Don and Pat - In Stockholm

A few months ago, I received an email from the former CEO of a company I used to work for in America. I was pleasantly surprised that he and his wife wanted to visit my family in Stockholm. It had been a long time since we last saw one another although we have kept in contact. As fate would have it, we were in town during their short weekend stay.

The visit began at our place in the late afternoon where they had a chance to meet our children and have a brief chat with us on the terrace. It was a very hot day for Stockholm although Don and Pat liked it as it wasn’t the extreme heat and humidity that they experience in east coast USA . After kissing our children goodnight, we took them to a popular outdoor bar for a welcome drink and then headed to one of our favorite restaurants.

The conversation throughout the night was diverse and lively and touched on many facets of American and European life including the disheartening fact that not enough Americans travel abroad. With less than 25% of us having passports, I’m hopeful that these grim statistics will begin to improve with the next generation. It was inspiring to hear about their long marriage, their vacations throughout the world and learn from each other on a variety of interesting subjects.

What I didn’t tell Don that night was that working with him at America’s Charities (AC) was the most enjoyable 4 working years of my decade in Manhattan. Don is the former President and CEO (retired last year) of this fine organization that now raises over 30 million dollars for 100+ charities in the area of workplace giving. He was the first employee and worked at AC for 22 years.

Working for America’s Charities was my first foray in the non-profit arena and I explored numerous options before deciding to join the AC Team. I couldn’t have made a better choice!

Overall, my colleagues were friendly, caring and capable and the business was fun and expanding rapidly.  Don's leadership never failed to impress me and he led the company in a fair and enjoyable way. In addition, I had a great boss (Edwin) who played a vital role in motivating the sales team and me to do our best. That team and the company in general had strong success during my 4 years.

In my sales role, I learned about philanthropy, met prominent people in the industry and gained a wealth of knowledge on giving in general. That education has been invaluable in running a successful youth basketball program for 6 years in Sweden, inspiring individuals on giving and being a fundraising consultant.

Like most companies, we had our challenging times including the shock that everyone had to deal with on the tragic day of September 11, 2001 - I was in NYC that day. I was proud of how top management, my colleagues, our clients and many of our charities coped with and responded to the aftermath of that horrible tragedy.

One of our clients was in the south tower that morning although thankfully most survived including my primary contact. Sadly, the head of Human Resources (a true hero that day) never made it out as she made sure all employees and guests went first.

My story about what I experienced on 9/11 is at the link below:
(http://gswede-sunday.blogspot.com/2008/09/sept-11-2001-my-view-from-brooklyn-not.html)

Done and Pat flew back to the USA after their Stockholm visit. Sweden was the last stop on a five week European journey. It warms my heart that they made the effort to come see my family. Next time, we hope to visit them on their turf although it probably won’t happen until our young kids are a bit older.

It was a wonderful night! Thanks Don and Pat.

Happy Gswede Sunday!

A view from above in sunny Florida, USA.

Leave the country. That’s what I tell everybody — just go.

The title of this article comes from an interview I read on an online website. It captured my attention because of its frank and bold nature and the fact that I live outside of the USA.

A portion of the interview with Quintin E. Primo III, co-founder and chief executive of Capri Capital Partners is below:

Q. What’s your best career advice to young graduates?

A. Three words: leave the country. Get out of here. That’s what I tell everybody — just go. I don’t care where you go, just go.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/business/01corner.html?emc=eta1)

In addition, I have been thinking for a long time about how to succinctly address our youth in terms of exploring and learning about our world. This advice couldn't be better.

The three points below (from the same interview) on "learning about Islam", "speaking another language" and "getting a broad understanding the world's cultures" are essential for youth in the USA to know:

Q. Because?

A. Because the world is changing. It is no longer acceptable to speak only English if you are 25 and younger. It’s unacceptable. You have little chance of being successful if you speak only one language.

If you don’t understand Islam, you’re in trouble because Islam comprises somewhere between 1.6 billion and 1.8 billion people, and there are markets that are untapped that need to be tapped.

