Patrick Kuhse was the keynote speaker today for the Leadership Springfield education series. No amount of hype could have prepared me for such a phenomenal presentation. He shared his personal story of how he went from being a successful stockbroker with a loving wife, 2 boys and house in the suburbs to being an international fugitive followed by 4 years in federal prison. He’s still paying off $3.89 million in restitution and lost all the property he bought with his ill-gotten funds (the feds siezed it!) but he now has self-respect.
Along the way he deluded himself into thinking that his income defined his real wealth but squelched that idea in his parting words. He now knows the real meaning of wealth which includes 2 young adult sons who truly respect him, a loving wife (not wife #1 although they are still friends), a successful career as a public speaker – and most importantly, the knowledge that he can use his mistakes to help others. No longer does he live on the run, in hiding, fooling himself and those who love him that he’s not doing anything wrong – but what price must one pay to sleep at night?
Made me think about my decision to leave the paycheck behind and pursue Life 2.0 – I’m looking for more wealth, not income. I have no doubt I’ll find it.
