Guard your reputation with your goddamn life.

Looking ahead, don’t overthink your cousin’s birthday party coming up like, now.

She is 16 today, she was 15 this day last year, she will be 17 next year, and 18 the year after.

Soon she will go to college. Her brother, who you remember as a baby, is now a young man.

The subject of COVID came up. The Sweet Sixteen that could have been.

Now everyone is looking at their phones to avoid discussing this awkward conversation topic.

Principal Charies K Ross, he started as principal my freshman year at Edison High, he even called my cousin for her birthday.

I am so thankful he started managing my high school the year I started as a freshman. His reputation, as far as I care, is terrific.

A good reputation takes a lifetime to build, but a moment to lose.

Consider the former Enron President and CEO, Jeffrey Skilling. BS from Southern Methodist University, Harvard Business School, McKinsey partner, 35 counts insider trading.

For every illustrious Harvard alumni, there is a notorious one.

The same can be said for any reputable school or company.

Your school or your workplace cannot protect your reputation. You have to guard it yourself.

ACTION POINT: Guard your reputation with your goddamn life.