We Asked , You Answered
2023 Issue 3 | GearedUp
26
For many of us , teachers were the first to encourage and hone our skills – or to give us feedback on how to improve . Some of us may have a favorite teacher who changed our lives and led us to the career path we are on today . To see how franchisees fared as students , we asked our members , “ What did teachers used to say about you on your report card – and is it still true ?” as part of this issue ’ s “ We Asked , You Answered ” feature .
“ The thing that teachers said about me on my report card was …”
“ I was told ‘ lacks creativity .’ Is it a surprise I ’ m in finance now ?”
– Dominic DeCoux , CFO of Black Duck Partners .
“ Teacher comment on report card : ‘ Kass volunteers to read in front of the class often and likes to pronounce large vocabulary words for a student of her age . I am unsure if she understands the definitions and use , however .’ And yes , that is still probably true !”
– Kass McInnis , vice president of real estate & development for Alder Partners .
“ What my teachers always said to me was , ‘ It ’ s not enough to be smart – if you want to succeed at anything , you have to work hard at it .’ An incredibly basic observation , but it didn ’ t sink in with me until high school . It ’ s still one of the most simple but profound truths there is , so hopefully I ’ ve learned that lesson by now !”
– David Humphrey , vice chair of Ignite Fitness Holdings .
“ My teachers always said I was ‘ attentive and a great listener .’ I would say it is still true , but I think my wife would disagree sometimes !”
– David Murray , chief financial officer for Impact Fitness .
“ My penmanship was so bad I should become a doctor . I definitely could NOT be a doctor , but my penmanship is still horrible !”
– Christy White , vice president of marketing for Alder Partners .
“ On my report card , teachers said I was studious , wellmannered and disciplined / mature for my age , including sometimes quick-tempered . They also said I completed assignments quickly , and I was always chatty with my fellow classmates . Now , is it still true today ? Yes , for the most part , much of this is still true . I am professional , respectful and diligent in the workplace . I am more of an ambivert , so perhaps , not as chatty as I was when I was a kid but can have the tendency to be talkative ; however , I am able to control it now . Am I still fiery ? I can be , but it ’ s situational and channeled differently today . I am more balanced than anything else , and I choose my battles .”
– Desiree Bennett Littles , chief people officer for United Fitness Partners .
“‘ Mike can be chatty at times .’ Yes , still true .” – Mike Margas , vice president of analytics & insights for Pinnacle Service Brands .
“ Almost every year since kindergarten , my teachers would say I was very smart and friendly but talked too much and distracted my classmates and assumed I would be some type of leader one day . And for all who know me know as an adult , I haven ’ t changed much other than growing up and experiencing life . Now , I have even more to talk about these days .”
– Cecelia Newman , chief operating officer at Gym Management Services .
“ For starters , teachers often commented about how polite Cullen was ( giving examples of always saying thank you , holding the door for an older person ) and persevering in things he was interested in ( golf , using a particular club ). If he wasn ’ t interested , he left the book in his desk and later in his locker . In middle school , teachers liked Cullen , but he talked a lot ! I ’ d say , ‘ Move him ,’ and their response was , ‘ I did – to the front of the room , and now , he talks to me .’”
– Fran Barbato , mother of Cullen Barbato , CEO of United Fitness Partners .
“ I was an average student throughout most of school . Teachers would likely say that when I chose to apply myself my work was great , and when I didn ’ t , I would go through the motions and settle for average scores . I would say that part of this comment holds true today , but some of it does not . Where this is true , is that when I have an interest , or a passion for something , I will pursue it at all costs . This can be true in either my personal or professional life , whether a hobby or business venture . Likely , with those subjects where I excelled , I had a vested interest / curiosity about them and truly wanted to understand and do well at it . In the professional setting , the same holds true . I find the right resources , solve problems and do my best to lead through subjects I am passionate about . As for the second part about ‘ going through the motions ,’ I like to think I have applied hindsight throughout all of my education as well as my professional career and now understand the value of all educational opportunities . This can also be applied directly to the workplace , as though subjects may not directly impact me , it is important to understand how something may work to see the bigger picture and discover efficiencies one may not have thought of . A second comment a teacher would have made about me was around my competitiveness . Although mostly evident at recess , lunch or gym class , this could also be seen in the classroom . It was likely a way teachers used to motivate me , and I didn ’ t even realize it ! I think this has strongly benefited me for many reasons and still holds true today . I would like to think I leverage this attribute differently these days in the workplace , but my wife and family would tell you that I still will not let them win at anything !”
– Anthony Cera , vice president – global operations at Taymax .