The Wealth of Happiness – a Leadership Perspective

By Quetzal Mama • June 28, 2014

The Wealth of Happiness – a Leadership Perspective

Keynote Speech Class of 2014

California State University, San Marcos

By Roxanne Ocampo

May 9, 2014

When we’re introduced to a new person or group, one of the first questions asked is, “What do you do?”  Our response to “What do you do” cues the inquirer to many things including our educational background, social status, and philosophical ideals.  If I say I am a stock broker or an attorney, there will be many assumptions about me.  Or, if I say I’m a housekeeper, security guard, or grocery clerk, yet another cluster of assumptions will be made.

So, when I say that I run a non-profit for high-performing, low-income, first generation, historically underrepresented students, folks become highly inquisitive.  However, I'm not typically challenged as to why I chose this work, why this particular demographic, how I devised my program methodology, or how I’m able to garner incredible success metrics.  Instead, they cut right to the chase:  what is my funding source?

This is the interesting dynamic that fascinates me.  When I tell them I do this work for free, it makes them more than uncomfortable – It makes them suspicious.  Why would someone spend their time, resources, and energy carrying out a mission without monetary benefits?  There’s got to be a catch.

So, they continue to probe, trying to identify the hidden motive or agenda.  When they cannot find an ulterior motive that serves capitalist ideals, they begin to politely offer me suggestions.

First, they will suggest I change my demographic to serve wealthy clientele.  In this way, I can use my same methods and strategies, but charge clients thousands of dollars.  Or, they will recommend I incorporate as a 501C3 so that I can obtain grant monies.  What they don’t realize is that I already considered these angles (and many more) years ago when I first launched my program and services.  Strategic thinking is in my DNA – I always approach situations from a strategic, long-term perspective.  I did the research, considered many models, and then formulated my decision.   It may not be the decision that makes sense to most folks, but I believe it is quite clever.  And, it is a decision I have never regretted.  Let me explain.

My decision to provide my services “pro bono” has paid off in dividends.  First, removing the barrier of money (charging clients) has opened numerous doors and presented many opportunities for me that would not have existed if I worked exclusively in a profit-focused business.  I was able to create my own brand, set my own goals, and define my mission and core values.  This meant I did not have to answer to a Board of Directors or a benefactor.

It also meant I was not forced to compromise my principles to conveniently align with a particular political agenda.  This model also allowed me the luxury of operating on a “trial and error” basis.  Since there were no monies involved, if my program succeeded or failed, I would not be in debt to anyone.  I had the luxury to make mistakes and grow from them.  Most importantly, my strategic decision meant I could serve the students with the greatest need – with no strings attached.

What I didn’t anticipate in forming my strategic leadership model was the extraordinary benefits I would receive.  When I awake each morning, I am not grudging my “duties” or feeling stress and pressure to meet someone else’s expectations.  The only expectations I am required to fulfill are my own.  My days begin with my own questions, “how can I better serve my students?” and “how can I do this faster, better, more efficiently, and scale this to serve more students?”  Conversely, when I place my head on my pillow each night, I get a full night’s restful and peaceful sleep.  I don’t anxiously toss and turn, worried about my well-being.  Instead, I feel secure in knowing that my efforts are part of a positive plan with great impact.

Another surprising correlation that arises from serving others is the enormous health benefits.  I am free of all disease, don’t take medications, and rarely have a headache.  My outlook each day is filled with optimism, gratitude, and happiness.  I credit my healthy physical and psychological state with the act of unconditional giving.  Don’t believe me?  Try Google Scholar and enter “health benefits and altruism.”  You will quickly find many peer-reviewed, empirical studies that support the correlation between altruism and physical and psychological health and longevity.  Altruism is also linked to higher levels of creativity!

What other benefits are related to unconditional giving?  In my practice, I have easily received more than one thousand hugs from grateful parents and students.  Through the years I’ve saved hundreds of gestures of appreciation in the form of cards, letters, invitations to graduations and weddings, as well as appreciation posted to my Facebook page.  The biggest payoff:  March 30 of every year – the day admissions decisions are released.  For these students, the admission notification is a symbolic representation of a future filled with hopes and dreams.

Now I’m not saying young people should not pursue a traditional job!  Hear me on this – I support Chingy who says, “Make that money!”  You need to help yourself first, pay your bills, and take care of business.  How effective of a leader can you be if – in the words of the late Chris Farley, you’re “living in a van down by the river”?

However, I’m asking graduates to consider altruistic acts of giving as part of their leadership plan.  This can be through volunteering for a local organization, serving on a charitable board, or by forming your own organization.  Consider that wealth comes in many forms.  Build your wealth wisely, and rely on your leadership skills to determine where, how, and why you will volunteer.  Unconditional giving is one of the few leadership options that doesn’t require taking on loans, compromising your values, or depleting your mental or physical energies.  Leaders are always looking for ways to enhance their creativity.  Altruism may be the special tool to help grow in your traditional business.

Your diploma today signifies social and financial capital.  I know it was not an easy road to get here.  Now that you have achieved this tremendous milestone, think about how you might use your knowledge, skills, or insight as a leader to help other up-and-coming Latino students.  Now, go out and make that money.  But as you do, think about how to tap into your leadership role as a servant to your community.

Roxanne Ocampo, Author: Flight of the Quetzal Mama: How to Raise Latino Superstars and Get Them into the Best Colleges