Doing the Prep – Bringing the Positive Vibe!
‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of ‘how we show up’ and in effect, create our destiny!'
How we show up really matters. In fact, it makes all the difference. There’s the famous Woody Allen line – ‘showing up is ninety percent of success.’ And that’s sort of right. But the truth is that it’s not just that you ‘show up,’ – it’s HOW you show up. Whether it’s to a business meeting, a family occasion or just meeting somebody on the street – you need to show up and bring a positive vibe. An expectation that good things are going to happen; a warmth and an openness to possibilities; and if it’s going to be a productive meeting, preparation can make all the difference.
In our daily interactions, whether with friends, colleagues, or even strangers, the way we show up profoundly influences the outcomes of those encounters. Our attitudes, energy, and overall vibe create the backdrop for our interactions, shaping not just our experiences but also how others perceive and respond to us. By being prepared and maintaining an openness to possibilities while exuding warmth and support, we pave the way for meaningful connections and endless opportunities.
Consider a casual gathering with friends. When you show up exuding excitement and positivity, it sets the tone for the entire group. For example, imagine a friend entering a party with a radiant smile, full of enthusiasm to share stories and engage with others. This energy invites the group to relax, open up, and engage in deeper conversations. On the contrary, if another person arrives feeling disengaged or distracted, the atmosphere can shift—dampening spirits and curtailing interaction among friends. Our energy is contagious; the more positive our demeanor, the more we draw others into the experience.
In professional settings, the attitude we bring into meetings can significantly impact outcomes. Picture an important team meeting where ideas are being pitched. A colleague who walks in with confidence and a sense of possibility can inspire creativity and collaboration. If that individual approaches problems with a solution-oriented mindset and is genuinely supportive of others' contributions, it encourages team members to feel valued and empowered to share their own ideas. On the other hand, a negative or dismissive attitude can stifle creativity, leading to unproductive discussions and missed opportunities.
Another setting where our presence matters is during community service events. When volunteers come together to support a cause, those who bring a positive vibe and an open heart can transform the entire experience. For instance, if a volunteer approaches the task with enthusiasm, engaging with both the community members and fellow volunteers, it fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity. This energy not only motivates others to contribute wholeheartedly but also enhances the impact of the service being provided. Conversely, a lackluster attitude can create a divide, making the experience feel like a chore rather than a collective effort towards positive change.
Ultimately, the way we show up in any interaction significantly shapes our experiences and relationships. By cultivating a positive attitude, being open to possibilities, and extending warmth to those around us, we create fertile ground for connections to flourish. Whether at a casual gathering, in a professional environment, or during community service, individuals can resonate with the idea that our energy leads to transformative experiences. As we embrace positivity and intentionality in our presence, we unlock endless possibilities for connection, collaboration, and growth.
"Showing Up: How Three Individuals Serve and Strengthen the Manchester Community"
In Manchester, NH, where the strength of the community is often measured by the willingness of its members to step up and serve, Simon Rouillard, Richard “Dick” Lavalliere, and Sylvio Dupuis exemplify what it means to "show up." They didn’t wait for the spotlight or recognition; instead, they saw needs, both large and small, and took action. Whether through leadership, preservation, or simple acts of service, these three individuals have made their mark (and continue to do so) on the city by being present and engaged. Their participation in various organizations and efforts proves that showing up, time and time again, can make all the difference.
Simon Rouillard: A Young Leader Who Shows Up for His Faith and Community
At just 17 years old, Simon Rouillard embodies a remarkable sense of duty. As a rising senior at Holy Family Academy, Simon doesn’t merely observe problems—he steps in to address them. Whether it’s through his involvement in the Guild of St. Tarcisius, his leadership role in the Saint Vincent de Paul Club, or managing the school’s snack store as Treasurer, Simon consistently shows up to help his peers and school community thrive.
His commitment is even more profound in his service to Ste. Marie Parish, where he has been an altar server since his First Communion. Now as a Master Server #2, Simon is present for daily Mass, taking on readings, and filling in wherever needed. He shows up not because it is easy, but because it matters. He also finds time to serve his neighbors by mowing lawns and helping the elderly. Simon's ability to see where he can contribute and step forward reflects his deep-seated belief in living a life of faith and service. He doesn’t just aspire to leadership—he practices it in every area of his life, showing up for his community, his faith, and his family.
