Thank you Stephen Covey.

This past weekend, one of the most influential thinkers of our time passed away. Steven Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Principle-Centered Leadership, The 8th Habit, and more, as well as co-founder of the FranklinCovey Company, passed away. Dr. Covey had a way of compiling key principles and life wisdom and communicating them in a tangible, useful, and immediately applicable manner. He was a role model as a teacher, consultant, and human being. I first experienced the 7 Habits in 1995 when I was working as an Industrial Engineer and seeking my path in life. The course, including the fundamental principles of being effective such as being proactive, having a personal mission statement, and developing interdependence, was profoundly impactful on me. That course was when I decided I was going to move my career into the learning profession; I developed a vision of owning a horse and living on a mini-ranch to house the horse; I set the goal of owning my own business someday. In 1996 I accepted a job as a training and development program manager. In 1998 I moved in to my home on 5 acres, with a big pasture for a future horse. In 2002 I began Wings of Success LLC, my training business. In 2010 I bought TJ, a MO Foxtrotter and moved him home in to that pasture in 2011. I loved the 7 Habits and I was awed by Stephen Covey, his wisdom and influence. I was thrilled when in 1996, in my new training role, I was asked to become a Certified 7 Habits facilitator. I have enjoyed my long-term relationship with FranklinCovey, continuing to learn from the works of Stephen Covey, the experiences teaching their material, and the new content they provided. In 2004, when the 8th Habit launched, I had the honor of meeting Dr. Covey in person. He was kind and gracious, and opened his arms wide when I thanked him for his contributions to the world and asked if I could give him a hug. I’ll always cherish that “rock star” moment! Rest in peace, Dr. Covey. Thank you for your amazing contributions to making this world a better place. Thank you for being a role model and for inspiring me. Your legacy will live on long after your physical presence.