All Before 10 am...

Today the Starbuck’s lady outdid herself on my venti soy chai. I mean really there is an art to making a hot, frothy beverage.

And, Prince’s “Purple Rain” was playing this morning.

I sent Tom Joyner a text message about his craziness this morning.

Ralph Hall, my non-answering congressman, received a call from me. (He might get one at lunch, too!)

And this morning, I forwarded a name for a board position.

The more I do, the less I think about what’s going on with me. The more I do, the more I feel purpose in my life. And the earlier in the morning it begins, means I’m like the army or something!

So, if anyone needed a pick me up this morning, this is my feeble attempt to lead by example. J

Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting @ Southwest Center Mall

Monday, October 5^th
Southwest Center Mall
6:30 pm

Get an understanding of the new developments at Southwest Center Mall and what plans are in place to revitalize that area.

City Representatives from Police, Fire, Water, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation and more will be available to answer questions and dialogue with you about what's going on in the city.

Politics in the Obama Age at UTD

On Thursday, September 24^th, I was the guest of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Tau Xi Chapter for their Black Speak event at the University of Texas at Dallas. This year's event was subtitled Politics in the Obama Age, The Age of Change.

It was great to see young professional students so engaged in politics and how it affects their world. We discussed not only what Obama has done since his term began in January, but the difference between what he has sole control over and what he does not. We finally evolved into a discussion on what we must do to become engaged at this pivotal time in our political history.

We really have arrived at the "Obama" age where possibilities abound. The question is whether or not we are ready to take hold of those possibilities and leverage them for our good and that of our communities. I am still amazed at the number of people who are watching on the sidelines at such a pivotal time. There are too many issues not to pay attention.

However these young people are on the way to deeper awareness signified by their presence at Black Speak. You've all inspired me to provide more information. Thank you for the wonderful time and the return invite. It was a pleasure and an honor.

After Being Called A Liar...Getting the Job Done

Like many others, I have sufficiently reviewed the comments made in last night's Presidential address. Miraculously, when I woke up this morning Joe Wilson is still an elected official with a vote representing some of the citizens of South Carolina. And President Obama must work with he and other legislators (some who stood up and others who sat down) to create a healthcare plan that works for Americans.

As leaders in the workplace, the community and our homes, we have all encountered someone who has been less than professional in their dealings with us. My question is then, how do we really move forward? Do we truly accept the apology of others and move on to get the job done?

Based on President Obama's comments and demeanor, it appears that he moved on almost as soon as the comment was made. In order to get the job done, we have to be able to put aside words in favor of concrete suggestions, ideas and solutions.

So let's use this as a growth experience. Share how you turned a disparaging comment or a lack of respect into a finished project.

President Obama's School Fire Side Chat

This evening's news headline included concerned parents ready to keep their kids out of school in order to prevent them from being exposed to politics. When did we decide that we no longer wanted our kids to be exposed to politics? They are exposed to us every day. Maybe, it was when the President decided to speak to students and encourage them to do well in school.

Since when did encouraging children to do well in school become a political issue. If President Obama came to my class (via television) to speak about the importance of achieving academically, I would listen. I would have listened to any President of the United States of America. In fact, the fireside chats weren't just for adults.

School districts have been given the choice to determine whether our children will see the message in school. Some who are concerned that they have not seen the message, or that parents may not approve are opting to post it online for later viewing. But the students who need encouragement the most, may not have a computer with which to watch.

Seriously, the "politics" of the situation prohibit the President from saying anything questionable. The "politics" do not however, keep individuals from questioning whether a man that speaks on our behalf to the leaders of the world, can craft a non-political message to our children.

Come on, give me a break!

If you have children, let your school district, board or school know that you trust our nation's President to speak to our children about education on September 8th.

The Definition of Professional

We are told that to be professional is to be appreciated by coworkers, lauded by managers and supported by the organizations that we support for pay. However, it is clear that not all organizations run as professionally as we would like. And that even the most well-trained organizations are only as professional as their corporate culture allows.

And what does professional mean? Is it using proper grammar to transmit an email or is it refraining from shouting across cubicles even when you can see the person right there?

professional - exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession.

Based on this definition, maybe you should begin by exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, businesslike manner. Then conform to the technical or ethical standards of your chosen profession. At some point your "professionalism" may have to conform to the standards of those around you.

