Blog Post

My final President's column

Jim Schildt • July 17, 2024

Jim Schildt shares his thoughts

Thank you!


This is my last “President’s Corner” as my term as FEI-Louisville President has come to an end. Thank you for trusting me to guide the direction of this outstanding organization!


As I think about the items we have accomplished and look at the future, I can see that the direction and leadership are solid, and the outlook looks bright for our chapter.


For my final article I wish to share thoughts that are important to me, and I feel important to having a successful business and career.


While it is important to push ourselves and our companies to reach maximum potential, it is also important to understand the value of Helping Others! In my time as CFO of the Louisville Jaycees, the last line of the Jaycee Creed was "service to humanity is the best work of life."


What is your capacity to help others? I encourage you to think of the small things as well as the big things.


  • At work you might help train a new employee or assist an overloaded coworker.
  • Could you assist a neighbor or friend who is having issues (sick, working too many hours to take care of personal items, etc.)? Maybe take them a meal or cut their grass?
  • What about a random act of kindness? Have you ever paid for the Polar Pop for the person standing behind you in line at Thornton’s? Or maybe take the time to assist someone in need with a stranded car on the side of the road?


There are innumerable possibilities of helping those in need. Your act of kindness could be small or grand. Any act of kindness will be welcomed.


Here are some interesting thoughts from others on this subject:


  • The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. - Pablo Picasso
  • No one has ever become poor by giving. - Anne Frank
  • The best way to help yourself is to help others. The more you help others, the more you help yourself. - Dr. Raj Raghunathan, Professor of Marketing at The University of Texas at Austin
  • We rise by lifting others. - Robert Ingersoll
  • When you help others, you help yourself. It is impossible to lift someone else up without also elevating yourself. - Dr. Mark Hyman, Functional Medicine Doctor and Author


I am reminded from my time on the Board with the Boy Scouts, Lincoln Heritage Council of the Scout slogan: Do a good turn daily.


I encourage you: Help others! You will find that the rewards will come back to you multiplied and in ways you do not expect.


Jim Schildt (jims@feilouisville.org) completed his term as FEI Louisville president. He is co-chair for the chapter's Strategic Partnerships.

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