Sharing Success with Others

Photo: Michael Buckner/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

Posted by Eric Budd on behalf of Abby Wambach. 

Soccer Legend, Speaker, Activist, New York Times Best Selling Author

At every stage of my life, someone else has made it possible for me to score a goal.

I’m lucky to have had parents and grandparents parents who could act as playmakers for me.

I’ve had countless teachers, coaches and managers along the way.

High school coach Ed Prohofsky recommended me for a summer job that changed my life.

Vo-Tech instructors E.J. Quinn and Duane Thiele gave me skills, vision and a vocation.

College department head Dr. Harold T. Smith spoke with a recruiter to ensure I was given a key job interview.

EDS manager Enrique Loret de Mola demonstrated what love for your people looks like when he flew me home to be at my mother’s side when she came out of surgery.

EDS Division President Prudence Cole hired me for the role that made it possible for me to meet and learn from Dr. W. Edwards Deming.

EDS Manager Susan Gauthier supported me in leadership training like no other.

EDS Manager Holly Walling created a team that made it possible for me to turn learning into teaching.

Ron Moen and Cliff Norman taught me practical applications of Dr. Deming’s theories.

Mary Jenkins shared her insights and humanity while taking me under her wing in the worlds of consulting and teaching.

UTC F&S VP Mike Beck hired me into a wide world of quality, lean manufacturing and Shingijutsu-led events.

UTC Operations Manager Kevin Barron demonstrated his belief in me, giving me responsibilities and experiences that I continue to benefit from today.

Every single “goal scored” in my life has been because someone else “made a pass” from which I benefited.