19. What are the one or two peak experiences that set you on the path you’re on today?
I have always had pretty good fortune and also generous mentors. I was always able to take on a mentor. Relationships with lots of people can be thin, but my hard work and passion in my life have been seen by mentors. Mentors gave me the confidence to grow as a human. Being back in Nevada County has given me a second relationship with my family and community. Also having kids is transformative.
20. As you look back over your life what would you do differently?
I guess being more conscious about what I was going to be. I was fortunate about what I acted upon, but I never really consciously thought about the goals of my life. I have always had a love for natural history, and maybe I missed the boat a bit by not heading in that direction. I am a little cautious, but it’s hard when you have a family dependent on an income. I don’t feel stuck, but if I did it again, I would have made significant decisions differently—or at least more conscientiously—rather than allowing life to happen on its own.
21. The three characteristics most often associated with sage leadership are unusual experience, sound judgment, and wisdom. What does having wisdom mean to you?
Wisdom is based on life experience and not accepting information without vetting it against a good rich life, value to others, and humility.
22. You probably know other individuals who have emerging sage leadership talents and skills but are not currently involved in the public life of our community. Why do you believe they choose to be uninvolved? What might be done to encourage their involvement?
I know a lot of people with financial means who are not involved. That is frustrating, but I try not to place judgment. What I know is that people need to come to it on their own. People like us put a good face on it and act as an example. I interviewed a colleague, and what he said stuck with me: So many people have earned so much from this community but do not give back equally. Why not say “thank you” by being more philanthropic?
23. One final question: It is often said that the quality of life in our community is highly attractive and unusual. Do you believe this to be true? (If yes): What are the three or four things about our community that you most value and make you want to continue living here?
It’s incredible. I appreciate the breath of the arts that are here, the natural beauty, and the variety of people. My wife says, “The people in Nevada County are the most diverse group of white people you can ever know.” It’s true. We are 40 minutes away from the best the Sierra has to offer, skiing in the mountains, rivers to fish in. But, you have to be pretty entrepreneurial to exist here. Financial survival has always been the history of this place, which means you can’t come here and expect it to be given to you. The history of the hard rock miners is infused in our persona.
24. Is there anything else you’d like to say or ask as we close?
No – I’m good.
______________
Other essays in this issue of Sage:
Histories of the 50 Emerging Sage Leaders:
Histories of the 50 Senior Sage Leaders:
Peak Life Experiences: The Beginning of Emerging Sage Leadership:
Peak Life Experiences: The Beginning of Senior Sage Leadership:
Interview Profile of Senior Sage Leader Barbara Thomas
Download Article 1K Club
