Whoopi Goldberg and Kindness
Whoopi’s Moment of Excellent Kindness
Whoopi Goldberg doesn’t know me, but I feel an unbreakable connection to her because she taught me the power of kindness.
Wanna big hug from rejection? Be a broadcast producer getting sound bites from famous folks at a glitzy do. Understandably, the relationship between the press and famous somebodies is dodgy. The media are often boundary-challenged when covering icons, heroes, and celebrity royalty. Put us at a shindig where famed invitees are expecting to have some unguarded fun, sans media party crashers, and we’re as welcome as salmonella in the hors d’oeuvres.
Tonight, I’m covering such a glitzy shindig. Everywhere I look there’s a megamillion-dollar Hollywood alchemist, whose face can turn thin air into box office gold. I feel like a rotten tomato splattering on each famous person I approach with the camera crew. Some show us their backs. Most know the drill and oblige with a few begrudging words
When I see Whoopi Goldberg, the crew and I charge in her direction. Whoopi sees us coming. I gird for a snub or eye roll.
What’s that? A smile? me dares to think.
“Hi there,” she says. “How are you guys doing tonight? What can I do for you?”
For five minutes we chat about the event. It’s not what Whoopi says that impresses me. It’s the kindness in her voice and an understanding in her eyes that says, “I know your job’s not easy. There’s no reason we can’t be friends for a few minutes and talk about this great evening.”
Whoopi blankets the crew and me in a glow of genuine kindness and warmth.
Not wanting to sully our moments with her, I call it a wrap for the evening. Neither the crew nor I want to taint the nice feeling she leaves us with.
A Postscript: Those few moments with Whoopi happened nearly thirty years ago. She doesn’t remember me, but I’ll never forget her.
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A moment of excellence comes to mind related to a job interview. A friend reached out to the hiring manager and recommended me. Within two minutes, I got an email from the hiring manager to let me know I would be invited to an interview. Within a day, an interview was scheduled. On the appointed day, I sat in the conference room. Out of the corner of my eye, I see this woman walking down the hallway toward me and wearing a bright yellow leather jacket. Now, this company was incredibly conservative, in the financial services industry, and most people were introverts. Seeing a lot of color and energy was an oddity. She came in, sat down, and we spoke easily and as friends. She sparkled as she spoke about her mission and how I fit what she needed. We became instant friends, and she became the best boss I ever had! When it’s right and meant to be, this is how it feels!
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