As you and @dcawrey say, when people use their natural intelligence, drive, and determination for good vs. criminal acts it's amazing what they can accomplish. When you think about how the penal system has evolved from being a way to punish and isolate those who have commited crimes to a system that, for the most part, tries to rehabilitate people to become useful members of society, it's interesting to see how Santos used technology to help him develop his business and business plan. Really, without social media it would have been a greater challenge to get word out about his transformation.
This guy's story is inspiring and again shows that the power of your attitude is the most important element to you success. If you let things get to you, then you will be affected adversly. On the flipside, if you don't let your attitude get in the way the possibilities are limitless, despite being in prison as this example shows.
Prison should be a transformative experience. If one doesn't change their ways while incarcerated, then jail is a revolving door. Some of the skills that one gains while leading a life of crime (the ability to manage and motivate others, accounting skills, etc.), could be useful in legitimate business enterprises. The trick is how to turn "time" into "transformation."
Read today about The Gavel Club, an affiliate of Toastmasters, that works with people in prison on things like public speaking and presentation skills. Toastmasters has worked with convicts for a while; one article referenced its work in New York back in 2007, for example. This type of organization and assistance should help motivated ex-felons adapt more easily once they leave confinement, benefiting the individuals and society.
Wow, have to agree with @Alison, @MagneticNorth -- you really hit on an important lesson. Maybe Progressive should replace Flo with you!
Should stress that Santos is certainly an exceptional person. A lot of others would have given up on themselves. So I'm pretty sure only exceptional brands could follow his example.
That's a great point, @magneticnorth. I hadn't thought of this from a PR perspective -- thinking of it more from a CIO or CEO POV -- but you're right, it's a great way to consider how organizations and individuals can respond to the occasional (hopefully) and inevitable (unfortunately) bad things that happen, through bad decisions or bad luck. Santos confesses to making many bad choices in the early part of his life. But rather than falling back into crime upon his release, he is using technology and social media to create a new career and life for himself and his family.
That level of transparency helped me immensely. It showed others that I was willing to work hard to earn their trust, and I invited them to hold me accountable.
How I wish companies would learn this! After a PR disaster, it helps to be more candid, more human. Confidentiality matters but if withholding information is just a matter of pride, it pays to take a step down for a while and admit to a mistake. In the end, despite the mistake, the public trusts you more.
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