How are we going to do this?…

This is a lofty goal for me.

You see, I’m really an introvert. My wife, Barbara (aka “Boo”) is the extrovert of our relationship.

Yes.

You read that right, Boo… that’s my name for her, and now, for others as well. (If you see her, ask to see her necklace. 😊)

You see, being extrovert comes naturally to Boo.

She’s FBI after all… full-blooded Italian. Ha!

(Now you understand the “Buongiorno“ greeting above, don’t ya’?)

With big hair (“the taller the hair the closer to God,” she says) and a big vibrant personality (you the know the type—the kinda’ person that everyone notices when they walk in a room), talking with people and making friends is easy for Boo.

They say opposites attract and I am the living proof of that statement. I’m a proud introvert—give me a book over a party any day! I'll be on my way to a quiet room before you can even say “come back!” But, when I'm with my close friends and inner circle, that’s a different story.

The two words that best describe me would be an Optimistic Stoic.

“What the heck does that mean?” you might be asking yourself. 🤔  

Well, I might come off as a bit ”direct” or even “as-a-matter-of-fact” sometimes. My mind most often operates in very logical, clear-cut, and black and white terms. Perfect for my profession(!), but I’m also not afraid to explore the shades of grey when logic says it's okay, and offer creative solutions from an unconventional and optimistic lens.

Imagine having the brain of a Vulcan—all logical and composed, but in my heart, I have the positive nature and creativity of a Tigger! Sometimes, this super optimism can be a bit too much for people, but that's just who I am.

Now, I know what you're thinking…

Tigger meets Vulcan? 🐯🖖

That's an odd combo!

But that’s exactly what you’ll get with Procurement Leadership.

Similar to Paconius Agrippinus’ teachings as written by Greek stoic philosopher Epictetus,

I want to be like the red thread.

And in the words of Tigger (T-I-double guh-er!),

“It’s a dangerous path I bounce…If you hit a bush or a tree you’ll fall, so do your best to avoid them all. It’s gonna be great!”

Guess what? If you're ready for something a bit different from your usual procurement vids, you’re in the right place!

With Procurement Leadership, expect a bit of eccentricity, perhaps some dry humor, and plenty of insightful lessons that'll satisfy both your fun and logical sides!

So, despite being an introvert and an Optimistic Stoic, stepping out of my comfort zone for Procurement Leadership is another one of my commitments to serve others.

And, even though this is a stretch for me, and putting myself out there on “Front Street” will certainly create some discomfort and vulnerability for me (being the introverted Optimistic Stoic that I am), I know that serving others through Procurement Leadership will erase any negative thoughts or emotions or criticisms on the already anticipated climb up “Cringe Mountain.” IYKYK. Yikes!

I am ready to make this leap of faith.

To quote a poem by Patrick Overton from The Leaning Tree: Poems,

"When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen; there will be something solid to stand on, or you'll be taught to fly."

Let’s do this!