Devouring Ina Garten’s “Be Ready When the Luck Happens”
I’m currently immersed in Ina Garten’s new memoir, “Be Ready When the Luck Happens.” It’s not just a read; it’s a delightful experience that’s hard to put down. Ina is such an inspirational figure, and her storytelling captivates me. She followed her heart and passions, step by step, ultimately creating an incredible legacy through impeccable goods and service.
What stands out is how she pursued her dreams without a meticulously crafted plan for becoming a multi-millionaire. One story resonates with me: Ina recounts a weekend filled with anxiety as she waited for her bank’s President to return from vacation. She needed to secure the second half of a loan to renovate her store in Westhampton, NY. Despite knowing she required $150,000, she cleverly decided to ask for only $75,000, understanding that this smaller amount would be easily approved. Her rationale was simple: once she received the initial funds, the bank would likely feel compelled to provide the remaining half later, since leaving her project half-finished was not an option. She quotes Robert Moses: “You can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs.” How astute!
I love this story for several reasons. First, Ina’s boldness in pursuing her goals and her ability to navigate potential obstacles is truly inspiring, especially in her classic storytelling voice. Second, she openly discusses the “hell and uncertainty” she felt during those three days of waiting. By this point in her career, she was a formidable businesswoman, willing to take risks while acknowledging her vulnerability. Isn’t that relatable for many of us? Fast forward through her agonizing wait. After three days of worrying that her dream store might never open, Ina finally meets with the bank president. She fears the worst: that her unfinished building will become a financial burden and that she’ll never be able to repay the $75,000 loan.
As you might expect, the story has a happy ending. Not only did Ina secure the loan, allowing her to open her beautiful store, but she also formed a meaningful connection with John Kanas, the President of North Fork Bank (later acquired by Capital One in 2008). Their conversation went beyond the loan; they shared laughter and connected on a personal level. This interaction made me ponder: what if John Kanas had only focused on paperwork and had not engaged with Ina? Would the outcome have been the same? His willingness to listen and connect with her fostered a mutually beneficial relationship.
This raises an important question: How do we cultivate soft skills in employees to help them work effectively with clients and support their dreams? Are we providing the necessary tools to recognize promising entrepreneurs and potential deals that could grow into successful ventures? Can these essential skills even be taught?
At Nextenture, we believe that people are the heart of our business. It’s our teams and customers’ dedication, authenticity, and collaboration that create the magic of success. For me, the essence of Ina’s story is the power of connection between people, which ultimately leads to flourishing relationships.
