Happy Father’s Day to all our AME Fathers and father figures. Father’s Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of fathers, recognizing their vital role in the family and society.
It is always fun to research fun facts for my weekly letter. Did you know Father’s Day is the fourth largest card-sending day behind Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day? An estimated 72 million cards are sent. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington on June 19, 1910, but it wasn’t until 1972 that President Nixon made Father’s Day a national holiday.
As we approached Father’s Day weekend, I asked AME members to describe their dads and what they have meant in their lives. The words I heard reminded me of an impactful continuous improvement coach or people-centric leader. I heard words and phrases like role models, mentors, educators, supporters and even the “person who provided the boundaries and stability” to shape them into who they’ve become.
Leaders in the lean and continuous improvement community wear many hats, just like fathers. We often develop ourselves and others simultaneously. We balance competing priorities and work collaboratively with others (like a set of parents might) to ensure the entire team is working toward the same goals.
Robert Cenek, director of corporate initiatives for Minerals Technologies Inc., said, “My father was a ‘Greatest Generation’ member, having served with the U.S. Navy in WWII. He taught my sister and me always to be thankful for what we have - and to see the best in others.”
Jessi Elder, senior marketing specialist at AME, shared, “My dad is the hardest working man I know. He’s also very giving to those around him. A gifted woodworker and craftsman, he can always be found crafting a new beautiful project outside or in his shed. I give so much credit to my dad for inspiring many of my greatest loves and big life decisions. He inspired my love of the great outdoors, as he led my family on many fishing, hunting, hiking, gardening, boating, camping and wooded backyard adventures. He passed on his running talent to me; I’ve been a runner since I was 12 and still am to this day. In high school and college, my best race was the 800m, just like Dad. He still holds the 800m record at his high school, set in 1981! He also guided me to go to college at SIUE and major in mechanical engineering. Thank you, Dad, for your wisdom, inspiration, hard work and unconditional love!”
Todd Reese, senior manager of U.S. commercial quality at Abbott, shared, “My dad always set the example of working hard and playing hard. He was a doctor, and I have yet to meet anyone who is more passionate about and dedicated to helping others. When he wasn’t working in the hospital, he was equally passionate about living life to the fullest. He is the best at throwing parties, going on amazing vacations and making sure everyone is having fun wherever they are.”
As we celebrate Father’s Day, I am grateful to my dad for his guidance and support. And I wish all the fathers in our community a happy Father’s Day. I also want to give the AME Southeastern Regional Board a big shoutout for an incredible Nashville 2024 Lean Summit. You will hear more soon about this fabulous summit. Congratulations to Jerry Pfister and his summit team for an excellent job.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
