadership and business results based consulting. He is also a life coach.
**John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.** |
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