I looked at my calendar this morning and knew the significance of the day. Four years ago on July 31, 2009 my wife and two boys 14 and 11 years old drove me to a federal prison in Duluth, Minnesota to serve my sentence.
Without question it was one of the worst days of my life for them and me. At 2:00 PM on a Friday afternoon I voluntarily surrendered carrying cash, reading glasses, driver’s license, a small bible, and a wedding ring. That’s all you are allowed to bring into a federal prison.
A cop came into the lobby and told me to say goodbye to my family. We circled up in a big hug and I cried my eyes out apologizing profusely for my poor conduct.
I told them I would accept ownership of my problem, be accountable, never blame others for my problems, improve my ethical ways, and make the most of every day I had moving forward.
Given that I had a year to serve, there would be ample opportunity to examine my corporate wrongdoings and re-explore where my ethical compass had failed me.
Few inmates think they ever did anything wrong. That wasn’t the case with me and I had crossed the line committing fraud against one of the largest global computer companies.
I decided to take one day at a time and do my best.
As most of the inmates had barely finished high school, I did what I could to educate them and talk about my ethical lapses.
I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone.
It doesn’t take much effort to find the slippery slope in business or through poor personal choices we make.
Don’t put your own interests first. Don’t take shortcuts; the rationalization and justification of them are truly deadly combinations.
Think about your purpose: who are you, what do you believe in, and where are you going.
Prioritize what is important in your life and think about how you spend your 168 hours weekly.
Never forget your ethical compass and use it wisely each day my friends.
The consequences of felonies are far reaching and really never go away.
I successfully completed three years of supervised release on June 10, 2013 and thank all of you for your support.
Don’t let me ever quit as I rebuild my life and reputation.
I pledge to purposefully live and ethically lead. May your lives and mine be meaningful making the world a better place.
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