If you’re anything like me, you know the car is a great place to do some thinking. I turn off my music or podcasts and just listen to the thrum of wheels over asphalt. It’s a rare moment of peace.
On a recent trip down the highway, I was mulling over the question I posed to several folks in the industry: Could you tell me about a person in the industry you admire? What do they do or what have they done that makes you think highly of them?
I know it’s a tough question. It’s hard to single someone out when you might have several answers. Or there’s the worry of offending someone by leaving them out. So, I appreciate everyone who answered. You can see their responses here: Industry Admiration: Bedding Leaders Share Their Respect.
Many of them listed people I admire, too. And those I don’t know, I genuinely look forward to meeting, knowing that they’ve garnered the respect of people I like and enjoy.
What makes someone worthy of admiration? Admiration is defined as “respect and warm approval.” I’ll add two synonyms I like because they encompass both ends of the spectrum: reverence and fondness.
Some responders cited character strengths. Others noted contributions to the industry. Both are exceptionally valuable.
I admire so many people in this industry. Some for their intelligence, some for their business acumen and some for their kindness — or all three at once. Every time a news release pops into my email that shares companies and people who are making a difference in their communities, my esteem ratchets up a notch. When Hurricane Helene devastated the western part of North Carolina, I was impressed by those who jumped in to help, such as Kingsdown’s president and CEO Frank Hood, piloting his plane to deliver 100,000 units of insulin the company purchased. I’m sure there are more that do good works but don’t necessarily let others know. My hat is off to them.
I am thankful to be a part of an industry that has so many wonderful, smart, caring people — people I enjoy seeing at markets or at conferences, such as the ISPA Industry Conference next month. If you haven’t made plans to attend, it’s not too late. I’d love to see you there.
In this month of Valentine’s and Galentine’s (and whatever else you want to celebrate), I hope you’ll take time and think about the people in this industry you admire. I’d love to keep the appreciation flowing. If you have someone you’d like to tell us about, email me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
