I have written now about three and a half months-worth of Friday blogs. In terms both professional and personal, I have pondered the past, the future, TLA present work in the Triangle, what has bothered me, what has delighted me, and what has kept me going despite our economic and political challenges. Right now, I want to tell you what is making me feel pretty good. It is simply this: We have a friend. His name is Howard Schultz.
Howard is the co-founder of The Learning Consortium located in Chapel Hill. His wife. the other co- in co-founder, is Lynda. She is also a gourmet chef and a writer. Like any good couple, they are a team. I met Lynda's Howard not long after I came to the Triangle area to work with Joe Peel, then Director of Wake Leadership Academy. TLA was little more than a twinkle in Joe's eye, but owing to Joe's persuasiveness, I left a great job at SERVE, the education R&D laboratory for the Southeastern US, to work with him in launching a regional academy. I so respected Joe that any friend of his was a friend of mine.
I guess I am thinking about Howard because I have now spent the past two days in one training or another with him and will spend tomorrow with him also. Howard connects to TLA because he is the VitalSmarts vendor for North Carolina. Anyone who has experienced Crucial Conversations, Crucial Confrontations, or Influencer has Howard to thank for their changed life. But there is more to Howard than that.
At great professional risk, Howard negotiated with VitalSmarts to allow the seats in up to one half a class in any of their trainings to be purchased by business leaders and managers. The price each business person pays defrays the cost of a teacher or principal. Moreover, Howard stood with me for four hours last year at the Business Roundtable at RBC Center to explain to business people how TLA can enhance their leadership development and business results. For reasons too complex to articulate here, Howard is taking a financial hit in working with us, such is his commitment to public education.
I don't know what's really motivating Howard to be our friend. Who among us can ever really say why we ourselves do what we do, much less weigh in on other's motivations. I will offer only this: there is something decent, visionary, and expansive about our friend, Howard, that should make us all want to stand up and applaud. So, Howard, my friend, this blog's for you.
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What a wonderful acknowledgment of a very deserving man. Howard and Lynda have been our friends for over 20 years and in that time, there has never been a moment, a doubt, a gesture that would ever cause one to wonder if Howard Schultz is "for real". He is truly everything good that he appears to be. Bravo, Mr. Bingham for your wonderful acknowledgment of his character.
ReplyDeletePatricia Griffin-Soffel
San Francisco, California
Mr. Bingham is late to the dance. Howard and Lynda Schultz have been amazing since their dating began in 1969. Howard helped birth my first child and if anyone remembers the Ivy Room, Howard Schultz could always recommend the best items on the menu. I have known Lynda without Howard but I have never known Howard without Lynda. They are inseparable and they ARE the ORIGINAL Dynamic Dou. Take it from me, Mr. Bingham, you are one LUCKY man to know the ilk of these two. To count them as "friends" is to be one step closer to God.
ReplyDeleteDaryl Thompson MacGregor
It was to my great delight to read Mr. Bingham's astute assessment of Howard (and Lynda) Schultz in his blog. Individually, the Schultz's are outstanding highly accomplished persons. Together, however, they are nothing less than magical. I've never known a more complementary couple. Lynda's 'people magic' and warmth, coupled with Howard's brilliance, generosity and adaptability, combine in an almost alchemical way to produce a powerful, energetic, creative, talented, and dedicated couple. I've known them for over 38 years and what you see is what you get. Bravo, Mr. Bingham for spotlighting this deserving, hardworking couple. Bravo, Howard! Bravura, Lynda!
ReplyDeleteBrenda Murphy
Athens, GA
I thought Howard and Lynda were my friends (they are). It is a new relationship for me and my wife Alice, but they are truly amazing people and friends. I consider it a great blessing and joy to know them and look forward to many years ahead. A true testimony to the kind of people they are - Thanks for Sharing Steve!
ReplyDeleteDan Forest
Raleigh, NC
I have worked with Howard and Lynda Schultz since 2004 and I couldn't agree more with Steve and the other comments. Howard and Lynda work incredibly hard to help others and stand up for what they believe in even if it means going against the grain to do what's rights. Working with them has been a true give and it's been an honor to call them both colleagues and friends.
ReplyDeleteI had the rare privilege of working for Howard & Lynda Schultz when they owned a staffing service in Durham.
ReplyDeleteThey make what they do look effortless, but those of us who know them understand the vast amount of sweat equity they invested in establishing The Learning Consortium.
The Schultzes have done what few ever do...they pursued their dream with passion for excellence. They never took the easy way out and they are role models to many.
I left their employ a better person. The lessons/skills I learned from them remain priceless.
If you want to know the meaning of the words, "true blue," you need look no further than Howard & Lynda Schultz.
Christine Miller
Ft. Worth, Texas