One Of A Kind

When the word unique is used, it is meant to convey something special and one of a kind. The guy I write about now was one of those people with a heart, spirit, and conviviality that few possess. It was who he was, and when he tried to tell jokes using a French-Canadian accent, he failed miserably, but his effort made it all worthwhile. Those lucky enough to know him knew of his specialness. In his unique way, he was a “magnet” that attracted others.

We worked together for many years. He was a terrific student and wanted the people he worked with to have their own voice, which they did when we started to work together. I loved being with him, working with him, and recreating with him. When we held workshops, we also had the most incredible and fun lunches imaginable. He would take over a closed-for-business Italian Restaurant for a couple of hours. Certain friends were invited for unbelievable food, lots of laughs, and a game of “liar’s poker.”  I lost a few bucks every time. A gift!

During the summers, he would often put together a “Sy by the Sea” workshop for only select associates and friends.  Great students all, and the times on the beach were never to be forgotten, along with the very special Bocce Tournament and dinner held in his huge backyard for invited guests. 

 On 9/11, he lost his eldest son to that tragedy. To honor him, a fine athlete and a wonderful person, he built a basketball court for the church the family attended.  I was blessed and honored to work with him, his office, and his family.  Love is what I have felt and feel even now. 

I mentored a pro—he mentored me; what a gift—he leaves memories

 Sy 

Author: Sy Ogulnick

Sy Ogulnick received a BA from UCLA, Teacher’s Credential from Los Angeles Board of Education and completed phase I (Master’s portion) in a Doctor of Behavioral Science program at California Coast University. Sy leased and operated a summer day camp in LA. He and his wife then purchased virgin wilderness land in Northern CA, where they built and operated a coed summer camp. They moved to Las Vegas, NV, and purchased, built and operated a community children’s program for families staying in a major resort casino in Las Vegas. They have created programs for children nationwide that employed many people and in the process developed successful training programs for personnel. This led Sy to lecture on how to train staff and the creating of community within the workplace. Sy was then invited to speak at professional conferences on how best to hire and train employees, which led to his becoming a consultant in the art of improving relationships in a work environment and eventually to his epiphany that “Leaders are the primary problem and the answer to the personnel issues that arise in the workplace.” Sy has written numerous papers on the subject of interpersonal relationships, leadership and power. He has lectured throughout the United States, has been interviewed by the media and has appeared on many radio and TV talk shows

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