And if you choose not to conform, you may be in for a very lonely journey.

What do you do when confronted with the choice of being your best or accommodating to your surroundings? I would love to know.

YP Global Summer of Service - Talisa Lavarry

Difference Maker: Talisa Lavarry

Event Title: Recessionista's Closet Clothing Swap

How She Made A Difference:

Brought the community together in an effort to raise awareness about green living and give people a chance to gain new wardrobes free of charge. I also managed to accumulate over four large trash bags of clothing to donate to the Dallas Street Ministry.

What Did They Have to Say About It?:

"Talisa, what a nice event and the fashion show was a perfect backdrop." - Stan

"That was very different, you inspired me." - Anonymous Swapper

What Did it Cost You?: A lot of time marketing and hard work.

Warm Fuzzy:

I got warm fuzzies from all the wonderful volunteers that gave unselfishly.

What's Next?:

I am excited about my new Industry Expert column that can be found in the North Dallas Gazette and my upcoming radio show on www.everydayexperiences.com.

Mayor's Meeting Turns into YP Forum

It went something like this...

I slid the paper across the desk, warm from the printer and freshly typed. In the back of my mind I'm thinking, I missed one. Oh, we'll talk about that anyway.

"So I asked my facebook friends what they'd like me to ask you at our meeting...Here are some of the questions they asked."


What service initiative could YPs participate in that would benefit the city?

Mayor Leppert - Mayor's Back To School Event

What can we do about unemployment at Citi Group?

Mayor Leppert -

It's too hot in Texas, what can we do about it?

Mayor Leppert - Shook his head and laughed

What jobs are coming to Dallas?

Mayor Leppert - We are going after companies with the recently published article in the Economist that touts Texas as being more desirable than California.

How much of the bailout money did Dallas receive and where is it being spent?

Mayor Leppert - $50 million

Any plans to raise or lower city taxes?

Mayor Leppert - The goal is to leave them the same.

Free Cowboys tickets for everyone?

Mayor Leppert - No

Senior Citizens and Elderly Programs at the MLK Center?

Mayor Leppert - Available programs should be available on the city website
Clarification: I typed this question too fast and didn't note the concern for cuts to those programs, see below.

How does one go about getting a key to the city?

Mayor Leppert - Keys to the city are extremely limited, but proclamations are more readily available. Visit the city website to submit a request.

The meeting continued. Here is some additional information that you may not know.

• Ultimately, the city council votes on what gets cut out of the city budget.
  
• The City Manager will put the budget out on August 10th.
  
• $130 million needs to be cut.
  
• A possible source of cuts may be the city's health services. Arthur this could affect the MLK Center programs. Dallas County is responsible for Health services. However, during good years city leaders requested and used funds for programs that could benefit citizens. They did this even when the programs actually fell under the financial jurisdiction of the county. Over the years, the programs grew in size and often in budget due to budget surpluses. As the city looks at ways to cut expenses, those programs may be cut just because they are not the city's responsibility. Sadly, the county may be ill-equipped to take on the financial burden of these programs at this time.
  
• Paul Quinn was discussed. I walked away feeling as I have before. Those who want to keep Paul Quinn alive and thriving in Dallas must help the university create a strategy for success. That strategy must include organizational and structural strength and consistent financial support. Otherwise the doors will open just long enough for the next tragedy. And don't let me forget to mention that I really like Michael Sorrell.
  

I left the meeting with a sense that it is up to us as citizens to determine how we can support those things which are important to us. We must speak up, out and work.

The questions you provided prompted the Mayor to agree to a forum with Young Professionals on Saturday, September 12th. Let me know who else you'd like to sit down with and what issues you would like to discuss. To stay on top of forum developments, sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.brandirichard.com.

Special thanks to those of you who posed questions. We may do this more often.

YP Global Summer of Service - Let's Get Started

I've accumulated YP service opportunities to post here in support of the President's Summer of Service initiative. To ensure my credibility with you, let me start with what I plan to do to serve others.

Difference Maker: Me

What I'm Doing?: Advocating on behalf of Young Professionals

My goal is to help Young Professionals make their dreams come true. I do this through sharing important information, connections, tools and support with you and then sharing your wonderful contributions with others. Asking the questions you want answered, requesting the assistance that you need, and sharing my adventures along the way is what I do.

How Do I Make A Difference?:

Monthly Advocate Newsletters
Blog
Workshops, Seminars and Forums
Raising Awareness

What's Next?:

Look for my articles and advocacy work with Urban Influence Magazine. www.urbaninfluencemagazine.com

Let me know what you're doing...

Does your job allow you to serve others?
Do you serve the environment through conservation?
Do you feed the homeless or look after a friend's children so he/she can take a class?

Visit the contact me section of my website or contact me via facebook or twitter.
www.brandirichard.com
www.facebook.com/brandirichard
www.twitter.com/brandirichard

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Over the past few weeks, so many have lost their lives, that I thought I wouldn't be able to devote my pen to the service opportunities that I intended. I've just been so distracted that I felt the need to slow down and refocus. In the midst of the relaxation, I discovered a jewel that keeps floating ever so slightly to the surface, legacy.

It's rolled off of my tongue so many times over the past couple of months, that it can't just be happenstance that it showed up again. My boss recently asked me to create a presentation that encourages our staff to write accomplishments from the "legacy" perspective. I half-heartedly agreed, wondering if legacy could truly be derived from the mundane reality of performance metrics (what we do). The presentation stemmed from my Big Boss's stirring speech to our mentoring group, "What will remain after you are gone? When you move on to another position, what will you leave in your current one?"

Legacy after you leave the job, hmm. Maybe something like, "I improved communication across the team by...creating this presentation exactly as my boss requested."

Interestingly enough, we've had two more familiar examples of legacy...legacy after death.

Michael Jackson, King of Pop and arguably the greatest entertainer of all time, was eulogized through word, song and raw emotion. As a product of the 1st MTV generation, I became extremely fond of all things Michael Jackson, from the red Thriller jacket to our 5th grade graduation rendition of We Are the World. I just new I was Diana with my extra puffy press and curl.

But during his memorial on every major channel, many described a man who strove for greatness, attempted perfection and along the way, became this great, world-renowned entertainer.

Then we have a spectacular athlete who chose to attend an HBCU and still made it to the pros. One who contributed to countless charitable organizations and had a beautiful family. Sportscasters and athletes touted his professionalism and sheer athletic courage on the field.

Both of these men left incredible bodies of work and charitable giving. But as news anchors pondered whether or not Michael Jackson was receiving too much press, they cut to a visibly distressed man, "I don't know why a child molester and a pervert deserves all of this attention." And Steve McNair, I feel conflicted about him myself. "How do you raise boys who love and respect women, when you have girlfriends?"

As you and I both ponder why I felt the need to go here, it's because I wonder about my own legacy. Will my daughter understand the sacrifices that I made to serve the community? And will those sacrifices net a change that she can be proud of if she has to sit on the front row of a church gazing at my casket? I hope that no one has to make an Al Sharpton speech to her about the fact that her momma wasn't crazy. And I pray that no one has to make sure they don't mention the specifics of my death.

Legacies are more than your professional resume. They are more than how much money you give away, how many hit albums you produce, and how many touch downs you score. As I work with Young Professionals, it sometimes amazes me how much we focus on success and how little we worry about what will be left in its wake.

What will your legacy be?

This summer, I would like to highlight your efforts to make the world better than you found it through service. As you will see through my coming posts, there are many ways to be of service to others. Share with me how you've done it, through work, volunteer service, organization, etc. and I'll share it with as many people as I can. :)

brandi@brandirichard.com
www.brandirichard.com

I Want to Go Green!

I Want to Go Green!

by Brandi Richard

I’ve always wanted to be one of those cool environmentalist-type people who wore only pure cotton clothes with no dye and ate organic legumes. The kind that rode really neat bikes to the store and whose svelte shapely bodies screamed yoga everyday!

But alas it was not to be, I’ve driven two gas-guzzling cars in succession, opted for cheaper “inorganic” vegetables and couldn’t make it to all those yoga classes at the gym. Deep in my spirit, I feel the wheels of change turning. There’s a new clean air engine sweeping through the country side and I am jumping on board.

In honor of my new green participation, I’ve purchased a green leather handbag, a pair of green open-toe pumps and a couple of fab green shirts. (No, not really. I just threw it in for my fashionable friends.) Nonetheless, I’m starting small.

1. Planting a garden. As soon as the landscape man comes back, I will ask him to till the back corner of my yard for a beautiful garden. And then I will continue to participate in the economic recovery by asking him to regularly remove the weeds.

