It seems like yesterday. I was thinking, “Don’t trip down the stairs in front of all of these people” as I prepared to walk my 6-foot-7-inch frame down the steep stairs in Paul Brown Stadium to accept my Forty Under 40 award.

Since then my third child was born; the first African American president was elected to the White House; the king of pop, Michael Jackson, passed away; and General Motors filed for bankruptcy. We are in a period of uncertainty, but this is the time where leaders come to the forefront.

I once heard a great quote: “Smart people learn from their own mistakes, yet wise people learn from the mistakes of others.” Our generation of young leaders must continue to learn from our predecessors in hopes of creating more opportunity and prosperity for ourselves and our future generations.

So, the question you ask is, “How do we do this?” Well, it starts with the right attitude and commitment. Will you join a board or committee to help out your community, or will you just leave the office early and go play golf? Will you join a board or committee just for personal exposure and to pad your résumé, or will you roll up your sleeves and help find the solutions needed for that organization to be successful?

After winning the Forty Under 40, I realized the importance of integrating the success of my business into the betterment of my community. It is amazing the way the two play off one another.

Last year, I was fortunate to be a judge for the awards. After reviewing the entries from hundreds of applicants, I was extremely impressed with their successes. However, the professionals who made my top 40 not only were peak performers in their respective fields, but they also applied that success toward the betterment of their community through their direct personal involvement, as well as with their checkbooks.

At my company, Spectrum Inc., our team is very involved in helping the communities in which we work and live. For instance, I dedicate a significant chunk of my time and resources to serving on boards and committees of charitable, educational and religious institutions. One such board is A Kid Again, www.akidagain.org (formerly Adventures for Wish Kids). It enriches the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses (and their families).

One thing I would caution is to not spread yourself too thin. This was made apparent to me in a recent conversation with my wife. She said she is proud of the work I do in the community, “but the kids and I love you, too.” Having spent 13 years with this wonderful woman, I knew that translated to, “Don’t forget that you need to carve out time for just the kids and me.” The message came across.

We are in uncertain times. More than ever, though, opportunities are out there. The world always has room for those who march a few steps ahead of the crowd.

 

McCracken is a member of the 2007 class of Forty Under 40 and serves on the boards of A Kid Again, Cumberland University, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and Mason United Methodist Church.