TIP. Dave Gordon

is for young professionals and the next generation of talent entering the workforce who need a guide and a plan to build their career of a lifetime.

TIP is for anyone in any stage of work or life who needs the inspiration to remember, or discover, their passion for what is most important. You always have the power to create a new beginning for your own story.

      Lastly, TIP is for my kids, and anyone who wants to help their kids have a positive future. In a world where we are judged by every word and every action, we must be strategic in how we promote ourselves today, and protect our reputations for tomorrow. TIP allowed me to have those conversations with my kids and encourage them to make the best decisions for lasting success. I hope it helps you to do the same.

       * * *

      I believe in “infotainment.” We learn better when we are not bored. We remember more when we are entertained and engaged. As the late Last Lecture author and professor Randy Pausch said, “Don’t tell people how to live their lives. Tell stories. They’ll figure it out for themselves.”

      Rather than a typical how-to book, TIP is a story and a strategy written to remind people in any position judged by performance that the only way to achieve high performance, and lasting success, is to consistently take accountability for your reputation and your results.

Based on personal experiences and the lessons I’ve learned as a C-level executive, brand strategist, communications coach, sales leader, motivational speaker, performance trainer, bartender, actor, husband, and father, TIP is meant to engage you as only a story can. It is also meant to help you remember that the lasting success you desire is dependent on one thing. You.

      Your thoughts. Your words. Your actions. And the value you create.

      I believe everyone has value. You are not put on this earth unless you are meant to bring value to another person, community, team, or organization. When you do the work and give everything you’ve got, you will be valued greatly and rewarded in return.

      TIP is my story, not just because I wrote it, but because in many ways, I lived it. It’s a business story, but it’s also a story about second chances, redemption, reinvention, and love. When you love what makes you unique, and discover what you truly stand for, it’s much easier to acknowledge your purpose and value in this world. And when you know your value, every word, action, and decision in work and life becomes so much easier. You pick a career you love, surround yourself with the right people, and create the best situations to help you achieve the results, recognition, and reputation you deserve.

      Enjoy the story, and most importantly, follow the strategy.

      It really works.

1 The Biggest Day

      Brian Davis was like most people. He did some of his best thinking in the shower. Yet, today, all Brian could think about as the water hit the back of his neck was which underwear he was going to wear to work.

      Black?

      It’s strong. Black makes a statement, even if no one can see it.

      But, Brian was going to wear the blue suit, so maybe blue to match the suit. Although, matching the suit was not the intention. It was the tie that really mattered.

      Yes, this was the biggest day of his career and his life. So, why was he focusing on his underwear instead of the real decision that was about to take place, that would affect so many things in his life?

      Brian stepped out of the shower, wrapped the towel around his waist, and began shaving his face as his wife, Jen, came into the bathroom.

      “Suit, shirts, and ties are on the bed,” she said as she grabbed her hairbrush.

      “I’m thinking black at this point,” Brian replied.

“Uh-huh,” she answered.

      After 24 years of marriage, she knew him better than he knew himself.

      “You don’t think so? You think blue?” he asked.

      “Brian, you have agonized over your colors every big day of your career. I love you with all my heart, but don’t drive me nuts before you even have all your clothes on.”

      “This is the biggest day. You know that.”

      “I know,” she said.

      “I need all the good vibes I can get today. It’s a big day for all of us.”

      “Right, and wearing the right colors will send the forces your way. I understand.”

      “You’re mocking me,” he said.

      “I would never do that to the potential future CEO of a Forbes five-star luxury brand,” she smiled.

      Brian smiled back at her. She was still playful and sarcastic. She challenged him in all the right ways.

      “Finish shaving, do that thing with your hair I always like, and meet me in the bedroom. We’ll help you like we always do.”

      “Thank you,” Brian smiled.

      Maybe the color thing was his way of not dealing with the stress of the meeting, or the pitch, or the promotions he faced throughout his life. Maybe it was his way of maintaining control of what was about to change.

Brian finished shaving and walked into the bedroom. There, laid out on the king-size bed were the choices. Jen was standing with her arms outstretched in her best Price Is Right pose.

      “Kids!!!” she yelled, “color time!!!”

      It was a fun ritual when the kids were young. When they started it, the kids were just six, four, and two. Jen read that including them in decisions around the house would improve their self-esteem. Having them help their father pick out his “colors” for the big days was fun for everyone. And majority vote always won. That way everyone had a chance to be part of the good fortune if and when it happened. After 12 years, the kids still had an unblemished record.

      Which is why at ages 18, 16, and 14, Brian strongly encouraged them to continue helping to pick the “big day colors.” Couldn’t stop a good thing. Superstitious? Maybe. But, more importantly, Brian knew it really annoyed them.

      “This is getting ridiculous,” said 18-year-old Drew as he dragged himself into the room. “I’ve got a paper I’m trying to finish before school.”

      “Tell us again why we have to pick out your clothes for you. If my friends knew about this . . .,” said 16-year-old Sara.

      “For good luck,” Jen interjected.

      “Blue,” said 14-year-old Kyra.

      Drew rolled his eyes.

      “She always picks blue, ’cause it’s your brand . . . whatever . . . fine,” said Sara.

      Drew nodded.

      “Okay. Blue it is. Thank you for your help everyone,” Brian said as the three kids shot out of the room.

Brian looked at Jen. “That was fun.”

      “Always is,” she laughed.

      “So, blue?” he said, holding the blue tie against the blue suit.

      “Yes,” she nodded, “Yes. This one goes with your eyes, which are very blue today. And it has been your go-to color all along. Trust yourself.”

      Brian did trust himself. He had put in many years of hard work and dedication. But so had the other candidates who were up for the position. They all worked hard, and some had twice the tenure with the company that he did. They all put in long hours at the office, traveled internationally, and always took their jobs home with them. The hardest part of the whole situation was the fact that they could all do the job, but only one would eventually run the global