Richard "Dick" Lavalliere: Showing Up to Preserve Heritage and Strengthen Community
Dick Lavalliere, a successful businessman and generous philanthropist, has demonstrated that showing up can preserve a community's legacy. When Manchester’s Franco-American collection was in danger of being lost in 2008, Dick didn’t wait for someone else to act—he stepped in, rallying support to save the cultural treasures from liquidation. His vision ensured that the artifacts found a permanent home in the Special Collections department at St. Anselm College, preserving the rich Franco-American history of the city.
Lavalliere’s involvement didn’t stop there. Recognizing a need to support the future of Ste. Marie Parish, Dick has been instrumental in driving innovative fundraising strategies for the Ste. Marie Endowment Fund. His consistent presence in the faith community and his ability to think creatively about solutions have helped secure long-term support for parish initiatives. In both business and philanthropy, Dick Lavalliere shows that simply participating—seeing a need and responding to it—can yield lasting benefits for generations to come.
Sylvio Dupuis: A Life Devoted to Showing Up for Manchester
Sylvio Dupuis is a man whose lifelong commitment to service has left an indelible mark on Manchester. As a former mayor, he didn’t just lead the city; he helped save one of its cultural icons, the Palace Theater. When the theater was on the brink of closing, Dupuis showed up, working tirelessly to restore and preserve this vital piece of Manchester's history. Thanks to his efforts, the Palace Theater remains a thriving hub for arts and culture in the city today.
Beyond his role as mayor, Dupuis served as the Director of Health and Human Services for the state of New Hampshire, where he oversaw critical healthcare and social services for the state’s most vulnerable populations. His leadership extended to numerous boards, where he guided organizations in education, healthcare, and public service. As the founding CEO of Catholic Medical Center, Dupuis showed up for the healthcare needs of Manchester, ensuring that the community had access to high-quality care.
Dupuis' influence continues through his role as trustee emeritus of the Ste. Marie Endowment Fund, where his guidance has helped secure the financial future of the parish and its initiatives. His lifetime of service demonstrates that showing up—in roles large and small—can profoundly shape a community. Whether saving historic landmarks, improving healthcare, or leading civic organizations, Sylvio Dupuis exemplifies how stepping up and being present can transform a city for the better.
The Power of Showing Up: How These Three Individuals Strengthened Manchester
What unites Simon Rouillard, Dick Lavalliere, and Sylvio Dupuis is not just their success, but the way they each chose to "show up" in the moments that mattered most. From saving cultural treasures, to fostering youth leadership, to guiding essential community funds, these individuals saw needs and took action. Their involvement in various organizations, from religious communities to civic causes, wasn’t just participation—it was presence with purpose.
By showing up consistently, they each played a crucial role in shaping the future of Manchester’s faith community and preserving its unique heritage. In their own ways, they answered the call, proving that sometimes the most impactful way to serve is simply by being present, paying attention, and stepping up when it counts. Through their actions, they demonstrate that service isn’t just about grand gestures but about consistently showing up—whether it's for a Sunday Mass, a community fundraiser, or to preserve a cultural legacy—and inspiring others to do the same.
On Oct 17th all three of the above received the prestigious Monsignor Pierre Hevey Award at the Palace Theatre. This award is for excellence in faith in community and church – recognition for ‘stepping up’!
"How You Show Up: The Key to Success in Every Aspect of Life"
“How you do anything is how you do everything, at least to some degree.” You may recall that we spoke about Brian Klemmer in last week’s Positive Profile. This was one of his favorite quotes. It’s a great reminder that ties into the notion that you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. If you show up late to a job interview, the hiring manager may assume you’re likely to show up late to work if you get hired. If you slouch, don’t make eye contact, and have a bad attitude during the interview, you’re not building a strong case for why you should be put in the corner office.
How do you show up in life? And I don’t simply mean physically. If someone were asked about their experience with you, what would their answer be? When we show up with the right attitude, the right plans, equipped mentally, physically, and emotionally—in every way possible—people take notice. When we don’t, well, they take notice of that too.
