Friday Reflections

Revisiting "The Last Lecture" in current times.

Points to Ponder:

The key question to keep asking is, Are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have. – Randy Pausch

Story line: It was summer of 1991. We were returning from vacation from Pacific Northwest. Traffic had come to a stand still on the Highway 505. After a while, traffic started moving very slowly and we reached the location of the traffic jam. Horrific accident, worst I have witnessed in my life; I still shiver thinking about it. Cars were slowing down or had completely stopped to witness the terrible human tragedy. After passing the scene, people seemed stunned silent in their cars and traffic was moving way below the speed limit. But after about 20 minutes cars gradually started picking up speed and very soon it was back to “let the old ways roll.”  Many cars started speeding way above the speed limit. Since that day, I have carefully witnessed the movement of the cars while crossing accidents on the road. Unfortunately the behavior I witnessed on that fateful day in 1991 continues to repeat.

During this Pandemic, I think often about this experience. In the beginning months of Covid, there was overwhelming load of information circulating amongst well-meaning friends and social networks about; human connections, respect for nature, environment, love for all living beings, “essential workers”, simpler life, prevention focus and more. I can go on and on about the reflections and realizations that made us think and act deeper. People seemed to recognize that “The things that matter most should not be put at the mercy of the things that matter least.” This event brought many people closer, made environment cleaner and raised prevention awareness.

Reflection: However as the Pandemic shows the sign of subsiding, my mind keeps drifting to that day in 1991. 

As the old saying goes, “Things that come to you come at a time when you need them the most to go to the next level”. Few days ago, I remembered a gift I had received a decade ago from a friend from Costa Rica. It was the book called: The Last Lecture by Professor Randy Pausch. Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had few months to live. He delivered his “Last Lecture” titled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” in September 2007. The Last Lecture talk series was based on the theme “What wisdom would you try to impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance?”

The book is worth reading not only to reflect on what world went through in past 18 months but also to shape bright wonderful future for us. Next month happens to be the 13^th anniversary of Randy Pausch’s last day on earth. (July 25, 2008).

The shorter video on the top of this article covers some key messages from his book. For people interested in learning further, below is the link to his full lecture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo&feature=youtu.be

 “It’s not about how to achieve your dreams, it’s about how to lead your life…If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself, the dreams will come to you.”

 

Robert Noyce-The Man from Iowa and His Field of Influence

Points to Ponder: Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time. -- From A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Story Line: It was on this date (June 18) 31 years ago. I had just left my company campus in Fremont to go to Center of Performing Arts in San Jose to attend the memorial service for the man who had left this world after making major impact on mankind through his invention, entrepreneurship and statesmanship. My reason for going there was to pay my respect to the man who had left a lifelong memory and lesson in one short encounter I had with him in 1984. And I was not the only one. One Local Newspaper had seven full pages of tributes for this man by many people whose life he had touched. On the way, these stories started rolling through my mind. Here are a few told by some of these people.

There was a young man who had gotten a job at Fairchild Semiconductor to help pay for his schooling at San Jose State. During company sponsored ski trip to Tahoe, he and the fellow sitting next to him started chatting. This fellow showed a lot of interest in what this young man was doing as a technician and asked questions about his other interests. They chatted entire trip, had great time together and according to young man “He seemed interested in making me feel good about life in general and having a swell of a trip.” Only upon return he found out that this “nice guy” next to him was Bob Noyce, the inventor of integrated circuit and the founder of Fairchild Semiconductor.

During one industry event, a company CEO and his team ran into Bob. After CEO introduced his staff to Bob, he turned to one of his younger engineer who had just come to town to assist with equipment installation in Fab. “This is Dr. Noyce of Intel” The engineer shook Bob’s hand and asked “Which fab do you work at?” After the laughter subsided, Noyce humbly said, “All of them.” Little did the engineer know at that time that Bob Noyce was the founder of Intel and also cofounder of Sematech.

Then there was a story of Fairchild employees who were in LA for a conference. After a long day they were relaxing by the hotel pool and Bob Noyce came by. One of the salesman who was in jovial mood made a pretty good jackknife dive off the 3 meter board. As he emerged from the water he challenged Bob to top that. Bob climbed 3 meter board and made a perfect 2 ½ flip drive. Everyone was stunned. Several weeks later they found out that Bob was a college diving champion. Despite his many talents Bob never boasted about his accomplishments.

Bob used to sponsor little league baseball. Once while he was visiting his team, some kids offered him to bat. It was meant to be for fun. Once Bob got to the plate, his competitive spirit kicked in and when one kid pitched the ball, Bob hit it out of the ballpark. Then he ran through the bases and jumped with joy while landing on the home plate. Realizing there were no cheers going on, he looked at the kids and spectaors. Noticing their stunned faces, he realized what he had done and apologized.

