I first came across the concept of owning and controlling time when I read the book, The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks, PhD. He talked about the relativity of time and how we can control our perception of time and take ownership of it, vs letting it control our thoughts and attitudes. (Side note: this book is responsible for me taking the steps needed to launch this podcast. I need to read it again to begin the process of moving this community forward to make a larger impact on the world.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this part 2 of 3 episodes with Charlie Frank, Founder and Managing Partner for the Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory, gets excited about his move away from worrying about his stage of life and loving the moment where he is in life and how much there is to do. I won’t give his age here, but let’s just say he’s not having the mid-life crisis that many of us go through because he’s found a way to tap into his fountain of youth by living a life in alignment with who he his to his core.
Charlie’s introduction from the Zingerman’s page:
“Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory is one of the newest members of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses. Although we’ve been making candy at Zingerman’s for several years, the Candy Manufactory became a reality in September, 2009. Whoopee! That’s right, this is a candy business, and candy is fun.
How did we get started? Why candy bars? I arrived at Zingerman’s Bakehouse in 2001 and had the hope that one day I’d start a Zingerman’s business of my own. A year into my position as the manager of the pastry department I came up with a vision—candy bars, delicious candy bars! I’ve always loved candy. As a child I spent 50 cents a week on candy (change from my piano lessons) when I walked home from my teacher’s house. I still have vivid memories of carefully choosing the penny candies making sure I had just the right combination to enjoy until my next lesson.
After studying at the Culinary Institute of America and working as a pastry chef in many kitchens, I also recognized that I love working with sugar—the basis of candy. Following the Zingerman’s tradition of forming businesses based on personal passions, I started the work to create Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory. Seven years later (yes, I’m a careful and patient man), my vision has finally become a reality. Yahoo!”
Questions below for you to consider:
- If your business is struggling right now, how might opening the books to the team help the situation?
- How might having a more clear vision help you and your team live more in the moment to better serve customers?
- Even though you may not be dealing with candy, how can your work bring joy and happiness to your customers and employees?
I would love to see your thoughts below in the comments.
Remember to sign up for the community, ie newsletter to learn the latest about organizations that are intentionally inspiring their people to make work…work.
Another way you can support the community is to subscribe and review the show via iTunes, Stitcher, or whatever program you use to access podcasts.
Resources
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks.
Thank you,
Todd