Thank you so much for remembering and allowing me the privilege to comment on your Dad leadership legacy. I still remember very well that Christmas Eve 24 years ago when I had the opportunity to meet your Dad in that restaurant in Rio as I worked as a waiter. That encounter changed my life forever. After a few talks he offered me to go to America and attend College at PBAU with a full scholarship. It was powerful. During the several meetings with this man of great vision, I can point it out 2 good ones, the first was after a few months at the College, I was homesick and did not have the chance to talk with my family in Brazil . So, He saw me in the hallways and asked me if i had call my family lately, And I said no. Than with that amazing smile he said please got tomorrow to my office, sit in my chair and call your family and friends and make sure you are doing fine. There I was a kid from the slums of Rio sitting in the President’s chair.

And the second one was during one of the many dinners he offered to the international students. While enjoying a delicious meal, He said, Edson one day you will be back to Brazil and impact the live of many people. He was right. For the past 9 years my family and I have a school for poor children in one of the largest slum in Rio . These principles I will carry with me and pass them on to my students.

Many thanks,

Edson

Excellent post, I am sure your father was a very successful individual. I really admire the 3rd lesson which is to empower yourself by reading. I think this is absolutely crucial, the power of reading is limitless. All of the great successful leaders in the past and current state of time have been voracious readers. What many people don't understand is that books can not only give you more skills, and entertain you but they are also a means of changing ones life. One example would be Abraham Lincoln who read his way to his presidency

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