Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Summer is a great time to go back to our roots. Like ours, a lot of families take vacations to familiar locales where they have established memories…whether it’s a beach, a cabin or a creek where the fishing is almost legendary.

It’s important to remember where you come from. And it’s a good reminder of the road you’ve traveled to get to this point in your life…and renew the direction you’re headed.

I grew up in L.A. Going back brings a flood of memories. It also inspires me. We didn’t have a lot growing up. My mom, one of my personal heroes, worked three jobs, including at the Los Angeles Times, to support us.

That motivates me to this day to work hard to support my family…to thank my mom often…and to help other families who I see who face the same struggles.

Sometimes, we get to take it “full circle,” to give back to the people and places that have given us so much. My recent trip to Chonburi, Thailand reminded me of that too.

XanGo traces its roots to southeast Asia and Thailand, home of the mangosteen, the Queen of Fruits. We source the world’s most delicious fruit there and we take our leaders there every year to celebrate the culture that helped us create a new category of nutrition products.

On my recent trip to Thailand with Operation Smile we brought medical treatment to many children and families in need. It was a spiritual experience. I continue to be humbled and inspired spending time with the families and the children we serve through the XanGo Goodness Foundation.

And it’s a reminder of the importance of taking it the “full circle.” Remember where you’ve come from. Remember who helped you along the way. And remember to say thank you…and say it often.

For those of you who know me, picturing me snoozing in a sleeping bag under a canvas ceiling may be a bit of a stretch. That image may even provoke a chuckle or two.

It’s no secret that I’m particular about my surroundings. I like a certain order to my environment…to my life at that. That preference is often challenged in a frenzied business travel schedule. And it’s downright discarded when I spend a few days camping like I did last week with my son and 14 of his friends–troop 847 of the Boy Scouts of America.

And, though I have to adjust to the grit of “roughing it,” I can still appreciate the experience of stepping out of my comfort zone, particularly to be reminded of what teamwork looks like when you’re literally on the ground.

From the moment we arrived at camp last week, the scouts were in charge. They knew where to set up camp, how to pitch the tents and what the schedule would be until we broke camp at the end of the week.

Yes, there was a schedule. Our kids ran the show. And the slate of activities included gathering wood for fire, checking supply lists and deadlines for each merit badge, service project, game or meal..

Our kids not only had the schedule, they knew how to get it done.

“Dad, hold this spike in place while I tie the other end of the tent.”

“No, that kind of branch won’t work for the campfire, dad. You have to get this kind of branch.”

“Fill this pudgy pie with cherries, dad, and hold it over the campfire.”

Pudgy pies? They handed me two long spatula-looking pans and showed me where to sit. I plugged into my BlackBerry browser to get the scoop on pudgy pies. No signal. No worries. The 12-year-old next to me is already explaining how to fill it and cook it over the fire without burning it. “We don’t waste any filling, so be sure to watch the time and pull it when it’s ready.” Perfectly explained.

Watching and listening to all of the direction and tips really wowed me…and made me smile. I was so proud…here were the boys that we meet with every week in scout meetings applying their skills and learning to get things done.  The boys made it all look so easy. Their instruction was easy to follow. Told with such patience. Clear and concise.

Every one of them had a role, knew it and did the job. If a tent pole fell, a scout passing by picked it up and tied it down. If the wood was too heavy to carry, two scouts were there in a second, helping their fellow troop member get it from point A to point B.   Newly cleared camp grounds in our area and Class A Scout Uniforms warn during all Scout Flag Ceremonies made for one award that few scouts ever see: the White Buffalo Award.

We ate three meals a day under the sun and stars. And we closed each day next to the burning embers of a camp fire telling stories.  I marveled at the experiences and perspectives our scouts were expressing. Who knew?!!

As I crawled into the tent Friday night my son was already fast asleep. I slipped into my sleeping bag…on the ground, in a tent…and started thinking about how proud I am of the young man my son is becoming….how good it felt to step away from the laptops and mobile phones for a week…and how I am a better persona for the experiences I was able to enjoy throughout the week.

