On Sunday we celebrated my 86th birthday at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Since Monday was actually my birthday, I was pleasantly surprised to see in the office some cake that was brought in especially for the occasion. It was quite good. I have included a few photos from the party and from my birthday lunch at the Crab Catcher.
– Bob
Hello Dr. Beyster (Bob),
Happy Birthday! I must say you are a positive role model. It would please me to no end to see more of our statesmen and women as engaged as you. I have a few questions, hoping you will be inclined to reply.
1. Your thoughts as to why so many of our statesmen and women are not so engaged? And what it might take to engage them? For that matter its an epidemic these days at every age and stage it seems. Especially presenteism at work.
2. Has FED ever approached Junior Achievement to integrate EO into their curriculums? If so, what outcome?
I enthusiastic about your next 2 book initiatives. And although I’ve not yet read SAIC Solutions…I’m wondering if it more broadly applies to industries beyond what is stated in this quote?… “to help inspire entrepreneurs who have considered starting their own science, engineering, or technology firms to make the leap to turn their dreams into reality.”
Respect and gratitude,
Christopher
Happy Birthday Dr Beyster,
You sound most human and humble, a nice person to meet I would think. I hope your employees really do own the company you created, I truly admire that concept and you for doing it. I cannot for the life of me understand the above message by the way. As a point of interest how much of your company’s income as a percentage effectively comes from that sad fellow, or lady, the American taxpayer, that is, from the federal government ? You seem to be topping the rankings, just wondering. Ian Bourne.
Ian,
to which post are you referring, that you cannot understand?
Ian: I believe the majority of SAIC’s revenue today comes from federal government contracts, although I do not know the exact percentage. It has been some time since I retired from the company and I do not receive financial updates. — Bob
Christopher: Thank you for the note. I don’t know anything about you, but I’m glad you left a message. I personally believe that employees would be more engaged in their jobs if they were given opportunities to be owners of the companies for which they work. This was certainly the case at SAIC. The Foundation for Enterprise Development, which my daughter Mary Ann Beyster runs, has suggested to Junior Achievement that they integrate some information about employee ownership. I suggest you contact her for more details. If you would like a copy of The SAIC Solution, I would be happy to send you one if you provide me with your address. You must, however, promise to share the book with others. –Bob
HI Bob,
You are very generous in offering to send the book. I accept graciously your offer. I just finished reading some of Jack Welch’s work and will soon be embarking upon “Democratic Capitalism” by Ray Carey. Ray also generously offered to send me his book. I am appreciative and feel very fortunate, as I believe both of these books will come to be treasured by me and those I touch.
I do not have your direct email address, however, your site has my email address and a link to my profile as well. If you will send me an email, I will respond promptly with my address. If there is another preferred way, please advise.
I will happily contact Mary Ann regarding The Foundation.
My earlier question about engagement can be more clearly articulated if I use the term “elder statesmen and women”. I believe, as a nation, we are not tapping the brilliance and vitality of our retired population – there is soooo much they can offer.
This is a big topic… What in your opinion would be required to better engage this audience in meaningful participation to reinvigorate and innovate their legacies?
My best,
Christopher
Christopher: Your book will be on its way soon. I hope you enjoy it. I will be interested in hearing what you think about it. — Bob
Hi Bob,
Yes sir… the book arrived 2 days ago, and on the exact same day as Ray Carey’s book. It was a joyous day at the mailbox! Thank you very much for the kind surprise of receiving the book signed by you. And a big thanks to Peter Economy as well. You will certainly hear from me…
My best, Christopher
Christopher: I hope you enjoy the book. If you have any suggestions or comments, please let me know. — Bob