Kathy, Jeffrey Bland's executive assistant for 15 years, runs through a Top 10 list of why she's built for the job: speed-reading, constant requests, travel, unpredictable situations. She closes with a genuine tribute to his authenticity and leadership.
15 years.
May 11, 2011.
"between 1 and 2000 words per minute."
6 million air miles.
Hello, and welcome to the world of Dr. Jeffrey Bland. From the perspective of his executive assistant for the past 15 years, I wasn't quite sure how to approach answering the question, what's it like to work for Jeff Bland? After thinking long and hard on this question, I decided I'm going to give you the top 10 reasons only I am crazy enough to be Jep Land's executive assistant. Here we go. Number 10. I am the other woman. Jeff has a lovely wife, Susan, who would like to spend as much time with him as the rest of the world does. Number nine. Everybody wants Jeff present for their meetings. Everybody. Sometimes I feel like Solomon. Jeff took the Evelyn woods speed reading course in the early 80s. He reads between 1 and 2000 words per minute. He reads faster than I drive. Jeff speaks almost as fast as he reads, and he makes up words and they make sense. I'm so grateful he only speaks one language. Number six, there should be an award for being able to type dictation over the phone while Jeff is talking, which, I'm not kidding, he frequently does with me when he's on the road. Put on your headset, Kathy. Are you ready? Jeff says yes to every request he receives. Speaking engagements, article requests, party invitations, meetings. Unfortunately, he hasn't quite mastered the phrase, but let me confirm with Kathy. Jeff likes to tell people he has 6 million air miles. Who do you think does his expense reports? Think about it. Number three, how to explain to Verizon why Jeff needs a new cell phone without telling him he dropped his in the commode. Number two, describe my job in four words. How about an octopus on roller skates? And number one, the number one reason only I am crazy enough to be Jeff Land's executive assistant. Get comfy with chaos, my friend. You're working for the Billy Graham of functional medicine. Okay, that was fun, but now I'd like to be a little more sincere. Jeff is no doubt an amazing human being and someone that none of us have ever encountered anyone quite like him. Being unique for him, however, is truly an incredible gift for all of us and the rest of the world. Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities. Of the many remarkable aspects of Jeff's character, there are two at the top of the list. One, his authenticity and his genuineness. Jeff truly walks the walk of what you see is what you get. There is absolutely nothing false or insincere about Jeff, and I can validate that from my heart and 2. Under the worst circumstances, Jeff will always see the good in someone. Leaders stand out by the nature of their commitment and the integrity of their character. After 15 years together, I am especially proud to say that I have become a better person by working for Jeff and even more proud of the team that we make. So congratulations, boss, on this lifetime achievement award. However, I think, in the words of Al Pacino, you're just getting warmed up.
