Last Friday I interviewed my dad.
And I can say that it was one of the live interviews that gave me the most pleasure.
Before the interview, I had told my colleagues that I would not prepare anything for this interview.
This is because I am very biased.
Having already had the opportunity to know my family history well (before I was born), I could run the risk of leading the conversation.
And that was something I didn't want to do, because I wanted it to be an episode with the spontaneity and fun that so characterizes our podcast.
And what an amazing episode it was.
We had the opportunity to hear a little of my father's life story, which was full of adventures, challenges and stories whose lessons are worthy of a book (he didn't even tell 5%).
We talked about his perspective on business, building teams, and knowing when to continue or stop on a particular project.
Then we had what was my favorite part of the interview.
At the end of the interview, we talked about the challenges of raising a family while building a business, the unconventional upbringing style my parents gave us (I have a brother and sister) and the concerns successful people have, about leaving their heritage to their children.
And it was my favorite part because we had the opportunity to talk openly about topics that are usually taboo in families, which it doesn't have to be.
When there is love, respect and openness, you can talk about any topic. Even the most "difficult" ones.
It was certainly an episode that will go down in history, at least for me. It is not every day that you have the pleasure of interviewing your parents.
Which leads me to make you a challenge.
Interview your parents and grandparents and record it.
You don't have to publish it on the Internet if you don't want to, it can stay just for you and your family.
Years later, these interviews will become real relics and will mark the history of your family.
If you want to see the interview, you can click here.
If you want to see an interview I did with my father in 2019, click here.
One of the lessons my father taught me was that the person who controls a conversation, is not the one who gives the answers, but the one who asks the questions.
And that has stuck in my mind.
In recent years, I have gained a special liking for asking questions.
Not to feel in control of a conversation, but because I am, above all, a highly curious person about everything.
And that curiosity led me to realize that I could help more people by asking questions than by giving answers.
I confess that sometimes my friends say that I ask too many questions. 😅
Asking questions leads to interesting conversations.
Asking unfamiliar people questions leads to very interesting conversations.
Asking "difficult" questions leads to unexpected answers.
Simply because you had the courage to ask a question and the humility to listen to the answer.
🙂
Let me give you two final tips:
1) When you are asking questions, avoid justifying the question or trying to give context. Simply ask the question.
2) After you ask the question, SHUT UP. As long as it takes. Total silence. This applies for everything (especially in negotiations).
When was the last time you gave without expecting something in return? (Doing charity doesn't count 😉)
When you give and expect something in return, the act of giving becomes a transaction.
But when you give and expect nothing, it is a genuine feeling of happiness.
This is because if you don't expect anything, you will hardly be disappointed with what may come, so the positives outweigh the negatives.
And that's a little bit what we have been feeling in this experience we have been having with our MeC Tribe.
People united with a purpose to create a legacy greater than themselves.
People who give without expecting something in return.
The simple act of helping someone is payment enough.
And over the years, I have come to confirm that the more I give, the more I get.
Big hug from your friend Jorge.
🥕🥕