Just then, my son awoke, unzipped his sleeping bag, crawled over to the tent entrance and pulled the zipper closed on the netting.

“Gotta be sure the tent is sealed all the way, dad, or the mosquitoes will eat us alive.”

Oh yes…and making sure to cover all the bases…and help someone out if they miss a step.

Aaron Garrity shares deep stuggles in his life and in the story of XanGo at XanGo Thrive 2010 in Las Vegas that could have led to dispair, yet through leadership and hope led to new records that were shattered. It is always the darkest before the dawn.

As a leader, you can choose success. You can choose light over darkness. Choose light and rally your team to greatness.

Over the years I have featured a brand wall in my office—a list of Category Creators…FIRST to markets…market definers. Companies like Coca Cola, Disney, Harley Davidson, Aston Martin, Tiffany’s, Google, Apple, Virgin, MTV and others (even the Beatles) have made it to my wall. Each has a hero…someone who loved the brand, who loved the company and who sought to reward those who would do the same.

Over the next several months I will share some thoughts on some of these companies…the stories, the leaders, the risks, the rewards, the triumphs and the heartache. Here’s the first. Enjoy.

Sir Richard Branson never seems to sleep. For him (and his empire), that’s a good thing. Whether he’s creating a new insurance company or launching the first business class spaceship, Branson is the consummate entrepreneur of our day. His latest initiative, PitchTV, levels an often impossible mountain for starting businesses down to an even playing field.

Running on full throttle is nothing new to Branson. Born on July 18th, 1950 Branson quickly learned to use his ability to connect with people to overcome his mild dyslexia. At the age of 16 he launched his first successful business, a magazine he published called Student. In the 70’s he opened up a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, which paved the way for him to open Virgin Atlantic Airways in the 80’s and continue to expand the Virgin Records music label into the 90’s.

In addition to his many entrepreneurial successes Branson is also well known for his humanitarian efforts. Heavily influenced by Nelson Mandela, Branson was able to help launch “The Elders,” a group of leaders who objectively solve global issues. Virgin Unite continues to lead the way in fundraising for charities and recently Branson began to seek innovate efforts to promote corporate environmental responsibility with former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales, and Google’s Larry Page.

World record holder, titan of industry, generous philanthropist and innovative genius, one would think that Richard Branson would desire a well deserved rest on Necker Island, his 74-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands. But with Virgin’s new foray into the healthcare sector with Assura Medical, Virgin Galactic’s soon to be launched spaceship the VSS Enterprise and the newly launched PitchTV, rest does not seem to be on Branson’s mind.

According to his recent blog, Richard Branson is ready to once more change the face of corporate business. PitchTV allows budding entrepreneurs to upload a 2-minute video in which they pitch their business idea. The best of these videos will then be shown on Virgin Atlantic’s in-flight entertainment systems. Hundreds of business professional that regularly frequent these flights will be able to view the pitches, obtain contact information for the ideas that stand out to them, and possibly help these ideas become reality.

Branson writes on his blog, “When I was starting out, I wish I could have had the chance to pitch my business ideas directly to people who could make my ambitions a reality. We can now make that happen for you.”

While the idea of allowing beginning entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to possible investors is not new, Branson takes this concept to a viral level allowing anyone with a great idea and a webcam to broadcast to hundreds of possible investors. Writes Branson on his blog, “who knows – among the viewers might be someone with the power to bring your idea to life.”

In our current corporate climate where downsizing and cut backs are the norm Branson has brilliantly expanded the potential for expansion and innovation in the marketplace. PitchTV just being one of many initiatives he is pursuing, not the least of which is trying to launch the aforementioned spaceship.

This tireless pursuit has served him well in the past and will continue to keep him as the industry leader in the future. While many visionaries try and fail, Branson has time and time again refused to quit and seemingly refused to rest. New idea upon new innovation has been a constant thread in Branson’s life stretching back to his early days in school connecting with people and publishing a magazine.

