Short on-camera interview at JFK airport between Robin Sharma and NYC taxi driver James Delphons. Robin praises James’s attitude and cleanliness; James explains his philosophy of treating people well, self-respect shown through dressing neatly, and the view that anyone can lead without a title. His core advice: love yourself so you can love others.
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Well, I'm here at JFK in one of my favorite cities, New York City. And I want to introduce you to someone right here who actually drove me into LaGuardia. What's your name, my friend?
My name is James Delphons.
James. And is it okay if I videotape you to share your message and this interview with my seminar participants and my viewers on the website?
No problem.
Fantastic. So, you know, first of all, I got in your car and your attitude was amazing. Your cab is so clean. And we started talking, obviously we started connecting. And so I just want to ask you a few questions. First of all, what is your philosophy around treating people and the way you work?
Oh, my philosophy is that when you treat people nice, usually people treat you nice in return. That's. That's most of the time that's the case. And I experience that.
And you seem to believe in excellence. Your car is clean. Even I notice you have a crisp white shirt. Most cabbies don't. Don't go to these, you know, so much trouble to do this. Why do you do this?
I find that it's self respect. This is a job that I do. It's nice that I dress nice, and that's representable. I represent myself. So I work. I expect that I'm here. I provide people some good service. It's not a dirty job. So I thought I dress nice the same way. Like if I go and work for somebody else, they may say, okay, they expect me to work, dress a certain way, so I dress this way.
And do you think you influence people by your attitude and your commitment to accidents?
Absolutely. I find that when people get in my car and then I start with positive attitude, I get a positive attitude in return.
And I have a very simple message which is, you don't need a title to be a leader. Anyone can show leadership because leadership is about innovation, having a great attitude, great customer service, and ultimately taking personal responsibility to create results. What do you think of that idea? You don't need a title to be a leader.
Absolutely. I totally agree. It's your philosophy. It's what you believe in.
Give me one piece of advice for our viewers, please.
I think the good thing in life is to love yourself. Love yourself. That's the best, number one thing. Once you love yourself, then you can love other people around you. The best thing is love.
Pleasure to meet you. It's been great being in your cab.
