“Adversity makes men, and prosperity makes monsters.”
– Victor Hugo.
Bill McCartney, serial entrepreneur, journalist, broadcaster and film maker has interviewed over 300 Australian high achievers in work and life more generally. Through his business Cahoots, he creates video records for both public companies and private families.
The stories he records are inspiring, heart-warming and sometimes heartbreaking. The story tellers are as diverse as our country’s population coming from vastly mixed backgrounds, education, career achievements and family circumstances.
Most of them would never have met each other, and yet they all share one common perspective.
They see Adversity as a gift. It’s been their making.
So let’s not feel sorry for ourselves or our colleague and staff. Rather encourage their ability to overcome obstacles and dig deep for true character to shine.
The gift of adversity was recognised by some famous philosophers well before Bill and I struck up this conversation.
“Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course.”
– William Shakespeare.
Character is being formed, people are being called to account and additional effort is required. The local and global economy is witnessing many of us working twice as hard for less reward. Less reward now, but it will shape future return and a more resilient and capable workforce.
“There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”
– Malcolm X.
Geoff Slade has worked at the forefront of the Recruitment industry for 50 years. He is the Executive Chairman of Slade Group and was awarded a Centenary Medal for services to the industry.