Sir Richard Branson never seems to sleep…and the global business landscape, emerging entrepreneurs and the world’s dreamers are all the better for it.

Richard Branson photo credit: David Shankbone

With the screening process finished, the Operation Smile surgeries began today in Chonburi, Thailand. What a day. Nearly 30 operations took place, from cleft palates and lips to facial reconstructions to the removal of tumors, the surgeons and support staff (all donating of their time and talents) worked miracles in the lives of these children in such desperate need.

One by one these professionals entered their work zones for the day. Looking at our XanGo staff and Distributors, they made it a point to thank the entire organization for its willingness to carry through on this mission at such a critical time.

Unfortunately, much of the world has steered clear of Thailand in recent months due to political unrest.

As Operation Smile Executive Director Christina Krause said, “This was not a scheduled mission for Operation Smile this year. Had it not been for XanGo, this never would have happened.” I hope you can all feel a little responsibility for making this mission happen, as well as a little joy from the invaluable change that it’s bringing into whole families’ lives.

To watch these surgeons—contenders for life—work miracles during these operations was amazing. They have such confidence… knowing what to do and how to do it. The phrase that sprung to mind was “healers of men and women.” Their work is really no different from the successes at XanGo. It is a humbling thought to consider the many lives that have been healed along the way as our XanGo Distributors have worked so tirelessly. I am blessed to be a witness as healing perpetuates healing and success breeds success. What a wonderful way to live.

Wade Hooton, director of the Western States for Operation Smile, ended the day with a story from one of his first missions to Nairobi. There he met a little girl named Lucena. She was born with a cleft lip and palate, and she spent most of her childhood looking at the ground… ashamed to have her face seen. In her home country, her name literally means “mistake.”

Undoubtedly her name was a testament to the shame both she and here parents felt they were forced to carry. But all of that changed one day when an Operation Smile mission came her way. Hope replaced grief and eyes streaming with tears transformed into a smile that brings smiles to all she looks upon.

There is no doubt in my mind that tomorrow, when these little ones awake from the night’s sleep, they will awake with a smile and (more importantly) a light that beams from their very souls. And it will happen because others chose to care about helping someone they didn’t even know existed until now—all of us here in Thailand have witnessed it.

And the only thing that needs to be said is, “Bring out the next 30.”

Hugs,

Aaron

Every now and then I catch myself in a thought of how I love to be a father. My parents were divorced when I was just one, so during my young age I grew up as many do…in a single parent home.

Only now do I cherish the moments when I step back and see what a wonderful blessing parents can be to a child—especially when both are in the home and actively engaged in the development of that child.

As many of you know, XANGO’s roots are in Thailand—the home of the mangosteen fruit. It’s no wonder that we seek to return here often with distributors and employees alike for company events and charitable missions.

We are on such a mission this week as XANGO hosts over a hundred surgeries with Operation Smile. After a long day at the hospital, the XANGO and Operation Smile attendees took a detour to a local orphanage: Baan Jing Jai Children’s Home. Most of these children lost their parents in sickness or accident. Others were abandoned. Nearly 100 strong these boys and girls show a resilient spirit…and they all proudly display a beautiful Thai smile.

Though these children find themselves without parents, they are not without love. They are cared for by four tireless women who tend to the children’s needs with limited support from the government. The rest?…they depend on the good acts of others. And on days like today…the love and kindness comes forth from those they didn’t even know existed: champions of happiness.

When contacted, the orphanage had a very humble request: four ceiling fans, shampoo, conditioner and soap. That all. Not only was that and more provided, but the cheerfulness adorned as foreign suitcases were opened and toys, stuffed animals, colors and coloring books, reading and writing materials and a whole lot more were poured out a plenty.

To think how wonderful the world could be if every child could grow up in a home with loving parents. Until that dream is achieved there is something each one of us can do to make life just a little sweeter.

