Each of us carves out our own path as we travel along the road of life. According to author Ron Hume, a recent headshot client of mine, some key highlights of his journey have involved financial loss as well as gain, an exciting and rewarding life in business and, finally, the discovery of true happiness. Here, a bit more of his story …
Born in Toronto, Ron, was shy, dyslexic, and not at all athletic or academic. He did poorly at school and left before graduating. Life was challenging for him and he struggled for a time – until he found a job in the world of publishing with McGraw Hill.
Working in the promotions department, he discovered he was an entrepreneur at heart, with an ability to ‘connect the dots’ and ‘make things happen.’ He had found his calling. Within a decade, he had published a book that reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and had risen to become a group VP.
When he came up with a publishing idea of his own and McGraw Hill showed no interest, Ron left the company and created his own business. Thus was born a self-study program on successful investing and financial management, which went on to be wildly successful – some 2 million people signed up each year for the next 10 years.
During that period, Ron also founded a highly profitable mutual fund. He was flying high – until the stock market crashed in 1987. This led to a considerable loss of income and some challenging years yet again. However, in his 70’s and with a strong belief in giving to others and living each day fully, Ron met his soulmate, the woman of his dreams, and found – in his words – true happiness.
When COVID hit, Ron, by now in his mid 80’s, found time on his hands and decided to write a memoir. His wife, a skilled editor, taught him how to write and edited his manuscript. His book, complete with headshot image on its cover, will be out in the fall of this year.
When I asked Ron what advice he would give his ‘younger self at the beginning of his career’, he answered: Believe in yourself; partner with the right people; and, when you make mistakes, recognize it, learn from them and move on.
He’s become a huge believer in living a mindful life – in living in the moment, being aware of everything around him, appreciating all the good in his world, the wonderful, rich friendships he has, and soaking in and enjoying every experience.
What’s next on Ron’s agenda? That, I don’t know, but I can’t imagine that there isn’t another project to come …
“I am part of all that I have met.”
Alfred Lord Tennyson