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Say It Skillfully® OUR VOICES – Curtis Martin, My Deal with God
Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 110 is the 19th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. In hearing the life journeys of people you might not otherwise encounter, listeners gain empathetic understanding for what may be a very different experience of what it means to grow up, go to school, struggle, work and live in our world. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. In Episode 110, Molly is joined by NFL Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin, who talks about pivotal people and moments in his life and career and how they shaped him. Curtis shares what it was like growing up in one of the most violent neighborhoods in the country, inside an even more volatile household with a mentally unstable father who was abusive toward his mother. By the time Curtis was 20, nearly 40 of his friends and relatives had been murdered, including his beloved grandmother. He talks of looking death in the eyes more than once, and believes his life was spared by a miracle (one involving a direct plea to God.) He’s open about how he used this trauma as fuel to turn his life around and how it gave him an ability to see outside of himself and put himself in other people's shoes to help them change their lives. While his NFL coach, Bill Parsells, was literally the 1st positive role model he ever had, he also recounts a not-so-positive coaching experience that changed his life's trajectory! You may be surprised to hear how football was NOT a passion…and what it took for Curtis to realize why football came into his life. He shares the one word that captures his essence, and an off-the-charts example of how he uses this to serve others. (35:40) There are SO MANY gems in Curtis and Molly’s conversation; here's just a small sampling: 1) Don’t let yourself be defined by the traumatic events you’ve experienced, the environment you come from, or how other people view you. 2) Face every problem in your life head on. (29:34) 3) From his coach, Bill Parsells: There’s a difference between routine and commitment—you have to be truly committed to something to take it to the next level. To this day, Curtis applies this principle to all facets of his life. 4) A leader shouldn’t sit on the mountain top yelling down commands—they must join the group in the valley and lead them out by example. 5) Walking in forgiveness is Curtis’ superpower! (1:05:25). Don’t miss Curtis speak poignantly about his role as husband and father (1:01:50). Curtis demonstrates what it means to live one’s values, find your true north and inspire others to do the same. Molly’s thought for the week (Thank you, Curtis :) When change is necessary, not to change is destructive.