So you’ve got to get out of your front door, get out of the comfort and quiet of your home, and your safety zone, and step into a pool of risk where you have no idea what the outcome is going to be. Out of it all, you will have a much broader understanding of the world’s cultures, and you will have a much clearer idea of how the world perceives our culture, and all the value, and the benefits, and the beauty of our culture.

There is nothing more important. I don’t care where you went to business school. I don’t care whether your grades were good or bad. You have to leave the country.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/business/01corner.html?emc=eta1)

Parents, encourage your children to explore the world even though you may want them to stay in the USA. Chances are that if you give them the wings to fly and live abroad, they will come back to our great country better prepared to tackle our immense challenges - with a kinder and more well-rounded knowledge of our brothers and sisters around the globe.

There aren't many better gifts to give your child than the enthusiastic encouragement to see the world beyond the occasional vacation.

Youth, Just go.

Happy Gswede Sunday!


There are a vast amount of places to explore in our world including the beauty of Sweden in the winter. (Picture by Fredrik)

Vitamin D - Do you get enough? (Most of Us Don't)

I watched a show a few years ago and was shocked at the number of people (especially women) who lacked a sufficient amount of Vitamin D. Many of them had no idea of how important it is and were surprised at their low levels.

Since then, I've made sure to get the proper level of Vitamin D on a yearly basis. It's not that difficult to do if you are aware of it. Recently, I read a good article on the subject - a few paragraphs are below followed by the link.

I implore you to read the full article and make adjustments in your lifestyle if you are Vitamin D deficient. Many of us are so it's worth the effort to check or follow some of the guidance in the article.

As I've said and written many times before, NOTHING is more important in life than our health.

Happy Gswede Sunday!
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Studies indicate that the effects of a vitamin D deficiency include an elevated risk of developing (and dying from) cancers of the colon, breast and prostate; high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease; osteoarthritis; and immune-system abnormalities that can result in infections and autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Most people in the modern world have lifestyles that prevent them from acquiring the levels of vitamin D that evolution intended us to have. The sun’s ultraviolet-B rays absorbed through the skin are the body’s main source of this nutrient. Early humans evolved near the equator, where sun exposure is intense year round, and minimally clothed people spent most of the day outdoors.
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Although more foods today are supplemented with vitamin D, experts say it is rarely possible to consume adequate amounts through foods. The main dietary sources are wild-caught oily fish (salmon, mackerel, bluefish, and canned tuna) and fortified milk and baby formula, cereal and orange juice.

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Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University, a leading expert on vitamin D and author of “The Vitamin D Solution” (Hudson Street Press, 2010), said in an interview, “We want everyone to be above 30 nanograms per milliliter, but currently in the United States, Caucasians average 18 to 22 nanograms and African-Americans average 13 to 15 nanograms.” African-American women are 10 times as likely to have levels at or below 15 nanograms as white women, the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found.

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Given appropriate sun exposure in summer, it is possible to meet the body’s yearlong need for vitamin D. But so many factors influence the rate of vitamin D formation in skin that it is difficult to establish a universal public health recommendation. Asked for a general recommendation, Dr. Holick suggests going outside in summer unprotected by sunscreen (except for the face, which should always be protected) wearing minimal clothing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. two or three times a week for 5 to 10 minutes.

(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/health/27brod.html?src=me&ref=general)

A wonderful view in southern Sweden

"No Phone Zone" while Driving. Will You take the Pledge?

As I was eating lunch one day at home, I caught ten minutes of the Oprah Winfrey Show - a show originally shown this past spring. It couldn't have been a more timely or important portion of the show.

Jerry Seinfeld told the audience that he lost a good friend who was using his phone while driving. That really hit me in the gut as I (and many of you I suspect) am guilty of sending sms's/texts or talking on the phone ín my car. I don't do it when my children are in my vehicle although I do make infrequent use of technology when I am alone.

After Jerry's friend died, he immediately stopped using the phone in the car.