2. When having my clothes dry cleaned, I will recycle the hangers and ask them to keep the plastic bags. Until I can afford to swap out all of my polyester for pure cotton, I still have to go.

3. Recycle all of the carrying bags that I receive at professional conferences and conventions and turn them into reusable grocery bags. Heck, I’m not going to use them anyway.

4. Repurpose all of my excess stuff. By reducing the number of eastern-inspired floor pillows in my den, I can increase the feng shui experience in my den and contribute to the comfort of someone else’s bottom. (Yes, I will have them cleaned first.)



Let's see if I can do better...

http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/
(Thanks Joyce!)


http://www.brandirichard.com/ * http://www.brandirichard.blogspot.com/ * www.facebook.com/brandirichard

The Starbucks Lady

The full post can be found at http://www.brandirichard.blogspot.com/.


Starbucks is my personal treat, my stress reliever, my comfort when I don't have sense enough to pray, and a way to warm myself against the bitter cold of the fan sitting next to me. The fan's owner takes walks on his breaks and regularly uses the fan to blow the perspiration from his brow and keep wet spots from showing on his shirt...This practice often leads to my nose turning up in disgust as I grab my purse and make a b-line to Starbuck's.

My Starbuck's of choice is located in a grocery store. I love it for the close proximity to work, vanilla bean scones and the Starbuck's lady (Rosemary). She greets me with a "Hey hun, are you having the apple chai fusion today," my new drink of choice after becoming a little bored with the chai tea latte soy (no water). Then she asks about my friend Tiffany. She knows her drink as well. She writes my name on the cup with a happy face and every so often informs me that I've earned a free drink.

The Rosemary takes pride in her job and seems to adore smiling. On this particular visit, I realized that I should have the same mindset. I'm sure that all of her customers aren't nice to her and some days she doesn't feel like coming to work. But when she sees me, she treats me like her most valued customer. So I keep going back for my uplifting cup of chai. Thanks hun!

THANK YOU!!!

I would like to express my heart felt gratitude for the support you showed me for the first edition of The Advocate. My heart was full as I read the responses from so many of you.

My brother and other family members from Louisiana thought that I was featured in an article in the Baton Rouge Newspaper, "The Advocate." Calls were coming to my parents like, "Cher, may Brandi was featured in the paper, yeh?"

Some wanted to know the reason that I created such a vehicle. It was primarily to give voice to the awesome Young Professionals that I see each day... some patiently waiting for their shot, others taking it by wit and maneuver, but all with passion, exuberance and skill. Besides, I wanted someone to advocate for me.

Here are some of the comments that I received...

"Brandi,I think that this is absolutely awesome! I commend you on your advocacy of spreading information that young professionals need to know. Great idea...and you're doing a good job of presenting it! If I can be of any assistance, please let me know."

"Greetings Brandi,Very nice and very well put together. Congrats, I am proud of your accomplishments. I would love to support in some way."

"Just wanted to send you a note letting you know that this was put together well and very informative."

And yes I did get a constructive comment:

"when mixing politics with business you need to make sure you're on the same side of table before mixing.Private business, hotel and tax payer's money isn't a good mix for me.."

Unfortunately, politics, business, tax payer's money, etc. are all a part of my life as a Young Professional and I have to call it like I see it in whatever combination.

Now I've got to start working on the sequel. :)

What Did You Do in Obama's 1st Hundred Days?

What Did You Do in Obama's 1st Hundred Days?

Dallas Convention Center Hotel - The Issue of Creditability

After having worked with the Mayor of Dallas, Tom Leppert, for the last year on a community task force, I would say that he is a very smart guy, engaged when he speaks to you, passionate about the work that he does and willing to work long hours performing his duties as Mayor.

So initially when he explained the importance of a convention center hotel for the city of Dallas, I thought... cool. Knowing him, I was confident that he had commissioned studies to determine whether or not it made sense and fleshed it out with the numerous community groups that he meets with on a regular basis. Besides, he didn't stop the discussion with the hotel, he also discussed the need for an improved school district, code enforcement and increasing sustainable minority businesses in the community. (We talked about improving the sustainability of diverse art institutions, but I'll save that for another blog.) Most of all, I was impressed by his desire to respond to our toughest questions with what always felt like an honest answer and his challenge to us to participate in the change we sought in Dallas.