Hugs,

Aaron

Do you remember when you were a child?  Waking up on your birthday or a holiday with anticipation to open presents was an unrivaled thrill.  Yet, that excitement faded once the presents were opened.

As we matured, we started to learn that “getting” was a fleeting experience.   By contrast, “giving” brings its own anticipation followed by long-lasting fulfillment.  The lesson learned?  Giving is better than receiving.

This month, I am preparing for a trip to Thailand.   After I spend time with some of our top distributor leaders at our annual Discovery Club trip, I’ll head to Chonburi, Thailand with the Operation Smile team.  We’ll spend a week working to provide multiple surgeries to children of the farmers who harvest mangosteen fruit for XanGo Juice.

Anyone who knows the XanGo story knows that giving is part of our company DNA.  We’ve supported causes for children and families around the world since the day we founded the company.  We knew that to achieve true success – lasting success – we needed to be a company that would lead with the heart, giving back to worthy causes.

Yet, today, I’m going to write about what the experience has given me personally.  I can tell you that I’ve been inspired and humbled by being part of the work in our global philanthropic program.

And I can tell you, without doubt, that giving can be an amazing part of your comeback…part of your resurgence in life.  I was taught as a child that if ever I was feeling unhappy…those feelings would go away if I did something nice for someone else.

Revered writer and poet Kahlil Gibran tells us: “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

It’s one thing for XanGo to write checks to charitable causes.  We should give back.  Many successful companies do.  It’s another thing to block out time on your calendar, roll up your sleeves and get involved.  I love how XanGo nation has embraced this very concept…at all levels.

As I prepare for Thailand, I feel excited and reflective and I even feel some pretty big butterflies.  This trip will be difficult.  We’re heading to a place where we will confront a “need” that is a powerful reminder of how lucky many of us are.

I’ll spend part of my week working at an orphanage where many of the children never had a chance to even be held by their mothers.  As I write this post on Mother’s Day, that thought seems especially hard to grasp.  I’ll get to work with the doctors of Operation Smile as they perform surgeries in children born with a cleft palate, a painful and debilitating condition.  Did you know each year more than 200,000 mothers give birth to a child with the cleft lip or cleft palate?

Every time I make a trip like this, I come home even more grateful for my children and their good health.  I’m even more grateful for my wife and my mom.  I feel especially humbled to be so blessed.  I’m grateful to work with such tremendous souls who make it a core part of their business practice to raise funds for work like this.

And I’m especially grateful for the people I meet…the children, the parents, the doctors and the organizers of these expeditions…people who have come through tremendous challenges to represent strength, goodness and hope against all odds.

For me, giving has been a reminder of where I’ve come from and the road I’ve chosen in life.  It’s been an affirmation that reminds me, especially on those days when business is a grind or I’m waging a personal battle, to take a deep breath and put things in perspective.

Giving is a privilege and, yes, it’s a sacrifice.

For many of you who continue to trudge through some monumental life challenges, giving can be a game-changer.  You don’t have to go all the way to Thailand to do it.  There are needs in your community where your talents, your passions and your drive can serve a significant cause.

There are local causes that need your help.  Whether you’re making phone calls, organizing events, delivering care packages or even just talking to those who don’t have someone to talk to…there is something you can do to serve.  By doing so you’ll be reminded of all that you have to offer.

While the doctors are performing surgeries in Thailand, I’ll again be sterilizing their tools and serving patient needs.  I’ll be a nurse’s aide.  And, in that challenging environment, I will again be reminded of how little actions can make a big difference.

I’ll be sharing some of these experiences here on my blog, so check back often.  I welcome your thoughts and support in this journey.

And, perhaps you’ll consider the role giving can play in your comeback.  Giving gives back in such unexpected ways.

Do you listen as often as you should? Really listen? When was the last time to listened to yourself and appreciated the value of your own thoughts and reflections?