As I have mentioned in previous articles, inspiration comes in many forms and this moment inspired me. I pledge to NOT use any handheld phone while driving (NO text /sms or talking) unless it is a blue tooth device where my hands are free.

Frankly, I feel a bit foolish for doing it in the past as my wife always warned me of the dangers. This was my wake-up call.

Will you join me? I implore you to give it a try or pledge with me OR the next time you get in the car could be your last time.

Below is Oprah's "No Phone Zone Day" mission (link is below).

Happy Gswede Sunday!
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CHICAGO, IL— In a major new push to slow the growing epidemic of distracted driving, Oprah Winfrey and a national and grassroots coalition including traffic safety organizations, law enforcement agencies, federal and state transportation and highway safety offices, advocacy groups and concerned citizens will join forces Friday, April 30, to mark the first ever National No Phone Zone Day and drive home a simple message: Put down the phone when you're behind the wheel.

No Phone Zone Day will be marked with a special live episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, viewing rallies in five major cities, a sponsored public service announcement campaign to run on television, in print and online, messages on outdoor billboards in markets across the country, social media activity and more calling on drivers to make their cars No Phone Zones.
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Putting an end to distracted driving will make America's roads safer for everyone," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. "That's why I want drivers across the country to pledge that their vehicle will be a No Phone Zone. Each day we honor that pledge is a safer day on our roadways. Everyone needs play their part to end this deadly epidemic."
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(http://www.oprah.com/pressroom/The-Oprah-Show-Announces-Events-for-No-Phone-Zone-Day-on-April-30)

A precious friend moment on the beach in Sweden. (picture by Mia)

2010 Video - My Youth Basketball Program

Helping others has been and always will be important to me. It's great to have success in life although the thrill is lessened significantly in my opinion if one doesn't give back to their community, voluteer in some fashion or simply help someone in need.

Being a helping force for mankind doesn't have to be done in grand style - the key is to be consistent with whatever the mission in your heart is. For those who may want to start volunteering or might be looking for ways to make a better impact, I wrote an article (link below) in 2008 called "Giving is More Important than Ever".

(http://gswede-sunday.blogspot.com/2008/12/yes.html)

One of the ways I give back is through my youth basketball program called "The American Basketball Coach in Sweden".  I founded the program in 2005 and we are looking forward to our 7th year in 2011!

This past May we impacted youth (girls and boys) outside of Stockholm in team strategy and individual instruction. It was a great joy to witness how excited these youth were to learn about basketball from a coach (Steve Freeland from Harrisburg, PA) who has a unique way of teaching.

Please take a moment to view our short video which will give you some insight about the program. For donations, you can email George at Gswede@gmail.com.

Let's all strive to continue the good work we do or if you haven't been enlightened on the subject of giving, 2010 could be the year to start. Whatever you do, remember to be consistent as the benefits for everyone involved are much stronger when there is a consistent pattern.

Happy Gswede Sunday!
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2010 "American Basketball Coach in Sweden" - Year 6 Video
(www.Gswede.blogspot.com)

Golf this Summer - "3rd Time is the Charm"

It’s rare when my golf game goes exceedingly well although this summer has surpassed my expectations and impressed a few friends.

My first shot off the tee came in early June at an annual golf tournament by a non-profit organization. There were a few good golfers present but many were people who only play in the summer like me. I played solidly all day and held my composure despite a few poorly played holes. I came in 3rd and kept my score near my handicap the entire day.

The second time around was in a club tournament in southern Sweden with a Swedish friend. The competition was “alternate shot”, meaning that my partner and I alternated shots throughout the day.

We didn’t start strongly but found our mojo around the 4th hole. Lady luck was on our side as my partner hit off the tee most of the time which was fortunate as he's better in that role. We came in 3rd place out of 91 pairs!

The third time found me playing with a Norwegian friend who is typically 10-12 strokes better than me. On this day, I beat him (by 5 strokes) marking the first time that has ever happened.

The conditions were VERY TOUGH with strong and diverse wind gusts all day. While walking the course, it was hard to talk due to the wind and my walking cart blew away on more than one occasion! We both thought the day would be super challenging.

