“Imagine what a harmonious world it could be, if every person, young or old, shared a little of what they are good at doing.”
– Quincy Jones, b. 1933, American Music Producer
Somewhere along the way, in the past five years, I became one of the “old guys.” At every meeting table, I was the “most experienced.” (That sounds better. We’ll go with it…)
In my current day job, I am exposed to and get to lead or work alongside of some of the most amazing young talent that exists in commerce today, let alone in the banking industry. Youth and talent. Impressive, sometimes awe-inspiring stuff.
For some reason, this week I was reminded of a time when the classes of ’79-’82 would go back home to Fairfield, IA Thanksgiving weekend, and play the then-current high school basketball team in an “exhibition game.” We were in our late twenties, early thirties maybe — and we beat ’em every year. “Old age and trickery,” we’d say, “beats youth and talent every time.”
Except for when it doesn’t. Except for when “experience” and youth come together. It’s magical.
As we showed our wares to a couple dozen bankers this week, and as I served in my role as host of the two-day extravaganza, I found myself relishing in the introduction of the young guns, and thoroughly enjoying watching them perform.
And I realized that they make a difference for this “more experienced” exec, and I hope the converse is true, as well.
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