Am I a Chump?
I was doing some manual labor around the farm, aka "weeding," when the question hit me from out of the blue: Am I a chump?
What prompted this question was the reality of financial resources and retirement – whatever that is, retirement? I was principally questioning whether a life of using business in service to others – through my company I have donated roughly four times what I have saved in my IRA for retirement – had made a significant difference, or would I have been better off simply taking the money and running with it?
Given the magnitude of the problems in the world and my infinitesimal ability to affect them, I think it's a fair question to examine.
(The word "do-gooder" comes to mind, a tag construed as a pejorative by some in this world.)
The next week I shared this thought informally in the course of broader conversations about life with three friends, all of them accomplished: a published author, a successful designer, and a leader in the nonprofit community. When posed with the same chumpish query, each answered, quite quickly, and quite enthusiastically I might add, "OMG, Yes – I feel the same way, too!"
With my writer friend, this quickly beget a riff session on a "Chump Pyramid" and the defining question, "Where are you on the Chump Pyramid?"
I found my friends' affirmative responses pretty revealing and think there might be something here worth exploring further.
So, how about you? Are you a chump? And if so, where are you on the Chump Pyramid?
Godspeed, friends.
Russ
P.S. This Thursday we'll have the second installment of our series of business pivot interviews featuring Dan Kurzrock of Upcycled Foods, Inc. It's a good one.
💬 Quote of the Week
Yes, you may have seen this quote in an earlier issue of Godspeed, but we're running it again – not because I'm lazy, but because it bears repeating.
"All the goodness and the heroisms will rise up again, then be cut down again and rise up. It isn’t that the evil thing wins — it never will — but that it doesn’t die." John Steinbeck
💥 Quick Hits
• Brands should show more humanity and generosity – Havas, the French advertising conglomerate, released some encouraging findings in its latest Meaningful Brands study that bode well for the power of consumers to spur positive corporate change.
• Aquaman meet AquaFence – How did a Florida hospital withstand flooding damage and keep operating during two monster hurricanes? Meet AquaFence.
• Let's go, kids! – We've written previously about the youth movement taking climate action to court (Showdown at the Climate Corral and Power to the People). Thankfully, they're still at it, this time aiming to revive a landmark climate change lawsuit and have it tried before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Find the Most Meaningful Work of Your Career
Our partner One Work has you covered with meaningful work that goes beyond a paycheck, a cubicle, or a weekly team Zoom call. You'll find purposeful jobs like those below, along with many more at the One Work job board.
• thinkPARALLAX - If you're thinking about making an impact with your career you won't have to think too hard about applying to this role at a Certified B Corp that provides sustainability and communications strategy. Director of Sustainability Strategy, Encinitas, CA or REMOTE.
• Vera Institute of Justice - Join a group of researchers and advocates working to end mass incarceration. Media strategist, communications and external affairs, Brooklyn, NY.
• King Arthur Baking Company - For once, an organization that recognizes the value of being an enabler! Director of Business Enablement and Delivery, White River Junction, VT.
Need help in some way? Or have a story idea, question, or request? We're here to help! Just reply to this email with whatever you've got and we'll see you again on Thursday!