The Risk-takers, Doers and Makers of Things

Having seen a bit of this country, I know that not everyone was thrilled today with Obama taking office. But even his opponents have said what an incredible speaker he is, and, for me, it's a relief to have a President who actually sounds like a President.

But more than his oratory style, I find substance in what he says. In particular:

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

This is sums up so much of my frustration with my industry and business culture. When I talk about tools, or doing things half-way, it's not the tools, or even that I feel we should be working all the time -- it's that valuable work is hard. If you're truly creating value, you're taking the risks, you're fighting for something, and you're not taking the easy path just because it is there.

The brilliant work Conquent alumni have produced over the years may not be glamorous, and it may not have the eye of the media, but the work we have done has saved lives, created wealth, and has been rewarding it its own way simply for creating something never seen before, and knowing that the work couldn't have been done without the teamwork that made it happen.

I have seen too much effort wasted over the years by the soloist, whether the rogue programmer or independent business owner. The idea that 'I know better' and that the easy path will work has led to failure time after time.

Conquent is celebrating it's 10th anniversary this year. It hasn't been easy, it hasn't been handed to anyone, and the work continues to change and grow as the company does. It is our own small team of risk-takers, doers and makers of things that has shared the dream, learned new things, and prospered because of it.