"My description of myself, whether I'm the CEO of a very competitive industry or whether I happen to fly aerobatics in airplanes, it's all one package. I mean, it's the personality that comes through in my business and my personal life." -Steve Appleton 1960-2012
Steve Appleton said that in response to concerns raised after his first airplane crash in 2004.
According to news media this week, "That crash left some wondering if the CEO was taking too many risks, considering he is head of a major corporation."
Critics described Appleton as a risk taker; allies described him in equal terms. Business partners depended upon that quality.
Risk is defined as both a noun and a verb: exposure to the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance; to venture upon; take or run the chance of.
When we became parents we took on a role as guardians, to protect our children and to help them avoid the chance of injury or loss. As a parent, it's difficult to watch my children grow and take chances. In light of Steve Appleton's fatal airplane crash Friday morning, it might be natural to hug our children closer to us and encourage them to become more risk averse.
On this same Friday my oldest child's teacher invited us to an author's party. The kids all took turns reading their writing out loud in front of their peers and their peers' parents. They were taking a risk and they will become better students because of it.
Steve Appleton knew the risks of stunt flying and experimental planes. Appleton had already been in one plane crash and knew our time on earth is not infinite. As we are all born, so shall we all die. Appleton made a choice to either go quietly or go doing something he loved.
Before we create a bubble around our most precious cargo, let's be sure of one thing: the risks they take today under our watchful, measured eyes can provide them with lifelong memories and experiences that make them better students and people. Let's provide them with the opportunities to take risks because risks are still okay. Risk taking builds companies and countries alike. Risks change the world.
Go forth and ride bikes on the Greenbelt, read poems in front a group, ride a horse, volunteer. For all the parents: take a risk and join us for the Supplemental Levy Whitney Night on the Phone Banks! Hug your kids and live life. Enjoy being here just because you can.