So when I saw my first Vote Yes ad, I was taken aback. Were they talking about the same person that I had so many conversations with? The person who though I was the youngest person at the table, always thanked me for my input. I mean really. But even more so than that, who were these people. They couldn't be the citizens of Dallas. Up until this, I'd heard wonderful things about his donating his salary for scholarships among other things.

Do we not believe that he would do research prior to bringing this to the people? Or are we all just afraid that the dip in the economy will keep us from recouping the financial outlay? My entrepreneurial spirit says that times of recession are times to prepare for the upturn, because it will come. And while there are many other areas to focus on, bringing conventions and tax revenue back to the city could promote business in downtown Dallas. We need more tax revenue to supplement Dallas homeowners with kids taking their children and their tax money to the suburbs in search of better schools.

So, I would say a few things about the Convention Center Hotel. I'm for bringing conventions, revenue and opportunity to the city of Dallas. If you don't want it, what is your plan to improve our school district and/or increase our tax base? And can you disagree without annihilating a mayor who has heretofore been well liked by the community? Or is that not even the people of Dallas, but Mr. Crow?

Monday Night Politics: The Convention Center Hotel

Dallas Convention Center Hotel Debate - Proposition 1

No means yes to the hotel.

Yes means no to the hotel.

Mayor Leppert - "If Mr. Crow is being demonized..."

"Who Supports the Convention Center Hotel"

Opposition - "3,000 jobs will only last..."

National Urban League Legislative Policy Conference

State of Black America 2009: Message to the President

The Press Conference

This year's press conference included National Urban League President, Marc Morial who said of the economic crisis, "We are all in the same boat. And we will rise and fall together."

What's In the Book

Introduction to the 2009 Equality Index
Valerie Rawlston Wilson, Ph.D.

Letters to the President
Urban League Clients from Across the Country

12 Essays on Health, Education, Jobs and Homeownership by
Noteable authors like Earl Graves and Senator Christopher J. Dodd

Commentary from Various Scholars including Young Professionals
David J. Johns & NULYP President Cassye D. Cook, J.D.



Celebrity Sighting

Dorothy Height - Chair of the National Council of Negro Women
http://www.ncnw.org/about/height.htm





Jil Littlejohn - Greenville, SC City Council District 3, Southern Regional Vice President - NULYP
http://www.scelectswomen.com/candidates/jil_littlejohn/
http://www.jillittlejohn.com/

OMB Presentation at Legislative Policy Conference, Robert Nabors

One of the most interesting presentations at the conference was in reference to the President's new budget. Robert Nabors provided us with an inside look at the budget...and here are some in-depth videos.

Well maybe one for now...more to come.

Dallas Urban League Affiliate meets with Texas Congressional Leaders on the Hill

The Dallas delegation with Marc Morial (AK Mago not pictured)

Meeting with Kay Bailey Hutchison








John Cornyn Returns to a Senate Hearing




Meeting w/Ryan on behalf of Congressman Marchant

Dallas Delegation


Dr. Beverly Mitchell Brooks, Urban League of Greater Dallas CEO
Stan Levinson, Urban League of Greater Dallas Board Chair
AK Mago, Immediate Past Urban League of Greater Dallas Board Chair
Anthony Murphy, Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals President
Brandi Richard, Board Member

Words from the National Urban League Young Professional President

During this year's Legislative Policy Conference in Washington D.C., I had an opportunity to catch our National President for a message...

Marquelon Siegler, one of Birmingham's Finest

Marquelon Siegler, president of the Birmingham Urban League Young Professionals Chapter was recognized in this year's Young Professional highlight article in Ebony Magazine (along with Southern Regional VP, Jil Littlejohn).

Marquelon befriended me from my first days in the movement and I am truly excited about his honor.

Monday Night Politics - Dallas District 3

The Players

Dave Neumann - Incumbent
Casey Thomas - former Dallas NAACP President and Educator
Victoria Walton - Entrepreneur & Community Activist

The Location

Methodist Hospital - Hitt Auditorium

The Questions

Will Dave Neumann's strategy of engaging and building coalitions with neighborhood groups during his first term translate into the new politics of inclusion, diversity and mobilization?

Is Casey Thomas really ready for a City Council seat?

Is Victoria Walton feeling well enough to answer the questions that her constituents ask?

