Washington Post Question: Last week, Caressa Cameron, a 22-year-old student from Virginia, was crowned Miss America, a pageant that once epitomized a certain kind of beauty, talent and promise. Is this kind of contest completely outdated, or does it offer a legitimate path to success for the young women who compete?
Stealing, lying, getting kicked out of school and fighting were all I knew to gain attention before I stumbled across sports as an eighth grader. Fortunately, my parents pulled us out of that school system and took us to a small town where the above was simply not tolerated and sports was the thing to do.
Having found a new, positive, way to gain attention, I poured all my effort into sports and became a three-time state champion in the shot put and discus before completing high school. Since a 2.5 grade point average and a 14 on my ACT`s was not enough to grant me acceptance into college, I was grateful my athletic abilities did.
Entering the University of Northern Colorado through a window program required that I prove my academic ability before playing sports or getting financial aid. My first semester was my chance to prove I was a good enough student to gain full acceptance. Athletics opened the door to my new love, academics.
Washington Post Question:In the pursuit of success, what are the advantages and disadvantages of being an established power vs. a hungry upstart? In this Sunday`s Super Bowl, would you give an edge to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who has won a Super Bowl, over New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who doesn`t have any Super Bowl experience?
On Jan. 22, while sharing time with two friends who happen to be football fanatics, I shared my reasons for supporting the Vikings.
"I am so annoyed with people telling Favre how to retire. Who makes up the rules anyway? Each person decides when they will retire and they can do so on their own terms. The fact that Favre has made it this far, after coming out of retirement, and with the backlash for doing so, is a huge accomplishment. Go Vikings!"
My friend Mary responded: "I agree, but New Orleans could really use a Super Bowl win to boost their economy."
Washington Post Question: How often do achievements like that of the newly elected Republican senator from Massachusetts seem to materialize out of thin air? Do you believe in the concept of overnight success?
The idea that achievements like Scott Brown`s materialize out of thin air is one of the reasons so many people end up depressed. They see or read about the beginning and end of a success story, but they fail to see the zillion failures necessary to create the recognized success.
While I am not advocating for or against Mr. Brown`s current position, I must admit my appreciation for his journey to success. Brown came from humble beginnings, managed to gain acceptance to law school and found a way to pay for his schooling through modeling, something he was clearly well qualified for!
We call him an overnight success, yet we forget to mention that Brown launched his career as an elected official in the `90s, and has served in the Massachusetts state legislature and Senate for 10 years. And he had nearly 20 years to build relationships, demonstrate his dedication and gain the credibility necessary to achieve his new role in the U.S. Senate.
Misti has worked her magic over the past year with my life/work TEAM and was truly the catalyst, that “spark plug” – if you will - igniting an innovative revolution in our organization. Whether talking to executives or large audiences, she connects in a way few do. She is genuine in her approach which resonates with both Boomers and Millennials. You come away with a real sense of what needs to be done. This is Misti’s gift.
Misti`s groundbreaking strategies will cut through the fog of our often distorted theories and folklore about the hopelessness of intergenerational communication as she paints memorable pictures using authentic examples while speaking with such clarity that you will remember not only the illustrations, but also how to apply those models in other circumstances.
View Original Letter TIM OVERSTREET, DML
Associate Dean of Logistics Executive Development US Army Logistics Management College
You were such an engaging facilitator at the Management Leadership Team Meeting I recently attended. Your `incredible energy and disarming manner` allowed many attending the session to open up and disclose their true feelings regarding how we could better improve relations with members outside our own age or race demographics...
William E. Sapp
Sales Center Vice President DOD/Air Force AT&T Government Solutions
Misti Burmeister is an asset for any corporation or professional organization. Her skills at intergenerational training are needed by most as the workforce changes. She engages, builds the energy and the desire to execute as a team. Her work means millions of dollars in increased workforce productivity.
Misti is as dedicated and passionate about her craft as one can be. The only thing that can possibly rival those traits is the amazing amount of energy she brings into a room. I`m constantly waiting for her to burst into flames! If your organization has a cut in its `line`, Misti is the Master Splicer you need.
A significant way that boomers can leave a lasting legacy within their organizations is to ensure that the incoming generation is full embraced, valued, engaged and utilized. Misti Burmeister provides the roadmap and the tools to make this happen!
Lori Addicks
Vice President of Learning and Development Post Properties, Inc.
Misti helped me see things and people differently. Not only did she make me see work situations as opportunities and not road blocks, she also helped me work through various aspects of my position. She taught me how to look at me differently. Through books she has asked me to read, organization skills she has helped me apply, journaling and goal setting I am learning about me. I believed in my leadership skills before but now, I know I am a great leader that has a huge amount of talent to apply to any situation/position. I am looking forward to Misti working with me in 2007 on my new expanded team. Misti will help me expand on my talents as a leader in AGS and sharpen those skills to make me more effective as months pass. Misti challenges me to be a better me in all aspects of my life which in turn makes me a more effective person overall.
Laura Miles-Bailey
Group Sales Manager, AT&T
I now can see how my focus in life was moving away from some of the things that really matter to me – family, friends, relationships, spiritual life, personal interests, etc. My schedule was controlling me instead of me controlling my schedule. By recognizing the things that matter to me most I can better balance my whole life. That makes me a more effective leader, employee, mother, wife, friend, etc.
Pat Stipe
Client Business Manager, AT&T
... I find that I am taking a more strategic approach to my business conversations both internally and externally. While I am familiar with the skills and lessons discussed in these session, I have found that as a result of my time with Misti, I am now asking questions like "what do I hope to accomplish from this conversation" prior to beginning my dialogue. This tactic alone has had a noticeable impact on my communications professionally and personally. In addition, the coaching that she has provided in the way of time management and task preparation have allow me to improve the efficiency level in my day to day activities. I would without a doubt recommend the Inspirion program as time well spent.
Paul McRae
Client Business Manager, AT&T
Misti is truly an inspirational person who challenges me to be authentic. A true coach by all definitions, full of encouragement yet willing to call your bluff. She is challenging me to be better today than yesterday and make a difference in people’s lives.
