One is fortunate if, in their lifetime, they master a craft. But what do you say to a person who has mastered the craft of ensuring others become great?
I know a man who, for a lifetime, has realized and activated the potential – the best ever – in nearly every person he’s met. That’s not an exaggeration. He’s mentored thousands, changed the course of businesses, and enhanced (in some cases saved) lives.
My business partner (and likely good friend for many of you), Steve Vannoy, is that person. And today, he’s hanging up that facilitator necktie he never seemed to be able to get in a knot.
The most effective leaders never stop creating change. “Retirement” is only a signal that they’re no longer under contract. Great leaders are often great people; Steve will never retire from making a difference.
We’re grateful for you, partner. Thank you for equipping us with the tools to realize and activate the potential in ourselves – and now others. Thank you for having a vision…and the courage to go for it.
Your legacy grows each time we pause and choose to act from our values, when we wouldn’t have otherwise. Your wisdom is reflected when we opt to be inspired instead of a victim to the circumstances. Your joy and love for humanity is heard each time we’re reminded to sing our song.
Thank you, Steve. From hundreds of thousands of voices, including a chorus of children around the world, thank you.
Steve Vannoy
Have The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children, Stomp the Elephant in the Office or Degrees of Strength made a significant difference in your life and work? Steve’s legacy is in every person whose life is stronger and richer because they believe “people want to be great” and live from Degrees of Strength. If you’re inspired to, please share how these books and Degrees of Strength have impacted you and your life in the comments below.
What I like about Steve’s writing, whichever book we may be talking about, is that his compassion and love for people always come shining through! Steve, thanks for making the world a better place! You’ve been a big inspiration for many years!
The impact that the Pathways to Leadership made on our company can not be measured. We have all changed the way we do business, and the added respect for others in the work-place and in our home lives.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom onto all of us.
My life has been blessed over many years by my friendship with Steve Vannoy, watching him develop his message and then seeing it spread around the world and make such a profound and positive difference in so many lives. And the company and team of people who continue to carry that work forward will provide an ongoing gift to the future. I am grateful for the many ways that Steve has encouraged and supported me, and everyone he touches, to make the most of our gifts and to share them as well. Steve will always shine brightly as an inspiration! All best wishes for the journey ahead!
Steve:
We join Craig in his description of your impact on everyone who has had the opportunity to benefit from your courses. I was fortunate to attend them in Mexico in the last decade.
Thank you both, have a happy ‘retirement’ and keep up the BIG R´s!
Steve, I can not tell you what an impact your books have made on my heart, and the people you surrounded yourself with, Craig, Theresa, Gail, Angie…and many more whose lives you touched who have then touched mine…those fingerprints have been passed along so many life paths and the seeds that were planted will go on into many, many future generations to grow and spread out into the world. The truths you shared have allowed me to make choices in my new year and I go now, stronger than I ever imagined possible. Thank you so very much for putting your heart out there!
Steve, in a short period of time, your impact on me and my friends/colleagues has been great and for that, I thank you greatly. As per your “retirement” this is not good-bye, but until we meet again. Best of luck in your future endeavours.
Anyone who has demonstrated the ability to unlock the potential of people can never retire – he just passes on that mantle and focus to someone else to pursue his vision.
We are all capable of being great – that is what I have taken from Steve- great vision – great man.
Thanks Steve, and all at the Verus team, for helping me to see the world a little differently. I feel happier when I remember that people want to be great – at home with my family, at work with my co-workers – and the lessons learned through your tools have helped me see myself in degrees of strength, too. I am human! I am fallible! But I also want to be great, and thanks to Verus I’m a little closer every day. THANK YOU for all you have done!
Nicely said, Craig. Steve’s unique ability to make us each feel special and remarkable is something I hope to carry forward in my relationships.
From Steve, I learned to hold still and honor moments that allow you to make even stronger relationships. Whether it be with someone I see daily or may only encounter a single time in my life. It’s made a remarkable difference.
Thanks Mr. Vannoy. The class I took from you was a unique one. Never had such a kind of class and your training/delivery was awesome. You helped me see things differently and build better relationships. Thanks!!
All the best in the retirement.
YO Steve Baby! Thank you for the inspiration you gave me in both your writings and teaching.
You will continue to inspire for years to come.
Enjoy the next chapter!
Steve may ride off into the sunset, the great news is that upon the next day’s sunrise he will continue to be accessible with his curiosity and passion to motivate for me. Yes that is selfish, yet i never anticipate that Steve will exclusively be interrogator. He has a life link with Barb and with all those places and people where he brings the joy of who he is. Play on Steve, let us know when music is recorded and available.
Thank You Steve for all of your insight and inspiration. Best wishes to you in your retirement, good leaders never retire. Your words of wisdom have helped me in my daily job duties. Thanks. Mark
Steve, just want to say thank you. The pathways program and “10 greatest gifts…” have made a significant difference in my life.