Too many of us are caught up in the mad rush of the Digital Age. We don’t listen, we text. We post on Facebook and scan the comments. We nod our heads when someone is talking while thinking about what we have to get done this afternoon. We pay to hear someone speak, then whisper back-and-forth with the person next to us. We attend important meetings and engage instead with our Blackberries. Many consider listening an endangered skill.

Yes, listening is an art. And listening can be a tremendous asset to your comeback.

Anne Mulcahy tells a great comeback story. She was the president of the other X. Not XanGo. Xerox.

In the year 2000, Xerox was on top of the world. The company was growing and profitable. The future was rosy.

Yet, in late 1999, Xerox’s circuits were getting overloaded. The company had tried to grow too fast. The world economy weakened. Competition for Xerox stiffened. And Xerox had to admit to decisions Anne Mulcahy called “not so good.”

You ever do that?

Inside Xerox they called it the perfect storm. By May, 2000 they were in deep trouble. To hear Anne tell it, “revenue and profits were declining. Cash on hand was shrinking. Debt was mounting. Customers were irate. Employees were defecting. Shareholders saw the market collapsing. “ Chaos.

It was then, that Anne was appointed president and chief operating officer. Congratulations captain, now pilot us through the perfect storm.

Xerox was on its way to a $273 million annual loss. And that’s after a considerable investment in becoming a “computer company.” At one point an overwhelmed Mulcahy pulled her car off to the side of the road and let the traffic pass by. “I don’t know what to do,” she said. “I don’t know what to do.”

Ever feel like that? All of us have.

Anne pulled herself together and got back to work. Xerox got humble in a hurry. They spent time with customers. Time with employees. Time with industry experts.

And how did Xerox turn it around? They listened! Xerox’s prospects and customers led the way. They told Xerox how they would re-engage, what they liked and what they wanted to see change.

And all of that listening helped achieve a miracle for Xerox. The next year they dramatically cut their losses. In a few short years, Xerox doubled its equity, increased earnings, fattened bank accounts and started buying back its stock. Now, it earns billions by being the kind of business it is supposed to be…and continuing to listen.

Listening is a great investment. Each one of us could all be a lot more successful if we would listen. Listening saves careers, companies and even marriages.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote, “It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.”

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In this series of blog posts, we’re discussing stories and elements of real-life comebacks from leaders and rising stars around the world. I welcome you to join the discussion by adding your comments or email me with your comeback stories.

Comeback stories serve as encouraging reminders that it can be done. Comebacks build nations, companies, careers and legacies.

This past February when the New Orleans Saints won the Superbowl, America and fans around the world weren’t just cheering for the team…we were all rooting on a city…a place that fought off the floodwaters and rose from horrific tragedy.

The Saints rose the Lombardi trophy months ago, yet the city of New Orleans continues its comeback.

American author Louis L’Amour wrote: “There will come a time when you believe that everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning.”

One of my personal heroes, Walt Disney, came back from 3 bankruptcies to revolutionalize entertainment and lifestyle worldwide.

Steve Jobs was kicked out of Apple. Fired. Then he came back and changed the way we use computers, gather information, listen to music, communicate and even read newspapers. Anyone hear about the iPad lately?

Starbucks was a darling in the 90s under Howard Shultz. Then the company went through a tumultuous struggle to regain its footing. Guess what? Howard is back…and so is Starbucks with a new look and a renewed appreciation for its roots.

How about you?

I’m blessed to work with entrepreneurs around the world. And I’ve heard the stories for years, especially the monumental struggles the past 2 years.

Lost opportunities. Lost jobs. Foreclosures. Businesses taking a beating. Personal crises. Relationships strained by stress. Despair.

You probably have a story to tell to. Yet…you’ve made it. You’ve emerged from those tests. You’re still here. You’re still standing. Now what?

It’s time for your comeback.

In the next few blog posts, I’ll share with you some of the elements of my favorite real-life comebacks I’ve learned from leaders and rising stars around the world. I’ll share their lessons and inspiration in this space and I welcome you to add your comments or email me with your own comeback stories.

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