I had the blessing and good fortune yesterday at St. John’s University to conduct several presentations to high school students at a one week program called Minnesota Business Venture Program managed by BestPrep. This program in recent years has included a vital segment covering business ethics and ethical practices.
BestPrep has been at the forefront connecting students and educational institutions with members of business, government and social services. By connecting students with members of corporate America, participants gain first-hand exposure and experience to what life after school is really like.
With an audience of mostly sophomores and junior students, I walked them through my own story of corporate wrongdoing, how and why the fraud started, the consequences of poor conduct and the lessons learned.
I reflected on my own ethical flaws and the absence of a strong moral compass in place that provides the mechanism to confront the many dilemmas that we all face every day.
I conveyed to over 160 bright young men and women that taking shortcuts is risky business and potentially leads us on perilous paths.
Rationalizing and justifying behavior that crosses ethical lines is a formula that is easily replicated with each step leading into deeper waters.
Five years ago to the day, my wife and two boys thirteen and ten years of age, drove me to a federal prison to serve a one year term for mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. We said our goodbyes in a pool of tears.
Had I not owned up to my lack of ethical behavior, accepted responsibility, been accountable, I am sure that my family would have left me.
Separation from family, friends, and society is a horrible penalty and consequence for misdeeds and illegal conduct.
As I told the kids, it is easy to look back over your shoulder, quarterback your life, and ponder what you previously did or failed to do.
Had my moral compass in place now been operating effectively twelve years ago, perhaps I wouldn’t with others in my company have crossed ethical lines and committed financial crimes.
More importantly, it is essential to do our best every day. No one can demand more or less from us.
We all feel pressures in our lives and it is easy as flawed humans to be anxious, worried, and stressed out. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and burdened.
Along those lines, I implore all of you not to worry about tomorrow. Today is not done and good work in many areas of our lives can still be completed.
We all were blessed with different attributes and skill sets. God engineered us in ways we cannot possibly comprehend, fathom, or understand.
He gave us the ability to discern from right and wrong. He provided us with a moral compass through his son to live purposeful lives and enjoy the journey.
I close this chapter knowing that an important day in my life has passed, a time marker that denotes increased maturity, knowledge, and wisdom.
Each day I consult my moral compass and ask a simple question, “Am I on track or off track?”
It is a question we all should ask ourselves each day as we strive to be ethical and purposeful.
Remember where you have been, where you are, and where you are going.
Thank you for your continued support, well wishes, and prayers.
I am grateful, thankful, and humbled by all of them!!
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