From Krakow to Munich: Second Chances & New Beginnings - Bridge from Experience to Innovation ~via Alex Romanovich
I have known Alex Romanovich since 2003 when we met via Dean Theodore when I was doing some consulting work at Bertelsmann. We connected immediately, but our business relationship and friendship truly blossomed in 2008 after we both became early stalwart members of Pete Krainik's newly launched The CMO Club... and began seeing each other regularly at Pete's Club dinners.
What a wonderful post heading into the new year... Thank You Alex. /Ted
As my plane touched down after my recent trip (September 2023) to Krakow, Poland, and Munich, Germany, I felt overwhelming gratitude and inspiration. These cities embody how the "old" can harmoniously coexist with the "new" — much like the symphony of our lives.
The Timeless Essence of Krakow - Walking through the cobblestone streets of Krakow, the air was thick with history. Grand cathedrals stand as pillars of wisdom, much like us in the later stages of our careers or life. The city reminded me that knowledge and experience are eternal; they never age. As my feet traced the outlines of history along Krakow's ancient streets, the city whispered tales of years gone by. Krakow embodied the richness of the past, a treasure trove of wisdom and patience. And this is what prepares us for our "2nd Chance."
Have you ever felt like you missed the boat, that your 'prime' is behind you? I've been there. The truth is that numbers are meaningless, but experience is the compass that makes those numbers valuable. You may not realize this, but you are ripe for a "2nd Chance," armed with years of contacts, hard-earned wisdom, and relationships built on trust.
The race is long; it's only with yourself towards the end. Ever felt like you're running out of steam? Here's the secret—when you think you can't go on, the winds of fortune fill your sails again, propelling you forward. That's your "2nd Wind." It's the universe whispering, "You've got more to give, achieve, and inspire."
Fast-forward to Munich — a city pulsating with the vigor of innovation and progress. Sleek trains, modern skyscrapers, and a youthful spirit. The atmosphere was electric with possibility, much like the aura of a startup teeming with ambition. It struck me then: Munich is the epitome of a world hurtling towards the future, a canvas painted with the colors of progress. Our 'Munich" is a landscape of innovation. Here, I realized that for all its rush, the world still needs the steady hands of experience to guide it.
My journey from Krakow to Munich was a beautiful metaphor for the "2nd Wind" life often grants us. You're not too old to catch this Wind; your years of nurturing contacts, amassing knowledge, and fostering relationships have prepared you for this moment.
You might think that these two cities are worlds apart, that experience and innovation can't harmonize. But that's where the beauty lies. Just as Krakow's well-preserved monuments can sit under the same sky as Munich's towering modern edifices, so can our years of experience coexist and synergize with today's innovations. Imagine your decades of contacts and relationships as the cobblestones of Krakow—each stone laid with care and endurance. Now, think of the speed of Munich's trains as the pace of today's digital and AI world—the power of advancement fuels each train. Combining your 'Krakow'—your hard-earned experience, contacts, and wisdom—with the 'Munich' of today's opportunities, you unlock an incredible force of harmony. Your Krakow becomes the bedrock upon which Munich's trains speed forward. In this synergy, wisdom steers progress, and progress invigorates wisdom. The balance is poetic.
Passing the Baton - But remember, this isn't just your journey. It's also about those who will follow in your footsteps. Your "Second Wind" is also the breeze, propelling the next generation forward. The businesses you build, the ideas you nurture, and the wisdom you share are your legacy. By embracing your '2nd Chance,' you're elevating yourself and lifting others on your rising tide. Plant seeds in the fertile minds of those eager to grow but unsure of where to start. Watch as your influence takes root, blooming for generations to come.
So, as I sit here, post-journey, recounting the enlightening warm September days spent in the magnetic fields of Krakow's history and Munich's innovation, I see a message as clear as day. You, who are standing at the intersection of new beginnings, have the power to be the bridge between the old and the new. Your age is not a stopwatch on your life or career but a ticket to your second act. Take it. The show is far from over, and the world awaits your encore.
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." (Abe Lincoln)
Here's to embracing our 2nd Chance and catching that elusive 2nd Wind. The world isn't just waiting for the young to sprint ahead and for the wise to guide the way.