There were many such stories filling the seven full pages of newspaper; people recounting how Bob loved to fly planes, how he motivated people to hang glide, scuba dive, and ski in scary places. He almost never missed company softball games. Then there were many memories of Wednesday meetings of the madrigal singing group he conducted, his encouragement to people to start new ventures, and his refusal to stop pursuing integrated circuits design venture when sales department strongly advised against it. I have treasured all seven pages and any story I have come across about Bob. But for now only one more….

Reflection: I had good fortune to meet Bob in March 1984, few weeks after I had joined Intel. I didn’t know much about Robert Noyce then that I know now. But just like the young man in the first story, he showed great interest in me by asking questions and made me feel good. His gentle smile, calm voice and humility are forever fresh in my mind. When I asked if he had any advice for a new person like me, he said “Young man (that was long time ago), if you want to be successful in this industry, be ready to change document before ink is dry.”

Studying the lives of people who have made an incredible impact on world, one thing stands out; there was no easy path. They encountered many hurdles and at each inflection point they had to reinvent themselves; learn new skills, try new approaches and continue their work with passion for excellence.

The life of Robert Noyce, the man who left the major mark on this world with the invention of commercially viable integrated circuits was no exception in this regard. Born in a poor family he worked in cornfields of Iowa after school, delivered newspapers and lived off hand-me-downs and produce from church members*. But his passion, perseverance and willingness to try new approaches resulted in the impact that continues to grow through the years.

In her tribute, his wife Ann Bowers summed it up beautifully “His ability to live fully was infectious and marvelous to live with. His most important legacy is the positive effect one can have by “going for it” in every way.

*the information contained in this sentence is from a wonderful tribute that was written by Michael Malone.

The various people’s memories are from newspaper tributes published in June 1990.

Find the best person for the job, the second best is too expensive.*

"Good employees/workers are hard to find. So I did everything possible to keep them. Looking for new ones (unknowns) is like betting in Las Vegas.” Joe Z my former boss

Story Line: About two years ago, we needed some work done in our home. A good friend recommended a guy. Listening to his clear explanations about the things he was working on and observing how he conducted work, we were impressed. After work was completed with precision, he cleaned up not only work area but surrounding space too, rolled and tied loose items like nets and hoses that were scattered in the garden area and removed invasive plants; none of which were any part of the job he was asked to do. After that he asked us if there is anything else that he could do. That raised our curiosity about this person.

The next time he came to our place, we asked him to join us for breakfast before starting his work. During our chat, we discovered that in his 20s and 30s, he had spent many years in Saipan and learnt many skills. He had passion for technical (electrical, mechanical) subjects and loved to build and fix items. He also owned many pigeons and trained them for racing. We learnt how much care he took in preparing organic food for his flock. We appreciated clarity of his thought process in everything he described and thoroughly enjoyed the conversation.

Our dog, Zena Doolittle, also seemed to like him a lot. So when we were going to be out of town, he offered to take care of her. When Zena returned, she was well groomed and her water and food containers were shiny like brand new ones.

Over last two years, he has demonstrated his versatility and commitment to excellence in many projects; with each one executed flawlessly. But what about the value for dependability, reliability, integrity and trustworthiness?

Reflection:

Work was what we needed done in our home but what we got as bonus was learning about his values, high work ethics, attitude towards life and good family friendship. Every time he comes, first 15 minutes before start of work are spent on chismis (chit chat) and last 45 minutes of the day on shoot the breeze session about various aspects of life over mirianda (snack and drink)

 He was from a small town in Pampanga, Philippines. His father passed away early. He wanted to be an engineer and got admission in University. But he was sent off to Saipan to work. So he learnt different skills and gained experience by doing different jobs; with utility industry, airlines and others. Eventhough he could not get a degree he wanted, he demonstrates high level of education.

 

*My father used to tell me this quote that he believed was from Senior Rockefeller. Following that message had served them well. I too have been fortunate in my life to follow and benefit immensely from those words of wisdom.

Thanks to Prasadbhai Vepa for sharing: Your Work is Your Signature Quote.

So, you have problems? No problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!" *

"Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow."  ~William Pollard

Storyline: So, you have problems - No problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!" - Author Unknown

"Don't worry if you have problems!" is easy to say until you are in the midst of a really big one, I know. But the only people I am aware of who don't have troubles are gathered in little neighborhoods. Most communities have at least one. We call them cemeteries.

If you're breathing, you have difficulties. It's the way of life. And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be good for you!

Let me explain.

Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly take visitors to view the reef. On one tour, the guide was asked an interesting question.

"I notice that the lagoon side of the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colorful," a traveler observed. "Why is this?"

The guide gave an interesting answer: "The coral around the lagoon side is in still water, with no challenge for its survival. It dies early. The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, storms - surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of its life. As it is challenged and tested it changes and adapts. It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces." Then he added this telling note: "That's the way it is with every living organism."

That's how it is with people. Challenged and tested, we come alive!

Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness.

So, you have problems - No problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!"

• First published on October 30, 2008. 
• There are hundreds of untold stories in the backlog for future Friday Reflections. However republishing some popular reflections from past that are suited for current times. Also taking a pause from writing, while working on a new venture.