If you work at AT&T you probably saw the April 20th announcement that spoke to my intention to retire on May 15, 2017. Some of you received an email directly from me alerting you that I am wrapping up phase 1 of my professional life. Others read Facebook and Twitter messages and sent me a text message asking if it’s really true and when are we returning to North Carolina or California. And some of you are hearing about it right now.
Yes, it’s true! On Monday, May 15, 2017, seven weeks shy of my 36th service anniversary, I retired from AT&T. I was 21 years old and three weeks out of college when I started working for Pacific Bell in San Francisco, CA. From that sunny and scary summer day until this past Monday, I’ve asked the Lord the same question as I’ve entered my workplace, “Lord, what is it that you want me to do today and who do you want me to touch?” He kept me focused on what I refer to as the 3 Cs…..Christ, Corporate, Community.
God blessed me to serve in positions that truly felt like a corporate ministry. Somehow, I made the right decision when I had those 13 job offers in front of me in my senior year of college. I chose a company that cares about its people, the community and its share owners. My values aligned with the company’s values. And, I never had to compromise my salvation and the fact that I am unapologetically Christian. I’ve been blessed to work in a company where EVERY voice matters, including my Christian voice. At every phase of my career journey God orchestrated, brought people into my life (Christians and non-Christians) and used ALL of us for His glory. We touched lives!
So, as I reflect on my amazing career and enjoy dinner after dinner after dinner this week, here’s what I see…
I see Christ…He was there from the beginning to the end. I started my career on my knees asking Him for guidance, wisdom and money for a BART ticket. I left almost the same way; on my knees asking for wisdom and guidance. I didn’t need money for a DART ticket, although I am still a public transportation commuter. Anyway, I drove to work, with Kenny, on Monday. As we drove back home I couldn’t help but thank God for a wildly successful career. It was a career filled with good, bad and great moments. The Lord was in the midst of all of it. He showed up faithful EVERYday and in EVERY situation. Thank you, Lord!
I see Corporate…I learned that a corporation is simply a group of people who care about each other, their customers, their share owners and the communities they operate and live in. It’s all about the people. I see Corporate in a way that I wish everyone could see. Thank you to the men and women of AT&T and all of the folks in my network of companies and chambers who make working for profit a good thing for EVERYbody.
I see Community…I’ve met so many wonderful people who care dearly for communities. From policy makers to community organizers to educators to brothers and sisters in the neighborhood trenches, THANK YOU for being MAD. You made a difference in my life and taught me the importance of public private partnerships. You also showed me the value of good public policy. As a mother, corporate executive, state chamber leader and non profit board member, I experienced firsthand that when citizens and corporations come together to establish the right public policy climate, EVERYone in the community reaps the benefits.
So, as this first week of retirement nears completion, I see Christ, Corporate and Community in a very special way. All three of these came together in a unique and intense manner throughout my career. It’s as if I’ve been in an Intensive Career Unit (ICU) for the past 35 years and now I’m being released a stronger, healthier and more grateful person.
Thank you for the role that YOU played somewhere between July 1981 and now. You’ve made me better! Let’s begin this next 35 years. What will I see at 92 years old? Who knows? But I will probably need more than these lightweight bifocals that I am wearing now. 👓 By the way, I had 20/20 vision when I started working. 👀 Actually, my “eyesight” was 20/20. I now, 35 years later, have vision! I see my 3 Cs and I see you. Yes, I C U!