DRIVE(n) To Make a Difference

DRIVE(n) to Make a Difference

At Crown we are guided by our DRIVE(n) foundation. It stands for Dedication, Relevance, Inspiration, Velocity, Excellence and (no a$$holes). In a recent internal memo, this is how I defined Relevance. “Relevance: Crown exists (or existed -- more on that in another post, later) to make a difference. A difference in the lives of the people who work here. A difference in the businesses of the clients for which we do work. A difference to the communities where we work. And, a difference in the world in our own little way…”

As of last Friday, I am expanding the scope of how I (and hopefully we) make a difference. I committed to supporting Pencils of Promise in building primary schools for kids who have no access to education. Is was an emotional journey and a decision that was not made lightly. There were a couple drivers:

 1.      My For Purpose Journey

I have always liked the ancient Egyptians measure of a good life ‘Have you found joy in your life? Has your life brought joy to others?' I see PoP as a step in my life bringing joy to others. I've always measured myself against this mantra and I always feel like I'm just getting started...

2.       Exposing My Children to Poverty

My children were too young to understand the ‘touch-and-go’ beginnings of Crown 10+ years ago and we shielded them from any later bumps in the road. Their understanding of what it means to be without is more than a little skewed. By committing to helping PoP, my children are exposed to communities that lack a basic kindergarten education. And they see the value of money – a classroom can be built for less than the cheapest new car. (They are both at or near driving age!).  It already shows up in our discussions about what we could do (should we do "this", or build a school?!?).

3.       Supporting an “On Fire” Person

For those of you that haven’t read The Promise of a Pencil (PoP) by Adam Braun, go order it. Now. Here. It is an wonderful example of someone who has an infectious passion for what he does. Someone that is so ‘on fire’ to change the world that he cannot fail in the long run because he will never stop trying. I have always tried to hire these types of people at Crown and I’m ecstatic to have found Adam and PoP in my for purpose pursuit.

4.       My Mom

My mother struggled to put herself through school from a young age. Bounced around between homes, she fought for an education and landed just shy of a PhD. Her emphasis on education and "it doesn't matter what your woes are, you can still succeed" spilled over into mine and my siblings’ lives. I would not be where I am today without that.  I'm sure she caught a few breaks in life (which she's never mentioned) and my hope is to pay it forward through PoP in honor of my mom.

I’m excited to add a new layer of meaning to DRIVE(n) with my for purpose commitment. As this new chapter begins for me, I will keep you posted here. Drop me a line or share in the comments below if you’re changing the world (even in your own little way) 

-RH