"A former colleague, of whom I've always been wary, saw me again recently and casually inquired about my current professional goals. Harmless enough. I kept the details light, but as I spoke, she nodded like she was listening... until she pivoted to reminding me of my limited experience and small contact base."
Mind you, I haven’t spoken to this woman in over three years, and even then, our conversations were as deep as a rain puddle. So how she’s so familiar with my capabilities is beyond me. This is a pattern I’ve seen over and over: people whose entire worldview is built around what’s already been done. People who live within the constraints of what they see, who believe that the way things are is how they’ll always be. If the system exists, then it must remain. If it’s broken, it can’t be fixed. Even if it does change, surely you won’t be the one to change it.
Faithless people.
Like Rose sang in Gypsy, Some people can be content, playing bingo and paying rent. Not me. I want to build something bigger than myself. I want the challenge. The grind. The satisfaction of chasing a dream that doesn’t come easy.
Because the alternative doesn't even exist anymore. Waiting 20 years to outlast HR lifers so I can be crowned Vice President of Whatever is a pipe dream that will not and cannot exist beyond the next decade—if that. With the advent of AI, even the job of a CFO is not safe. Meaning will only be found in building what currently does not exist.
People stuck in limited thinking will always tell you why you can’t do something. They don’t see vision—they see problems. They’re not looking for solutions; they’re looking for someone to project their fear onto. They want to bitch, not build.
Worse, they want to use your mind as the landing pad for their histrionic mental gymnastics. While you’re staring at the horizon, eyes on what could be, they’re staring at you, blinking, wondering what the heck you’re looking at.
Dan Peña said it best: Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. If you’re serious about building—really building—then your circle needs to reflect the same drive. Surround yourself with people who are moving, growing, thinking bigger.
If not, you'll all be stuck—restricted together.
💙 Chris
