Panel 10: “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things”
“Dream, Join, Volunteer (not work), and Passion” were the 4 reoccurring themes throughout our panel discussion. Each of our panelists choose to work at the job that they are now because they are passionate about what they are doing and they don’t think they are working. They are simply volunteering their time and playing.
Despite the fact that each of our panelists came from different backgrounds, they use the skills they acquired through experiences to reach out to help those with needs. Our panelists all wanted to help people to succeed. The panelists told us their stories that led them to who they are today. For Paul, his entrepreneurial act started because of an “idea.” Jodi founded NIARA Consulting because she got into an accident and still wanted to make good use of her time while she was sitting on her bed. For Shah, he immigrated to United States and Mary Ellen started because of her transplant to her son. Shah said that everything you do will come back to affect your life, and we think that these people were all able to reach beyond what they wanted for themselves and are now focusing on helping others, which is truly a benefit for all.
From the panelists, we learned that when looking for jobs, we should “follow our hearts.” In addition according to Paul Cahill, he doesn’t work, he play. No two days for him are the same. We all learned that money should not be our only motivator. We need to do things that we are passionate about. Shah provided us with steps in goal setting and Jodi gave very helpful tips on networking and finding opportunities in every relationship you have. Last but not least, Mary Ellen showed us that there are opportunities out there and you just need to find it yourself. For her, she found out the tools she needed to write her books and share stories for free.
All the panelists started out by finding something they were passionate about. Paul, Jodi, Mary Ellen and Shah all had a passion for helping people and they turned their passions into a big part of their lives. Like Paul said, he doesn’t work, he plays.
Memorable Quotes:
“I know how to do everything for free.”– Mary Ellen
“I don’t work, I play. No two days are ever the same.”– Paul Cahill
“Money can’t buy happiness, but without money, life is miserable.” – Shah Feroze
“Don’t box yourself in. Volunteer to explore something you might want to do. Try it before you jump in fully.” – Jodi Brockington
Name: Jonathan Engel
Company: Baruch College – School of Public Affairs
Position: Associate Dean of the School of Public Affairs & Professor
Phone: 646-312-4786
Email: [email protected]
Name: Mary – Ellen Rozak
Company: Louie’s Legacy
Position: New York Area Coordinator
Phone: 718-755-9302
Email: [email protected]
Name: Shah Feroze
Company: MassMutual Financial Group
Position: Financial Services Professional
Phone: 917-306-7362
Email: [email protected]
Name: Jodi Brockington
Company: NIARA Consulting
Position: Founder
Phone: 917-941-5698
Email: [email protected]
Name: Paul Cahill
Company: Cahill Associates, Inc.
Position: Founder
Phone: 203-454-2241
Email: [email protected]
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