Food for thought…

“Mom, uncle told me everyone on this planet has a purpose. Can you help me find my purpose?”

My seven-year-old had just given me the task of a lifetime while exiting the La Jolla Farmer’s Market this past Sunday. His level of emotional intelligence got me thinking. How can I help him find his true calling? How do I explain he has the power inside to create positive impact on the lives of others? Whether it is on stage making millions laugh, designing sustainable communities, or running his own social club, my son has the ability to touch lives if he follows one simple rule—Community Before Self. So that night I revisited my new personal guide, the recent autobiography of Malin Burnham.

Community Before Self, Seventy Years of Making Waves is all about finding one’s purpose well before retirement. It is absolutely fascinating learning with each chapter, how one man has made such a huge impact on shaping our city and our region. It takes one person to ignite a movement, one person to seed a vision—and the person who has been the mastermind and drive for our city is Malin Burnham. And he will be the first to say, he didn’t do it alone.

While some might choose to read tales of The Princess Bride or Harry Potter to their children at night, I will reach for Malin’s stories of adventure, civic engagement, and life lessons. His book has inspired me and hopefully others to put community before self. His message is to start now, start early. And the opportunities on the Mesa and in our border region are endless.

The following quote from page 159 gets me choked up every time. This man is a visionary and believes in our collective vision coined right here on the Mesa.

One of the great things about living and working in a large city like San Diego is that there is no shortage of smart, successful people who want to pay back some of their good luck and are willing to pitch in to help when asked. Thirty years ago, when future California Governor Pete Wilson was our mayor, he labeled San Diego “America’s Finest City.” I still agree with the moniker, though I think it has become a bit stale. These days I’m stumping for a more ambitious description: “The Miracle Coast,” running from Baja California to Santa Monica. After all, think of all the miracles we have performed here in recent year—from genome sequencing to the world’s leadership in drones to great new companies like Qualcomm—as well as a superb quality of life, a vibrant relationship with the nation next door, and an urban infrastructure of unmatched quality. What other city can boast all that?

San Diego is emerging as a world leader, not only in biotech and wireless, but in its philanthropic endeavors and cross-border partnerships. Our children are growing up in a city that will be recognized worldwide for its collaboration and compassion. There is a shift for our youth to become entrepreneurs—to move from job seekers to job creators. Perhaps Leonardo’s generation will take it one step further and become social entrepreneurs—changing the focus from the dollar to social currency.

Just Mesa'n around…

Scientists came out of the woodworks Wednesday for Postdoc Open Mic Night at the BellaV to listen to one of our region’s fearless leaders in science and innovation, Mr. Diego Miralles. Miralles left his post as site head of Janssen (J&J) and JHI earlier this year to start his own venture. “Now I am back in the wild,” Miralles jokes. And while several have called him crazy for leaving the comfort of such a prestigious position and company, Miralles shares: “Uncertainty is one of the currencies of life in the startup sector.” He’s like our Shakespeare of science!

Postdocs and industry leaders were hanging on his every word, soaking up advice. Several attending that night are hoping for the chance to work with the local great. Others from the biotech industry have said they would leave their companies in a heartbeat for the opportunity to work with him as their leader. Miralles is held in the highest esteem up here on the Mesa.

Later that evening, a dear friend teared up when talking about his time working as a scientist at SALK. Sitting next to a great like Crick in the cafeteria, this now social butterfly once lacked the courage to engage in conversation with one of the greatest minds on the Mesa. To this day, he still regrets it. Miralles’ last words during his five minute talk: “I’m delighted to be a resource to the community.” We have brilliant minds and leaders all around us on this Mesa. Don’t be shy. They are here to help. They are here to mentor. So go sit by them.

Event of the season…

Symphony at SALK
August 20, 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
We are loving these hot August nights. And what better way to enjoy this weekend than at one of the Mesa’s classiest events of the year. Symphony at SALK is nothing short of glorious! Mingle with our city’s top scientists and philanthropists, then dine under the stars while listening to this year’s headliner, Tony Award Winner Kelli O’Hara

Tags: Blogs, Life on the Mesa