A great quote I heard on the golf course years ago really drives this point home. I was having a terrible day at the course, and after making several bad shots, I went back to my golf bag, rummaging through it to find the right club. A far more experienced golfer I was with looked at me and said, “If you didn’t bring it with you, you’re not going to find it here.” He wasn’t referring to the clubs; he meant that the skill, confidence and attitude needed to improve my game wasn’t going to magically appear. I took advice – went back to the driving range, paid for a couple lessons, watched some videos, and got better at the game.
Even the best golfers—or the best people at whatever they do—will have a bad day now and then. It usually becomes evident right from the beginning. A day can start out good or bad, based on how you show up.
Another well-worn quote is, “Wherever you go, there you are.” When you show up somewhere, who is it that’s showing up? Well, you are, of course. The essence of who you are as a person is who shows up.
Many years ago, I heard the District Manager of a retail giant coached coaching his employees. He said, “Perception is reality,” meaning that even if something wasn’t actually true, if people perceived it to be true, that was their reality.
And here’s a very compelling story from Jon Morton, of the Sunshine Initiative, that illustrates the vastly different outcomes that can result depending upoon‘how you show up’:
“I was walking around my house—two houses ago—with a real estate agent who was going to help me sell it. She had helped me buy the house 10 years earlier. Besides showing up late, she brought another agent with her. “Oh, he’s new, and I’m training him. I figured you wouldn’t mind.” Then she didn’t seem to pay attention to the details of upgrades I had done, such as hardwood floors and quartz countertops. That “how you do anything” quote was yelling at me. She emailed me a number for what she thought would be the right selling price. How did she show up? Late, assuming, not paying attention, and hungry to make a quick sale without an attitude of concern.
I went with another real estate agent, who showed up on time, professionally, complimenting the great features of the home and really listening to my thoughts, giving me constructive feedback. She sold the house for twenty-six percent more than the first agent had planned. This second agent went on to sell many other properties and built an office with junior agents whom she trained to show up the way she does.”
There’s another old quote that says showing up is half the battle. But it takes on a different meaning when you say showing up is only half the battle—you still have to make the sale. Either way, I really like Simon Sinek’s take on showing up: “Instead of showing up to let everyone know how great we are, show up to find out how great everyone else is.” That’s a truly great way to show up!
Positive Profile of the Week: The Power of Showing Up: Mike Ricker’s Impact on the Community and Beyond
This week we are delighted to highlight a positive spirit in the Granite State who truly knows how to show up - Mike Ricker.
Mike is a Manchester, NH business owner and the driving force behind ‘Insure New England,” and is making a significant impact on both the local community and the state at large. His company is not just about providing insurance; it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and creating a better future for New Hampshire residents. Through his leadership, Ricker and Insure New England have shown a strong commitment to supporting local causes, helping to strengthen the social fabric of the community. Whether through sponsorship of youth sports, charitable events, or direct community outreach, Ricker’s presence in the city has been one of active engagement.
One of the key ways that Insure New England stands out is by not just providing services but also supporting initiatives that uplift the local population. This includes partnering with local nonprofits, contributing to educational initiatives, and participating in community events. Ricker understands that to build a thriving business, it is essential to invest in the people who make up the community. His approach is built on the belief that businesses have a social responsibility to step up and help solve the challenges their communities face.
The example set by Ricker and his company is a testament to the importance of “showing up” when it matters most. As the famous quote by author and speaker Woody Allen goes, “Ninety percent of success is showing up.” This statement underscores the critical role that engagement plays in fostering positive change. Ricker and Insure New England embody this philosophy by consistently being present—whether it’s supporting local endeavors, addressing community concerns, or simply being there when needed most.
Communities thrive when individuals and businesses take an active role in their well-being. Without local engagement, positive change stalls, and the potential for growth is limited. By taking ownership of their role in the community, individuals and businesses like Ricker’s are helping to create a ripple effect that leads to lasting, positive changes in Manchester and beyond.
You can find him on the internet at https://www.insurenewengland.com/team/ or stop by his office in the beautiful Beacon Building at 814 Elm. You’ll notice his office right away because he always has some holiday themed decorations adding a fun element because that’s the kind of guy he is!
Quote of the Week: How You Show Up!
“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.”
— John C. Maxwell
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