Wonderful Inspiration Monica Kaufman Pearson

I attended the Buckhead Business Association's Quarterly Luncheon this afternoon and boy, was I impressed!! I attend the breakfasts now and then and enjoy the speakers there, but this one BLEW - ME - AWAY! Ok - I'm a little more outgoing on a blog, but I actually took notes and got my picture taken with Monica Rosie Lee Jones Kaufman Pearson. I never want to get my picture taken with anyone; something to do with being well-grounded and not getting star struck. I wouldn't say I was star-struck, but do you ever meet someone who just has it all together?! Yeah - doesn't happen often, does it?

When asked how she keeps her youthful (61yrs) outlook and demeanor she says she finds inspiration in the following:

1) keeping in close contact with her 86yr old mom Hattie whom she quoted throughout her speech "Fix it and get on with it" type of attitude; I didn't know that Ms. Pearson had a bout with breast cancer. Had. Look for her book on "Hattie-isms" in 2 years at her retirement.

2) Travel - loves meeting new people

3) Volunteering with children (they don't know her as a celebrity, just a nice woman who comes to read to them)

4) Her Faith - she attends her church and her husband's church every Sunday
and more, but I was listening to raptly to write.

Most importantly she says that the Job isn't everything. Keeping well rounded and happy and giving back to the community is what makes us real. (TOTALLY paraphrasing)

"It's what you do with what you have makes you what you are."

Don't make excuses for yourself or your actions.

Don't do anything you wouldn't want your parents to hear about.

Don't do anything you wouldn't want to see on Action News. LOL.

I took a lot out of her talk as it relates to life. She actually spoke initially on how journalism has come full circle from on-site researching and reporting the "old-fashioned" way to blogging and phone cameras/videos.

She made a distinct clarification between reporters and commentators. Anyone who calls themself a reporter only reports on the facts and leaves opinion out of it. You will never know how Ms. Pearson votes or stands on an issue. The woman actually reported on the KKK (take a look at her picture) in Stone Mountain when she first started in the business!!!!! Always keep in mind that 'commentators' are paid to voice their opinion and that is distinctly different than a 'reporter'.

When she reported on the Inauguration of Mr. Obama, she was criticized for "obviously being a Democrat" and "obviously they would send a black woman", but seriously folks, she's the senior anchor on staff and that's why she was sent. She urged everyone to avoid jumping to conclusions in any news situation because it's too easy to judge. Reporters report.

I guess that's it.

I'm impressed with BBA - BuckheadBusiness.org - and actually I should note that my company created and hosts their website; I project managed it and maintain the coding aspects of it though they have an Exec Director Sharon Silva that does the day-to-day. I think this organization has it all together. I've worked closely with the EBoard and they reallly care to make a difference.

Huzzah!