ULGDYP Blueprint hosted by the University of Texas at Dallas

Dr. Calvin Jamison, Vice President for Business Affairs http://www.utdallas.edu/businessaffairs/

Michael J. Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College
http://www.pqc.edu/president_bio.htm

ULGDYP Moderators
Frances Reno, Shaunte Allen

Notable Quotes by the Panelists

"Learn as much as you can about as much as you can." - Michael Sorrell
"Never believe your own press clippings." - Michael Sorrell
"Be a prolific reader." - Dr. Jamison
"Be Better! It doesn't turn on race, it turns on skills." - Dr. Jamison
They both agreed that to be successful, you must bring your swagger!

Books to Read (Suggested by the Panelists)

The Alchemist
Tipping Point
Outliers
Good to Great
Financial Times
www.slate.com for news stories
Biographies of Carnegie, Rockefeller, etc.


Dr. Jamison

President Sorrell

Fahamu Pecou Art Experience

The most engaging and fun art show that I've attended with a huge number of YPs and 80's fans!

The title of the show - Fahamou Pecou is the Sh--! may have drawn the crowd or maybe it was their desire to dress up in 80's fashion. All of the hot pink tights and big hair couldn't compare to Fahamou's Shonuff outfit. But hey, he was the main attraction!

The art included Pecou 's own image in a variety of pop culture poses on huge canvases depicting hip hop legends on magazine covers (Puffy, LL, and the like) sometimes laced with song lyrics. It was unique, fresh and interesting... I even left with an autographed book!

Most interesting was the DJ spinning Thriller, Soul Train line and the best dressed contest.

Artistic response...

Thriller night at the Conduit Gallery...

Watermelon Democracy

Watermelon Democracy

I have been a Banana Republic girl for quite some time. So much so that I even have friends that work there! And how weird was it for me to bump into an articulate young entrepreneur with a twist on the name that I've grown to love so much.

Here is a great introduction from the founder. Yes, and he is definitely a YP. Enjoy! Find him on Facebook in my friends list...

Monday Night Politics

I'll be sitting on a panel for six weeks of Monday Night Politics debates with Dallas area leaders running for City Council seats. We will also hold a forum for and against the Convention Center hotel with the Mayor of Dallas arguing against the proposition (for the hotel).

They are sponsored by the Urban League of Greater Dallas, Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals, NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta and presented by the Dallas Examiner.

Marshawn Evans: Skirts in the Boardroom @ SMU

Marshawn Evans: Skirts in the Boardroom @ SMU

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending a book signing for the former Apprentice-hopeful, Marshawn Evans. Beauty queen, attorney and entrepreneur, Marshawn gave the hometown crowd an overview of her new book, Skirts in the Boardroom and a flash of her engagement ring.

The lovely Marshawn, native of Richardson, TX is engaged to be married. And by the smile on she and her fiance's faces, they are extremely happy.

But back to the point, her message was very timely and her delivery was impeccable. 6 months shy of 30, she spoke with the swagger of a seasoned professional. Her book includes fun, yet sage advice for young "skirts" working their way to success.

Her final words to me in my book, "Work your skirt!"
...I just so happened to have a knee-length black one on, so I worked it out to my car and on to my next engagement! :)

My Favorite Super Bowl Commercial

I will not comment on my job. I refuse. It may cause me to lose it. And that would be really tragic!

But this is my fav ad from the Super Bowl.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/tv/

The Superbowl: The Victory of the Young Professional

Mike Tomlin: Given a chance at 34

I am not a sports buff by any stretch of the imagination. Like many, I watch the Superbowl for the commercials and the musical entertainment.

This year, I was intrigued by the coach. Of course, he is an African-American, but upon closer inspection, he was young...very young. And since I watched the game with the Dallas Young Professionals Executive Board, my mind was already wired for young achievement.

Coach Tomlin was hired at the age of 34 in 2007 and finished his 1st season with a winning 10-6 record.

Teachable moment, at the time that he became the coach of an NFL team, he had never been the coach of an NFL team. How many times are we told that we can't because we haven't before? How will we know if we never try?

The next time someone tells you (or more importantly you tell yourself) that you can't. Tell them that Coach Tomlin led his team to a Superbowl win with only two years as a Head Coach. When in key positions at Tampa Bay and Minnesota, he honed his craft, watched, learned and waited for the opportunity to realize his dreams!

Way to go Coach Tomlin! I might start watching football next year.

Read more about Coach Tomlin: http://news.steelers.com/team/coach/49255/