Despite the conditions, my third time out was one of my best scores in years. It included a back nine of 3 consecutive pars on holes 10,11, and 12 and a score of 45 - a great nine hole score for me. And to do it in the aforementioned conditions made me feel good.

To give you an idea of how tough it was, consider these two points:

-- On many holes, when the shot called for an 8 or 9 nine iron approach, it was difficult to reach the green with a 5 or 6 iron!

-- My friend mentioned that these conditions would normally take 10 strokes off of one’s handicap. Indeed. His round was 20 strokes above his handicap.

I wondered why I was able to perform so well the third time when the conditions for my first two rounds were more ideal - sunny, no wind and perfect temperatures. In addition, I warmed up for twenty minutes the first two times and had no warm-up the third time.

Golf is funny that way as some days simply shine for no apparent reason. Maybe my concentration and focus were at a high level due to the wind gusts or I need a challenge to bring out the best in my golf game.

Who knows? What I do know is that is was a great day as any day is for me when it includes 18 holes of golf!

Keep in mind that I would not call myself a good golfer although I am a competent golfer which means that I am confident and competent when I compete with players on my level or higher.

My golf weakness is that I often don’t score well due to some bad habits and lack of practice - something many people can relate to. I hope to improve those habits in the future.

The "3rd time was the charm” - a charm I hope will revisit me sooner rather than later.

Happy Gswede Sunday!

Horses and the beach in southern Sweden - photo by our friend Mia

An Act of Kindness by a Swede

In my experience, it’s rare when an “Act of Kindness” in the form of helping a stranger occurs in Sweden. In my six years here, nothing like the following has ever happened.

Planning to purchase a TV while on vacation, I did all the proper planning - obtained the address and phone number of the store and had my GPS in my car. What I didn’t know was that the store (and area) was brand new so my GPS couldn’t find the street or any other street nearby.

In addition, I was carrying my old phone which didn’t have Internet access so I couldn’t get directions. I wasted at least 30 minutes trying to find the store on my own.

Being a bit frustrated, I stopped at a gas station and focused on spotting a helpful face. I saw a man going to his car and asked him if he knew where the store was. Luckily, he did and I expected him to tell me so I could write down the directions.

Without blinking an eye, he said, “follow me, I will take you there”. I was shocked as no person in Sweden has ever been so pleasant when I needed help and I've asked many questions to strangers, especially in my early years.

He also mentioned that it would take “ten minutes to get there” which would have been difficult for him to explain and for me to absorb.

Never one to question or not take sincere help when offered, I thanked the man and jumped into my car for the short trip. Once at the store, it was clear the man wasn’t headed in that direction as there were only a handful of large and newly built stores. He turned his car around and I gave him a big wave of thanks. He beeped his horn and his kind act was complete. I was grateful for his guidance as I drove quite a distance to visit this store.

Two lessons from the day stuck with me and may help you as well:

-- Always print or write down directions - I usually print directions even though I have GPS just in case the GPS malfunctions. I have never needed the printed directions previously but there is a first time for everything. This was the time I needed them.

-- Help a stranger when you can - How many times have we been asked directions and simply pointed pointed people in the proper or improper direction? I have. Would it really mess up our day if we took an extra 10 minutes to help someone in need?

I’ve walked strangers to their destination on a few occasions although I can remember other times when I didn’t and could have as I had plenty of time to do so. When I have time, I plan to always help from this day forward.

An “Act of Kindness” is a beautiful thing as it is an invaluable tool in bringing mankind closer together, inspiring one another and connecting in a positive manner. Our complex and diverse world needs all the kindness we can provide.

This man’s eager help was a profound moment for me - one that touched me immensely and I will never forget.

As I have mentioned in previous blogs, one of the most precious times in our lives are the small moments we experience.  Make sure to enjoy and learn from them when they occur.

Happy Gswede Sunday!

Photo taken by our friend Mia who is a wonderful photogratpher