Great People: Charlie Stewart, Stewart Creative Management Corp

I first met Charlie when he was CEO of Chambers Belt Company in Phoenix. He was one of those CEOs in Jim Myers' Rolodex and, wow, what a business mind! He instantly got what I was trying to do, probably even before I did. I was trying to explain how an outsider could help a company with its internal communication (no, not PR, not telecommunication, but the way people talk to each other). For Charlie, it clicked instantly and he practically explained it back to me in the context of an accountability program he was running at Chambers. After that conversation, business made a lot more sense to me.

Charlie and I worked together at Chambers and for other CEOs he knew. We further developed his accountability rewards program and implemented it for others. After all, nothing communicates your values more than where you put your money. I coached his executives on communication and he coached me on running a business.

The thing about Charlie is that not only is he savvy, but he is also a warm and wonderful human being. Even as he gives you the straight talk you need to be better at your work, you fully appreciate him for it. He shares of himself and his challenges to help others learn. He is loyal, and builds others up, not just in private, but publically every chance he gets.

Now, he is a business consultant with a waiting list. The companies that are able to hire him are lucky indeed. I can speak from experience on this one: once you have Charlie Stewart in your corner, your success is all but guaranteed.

Thank you, Charlie.

Great People: Jim Myers, Myers Management and Capital

Jim Myers of Myers Management and Capital runs a Phoenix-based CEO Forum. He has leveraged his years of corporate experience into a consulting firm that has helped countless CEOs, executives and entrepreneurs improve their companies and lives. For me, Jim is the embodiment of generosity.

A colleague recommended that I talk to Jim Myers in 2001 about my fledgling company. Jim not only shared his time and substantial business experience, but he also opened up his Rolodex and put me in touch with three CEOs of local companies. Because of his recommendation, they helped me move my company to the next level. Later, Jim provided opportunities for me to meet prospective clients and present my abilities. Advice, lunch, donuts, resources, connections, and more connections Jim provided me.

Sometimes I bear the weight of debt from receiving so much and being unable to repay Jim for his kindness. Two things help me with this guilt: 1) Jim has showered many entrepreneurs and executives with his gifts and I am but one piece of the legacy he is building throughout our community; 2) I understand the unspoken agreement that it is my job to pay it forward. For the rest of my career, I am responsible for modeling the type of business leadership that Jim demonstrates: generosity, openness, a belief in abundance, support, and kindness. Thank you, Jim.