Jack Nicklaus - April 7, 2009

Today will be one of those moments that you will remember for a lifetime," Head of School Robert Goldberg told the upper school student body assembled in the Healey Athletic Complex gymnasium the morning of April 7th to hear the wisdom of legendary golfer Mr. Jack Nicklaus - the inaugural speaker in the newly established Leadership Speaker Series.  "Thanks to the efforts of Board of Trustees President Dan Stanton and the directorship of Co-Dean of College Counseling Kristen Learner, this Leadership Speaker Series is now underway. We are honored and excited to have such a distinguished individual as Mr. Nicklaus as our featured speaker who has been extremely involved in our local community and with The Benjamin School since its formative days."

"One aspect of becoming a leader is being inspired from other accomplished leaders," explained Mr. Stanton as he described to the audience of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors the purpose of the Leadership Speaker Series. "Beginning today and each year after in the Upper School, you will have the opportunity to hear from a few of the great achievers. As we move forward with our speaker series, you will hear from leaders in the fields of business, finance, politics, science, education, medicine, athletics, and the arts. Today, it is my privilege to introduce you to Mr. Jack Nicklaus."

The Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Century who has captured 18 major golf championships throughout his professional career, as well as the recipient of the Presidential Honor of Freedom, thanked Mr. Stanton for his  introductory comments  and  outlined  five  principles of  leadership that have guided him throughout his professional career.

 

        (1) You have to be able to lead yourself before you can lead others.

        (2) Preparation is a key to success.

        (3) Leaders learn from other leaders.

        (4) Establish the right priorities in your life.

        (5) Find what you love. Find what you are passionate about. Follow your dream.

Mr. Nicklaus shared several instances of how he adopted his leadership principles to choices he has made in professional tournaments, practice rounds, and career and life decisions.  "I've always felt it's important to maintain a positive attitude, believe in yourself, visualize where you want to be, and prepare through repetition," said Mr. Nicklaus.

Mr. Nicklaus emphasized the magnitude and value of family in his life success.  "My wife, Barbara, is a wonderful woman," declared Mr. Nicklaus.  Together, the couple has a long history of involvement in a variety of charitable activities for youth, from junior golf programs, scholarship foundations, children's hospitals,  and the five-county area  Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, which supports numerous pediatric health-care services in South Florida.  Mr. and Mrs. Nicklaus will be honored in June with the 2009 National Pathfinder Award that annually recognizes individuals for their contributions and dedication to youth.

"All of our children were students here at Benjamin, and now, many of our grandchildren," said Mr. Nicklaus. "Barbara and I have been involved with the school for a long time. When the kids had an important game and I had a tournament out of town, I would play the tournament, fly home in time to watch the Bucs game, then return to finish the tournament. I wouldn't miss the game. Family is what matters most." 

For Jack Nicklaus, a leader by example, life truly is, all about passion, priorities, and dreams.