Sayings

Words are powerful. Words destroy. Words build up. Words must be acknowledged. And most of all, words can change lives. Some years ago, while on a business trip in South Africa I became very aware of various "sayings" or anecdotes. In retrospect, I know it was a "divine moment". Seemingly, everywhere I went on that trip, from bumper stickers on the back of a car, to the billboards that lined the highway, even the elevator that took me to the floor of my hotel room – sayings seemed to be everywhere I looked. Noticing that I was being led to increase my level of both listening and observation, I felt impressed to write them down as I encountered them. I did so even after my return to my home in the U.S. This is my current collection of sayings that I gathered from everywhere I've been…so far. From world leaders, to musicians, to bumper stickers, billboards and thoughts that have occurred to me over the past few years. I believe that you'll find a "spark" or two as you take this journey with me.

Words are powerful. Words destroy. Words build up. Words must be acknowledged. And most of all, words can change lives. Some years ago, while on a business trip in South Africa I became very aware of various "sayings" or anecdotes. In retrospect, I know it was a "divine moment". Seemingly, everywhere I went on that trip, from bumper stickers on the back of a car, to the billboards that lined the highway, even the elevator that took me to the floor of my hotel room – sayings seemed to be everywhere I looked. Noticing that I was being led to increase my level of both listening and observation, I felt impressed to write them down as I encountered them. I did so even after my return to my home in the U.S. The list continued to build and build and over the course of about 4 years, I had compiled over two hundred of these thoughts. While many of them came from both bumper stickers as well as things heard on television many of them came from books that I've read and dear friends and colleagues – In fact, I have quite of few of them from one my most beloved mentors and friends (and Pastor) Joel A. Brooks, Jr. – things "caught" from time to time from his teachings. I don't think of myself as a writer, really, although, as of this writing, I've been published nationally four other times. Actually, I consider myself a "senior beginner" in the discipline of global diversity, equity and inclusion having worked with some of the world's largest brands and companies over my, now, 25 years in the industry. As you can imagine, I've learned at least two or three things over that time but even with all of my experience, I always try to have a posture of learning and listening. And this is the origin of this collection of thoughts. My hope is that you are inspired and even challenged by some of them. This was a fun project for me. And I haven't stopped collecting the sayings but let's call this "Volume I". Remember, your words have power – Use them wisely. Use them thoughtfully – and most of all use them graciously. Loving You More, Skot

Skot is the Principal/Founder of Global Bridgebuilders (GBB) A firm focusing on Organizational Development, Cultural Transformation and Inclusion. Global Bridgebuilders is an international team providing services to enterprises across the globe. GBB bases its work in the core belief that inclusion is a business discipline and that it should be leveraged across all that the enterprise does. To gain this leverage, the firm applies a continuous improvement model, anchored in metrics. Skot has been a global bridge builder long before he founded the company in 2006. Growing up in a military family gave Skot a unique perspective on diversity that he still carries and a passion for helping organizations tap into the vast experiences of their employees to create stronger businesses. Currently, Global Bridgebuilders serves a wide range of clients in the U.S. and in 7 other countries. Skot has worked in International business and Diversity/Inclusion Management for nearly 20 years and has developed an in-depth knowledge of diversity, inclusion and workforce development that brings together and maximizes the perfect blend of people and process. Prior to the launch of Global Bridgebuilders, Skot served as Vice President of Business Development and Benchmarking Services for DiversityInc magazine in New Jersey, where he worked with many of the Fortune 500's biggest global brands across a broad range of industries. Skot is also the Author: 101 Ways to Enjoy The Mosaic: Creating a Diverse Community Right in Your Own Backyard; Co-author: Plantation Jesus; Co-author: The Ross School of Business - University of Michigan: Diversity Management as a Generative Strategic Process: When the Business Case Meets Positive Organizational Scholarship; The Diversity & Inclusion Expert In Residence (Silicon Valley) CultureShift Labs Think Tank, The Inclusion Lead and Curator for TEDx Grand Rapids former Board Member of ArtPrize. He is also the founder of The Mosaic Film Experience – A High School/College Film and Interactive Media Experience focusing on Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Career Preparedness on the platform of mobile filmmaking. He is also Managing Partner of The New Community Transformation Fund a $25M VC Fund focusing on Entrepreneurs of Color. Skot received his Bachelors Degree (B.A.) from Albion College and His Masters in Management and International Marketing (M.M.) from Aquinas College. Skot and his Wife, Barbara reside in Michigan and have two children.