Daily Inspiration: Meet Ron Hammond

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Hammond.

Hi Ron, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a native of Virginia and studied Economics at George Mason University, just outside of Washington, DC. After graduation from College, I began a career in Corporate Finance, working in the Information Technology Industry. I held various finance-related roles, and ultimately ended up managing Finance teams that provided financial support to large internal organizations. It was an incredibly challenging and rewarding career, and I really enjoyed the pace and the scope of the work that I was performing. Unfortunately, I ended up losing a role that I was working in, and that forced me to rethink my strategy of what I wanted to do going forward, at least in the short term. I’m pretty observant, and for quite some time prior to my job loss, I was taking notice of how people are interacting with one another today. Most of us can probably agree that it’s not so great. I truly believe that there are many factors that contribute to this phenomenon, but Social Media Platforms are top of mind. They provide an easy avenue for many of the negative interactions that we’re experiencing today.

It’s much easier to make bold, assertive, and sometimes untrue statements when you can hide behind a phone or a computer screen. Eventually, these negative interactions make their way into the real world and the consequences are catastrophic to how we relate to one another. While I don’t use social media as a medium for these types of interactions, I began to take stock of how I’m showing up in the world for other people. I asked myself if I was compassionate and empathetic if I was using Integrity as the backbone of how I conducted myself, and most importantly if I was sharing my love with those that were already in my life, as well as those people that I met every day in my normal comings and goings. After some reflection, I realized that I had some work to do, and I set out to make a personal change.

My book, Live Your Humanity, is a compendium of how I was able to change the course of my life for the better. The results have been awesome, and I’m excited to share with everyone how I was able to do this for myself.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were many days that I would sit down to write and the words wouldn’t come forward. I stared at many blank screens many times, sometimes for hours on end, where nothing happened. Eventually, the words would show up, and I would be off on a good writing stretch.

I established a relationship with another author who told me that the writing was the fun part and the editing was a challenge. He was so right! I had a great editor for my book who I am very grateful for, and he got me back on track when I felt like everything was on fire. My advice to anyone considering a book is to get an editor and take their advice. They’re priceless when it comes to the entire process.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Over the past year, I’ve been spending significant time marketing my book. I’ve been invited to Podcast, Video, and Magazine interviews, and I’m so grateful for the coverage. At this time, I’m tossing an idea around for a second book, which is to be determined at this point.

What matters most to you? Why?
I can remember a time when what mattered most to me was my career. Looking back, I realize how short-sighted that may have been. Part of the reflection that I embarked upon before writing my book involved writing my obituary in my mind. I asked myself how I wanted to be remembered.

That type of reflection is challenging because it forces you to think about how other people perceive you, which can be very uncomfortable. There’s a great saying from Maya Angelou that says that people will forget what you said, but will never forget how you made them feel. That’s a guiding force for how I want to conduct myself going forward – it’s important to be front and center for others and to treat them with respect, kindness, and dignity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ronhammond.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldlhammond/