So, why the dented yellow water bottle?
Sam Kilmer
Advisor to fintechs, investors, banks, and credit unions at Cornerstone Advisors. Business grower, public speaker, facilitator and writer. Creator and host of Fintech Hustle podcast and contributor to GonzoBanker.
My late mother told me two things soon after my college graduation that struck me because they didn’t seem especially warm or motherly at the time. And she was warm and motherly.
“I always figured you would move away to another area.”
“Find a career that pays you to travel so you can afford the travel you like.”
She knew.
Fast forward a few decades and my son bought that yellow water bottle. He left it at home once when he went back to college. I was in a hurry headed out to the airport one day, the big dent in the bottle on the counter caught my eye, I was thirsty and snagged it. Well, it went on tour with me 113 work travel days last year as I lead fintech advisory for my company Cornerstone Advisors. Why did I keep it beside me? Hydration? Sure. We need to stay healthy, but there is more to it...
- The bright yellow helps me. Confession: Forgetting valuables in hotel rooms is one of my character flaws. An occupational hazard of moving around a lot? Maybe, but I'm probably worse than most who travel much more. My wife Charlotte could read the riot act on items I've left behind. How many non-descript, dark-colored laptop chargers have been mailed back to me over the years? Who knows. (Shout out to Bill Marriott & Co. as well as our Gonzo IT department on that count). So now I carry bright red headphones and a bright yellow water bottle. #adapt
- That big dent on that smooth surface, as it turns out, actually makes the bottle easier to hold onto than when it was perfect. And, it's somehow more REAL. Hey, we're all damaged in some way. That dent reminds me that we all have tough experiences and make mistakes that can make us better. #experience
- Most importantly, it's my son’s bottle, so I can give him a hard time about how I "borrowed" it. Seriously, every time I reach for a sip or refill the bottle, it reminds me of my family and that -- no matter how much I love the work -- I love my family more. That gratitude is for Charlotte, all our sons, and our extended family and friends. We rely on each other, love and care for each other, and KNOW each other like nobody else does. Just like how my Mom knew. #thankful
Safe travels, stay hydrated, and hug your families. -Sam
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3moGreat read!
Senior Account Executive at MeridianLink
5yLoved your article!
Writing + Content Strategy
5yI love this! Thanks for sharing.
Hands-on, in-the-trenches CMO with analytical prowess and creative flair that grows the funnel.
5ySam, that's such a great story. Thanks for sharing. I have my own "dented yellow bottle" approach to minimize travel-related losses. Mine involves a highly OCD-like approach to packing for travel. I always remove ALL of my tech, down to every last adapter, from my travel bag when I arrive at the hotel, and every night thereafter. Each business day, I load every item into the bag every morning before breakfast and departure. This way, I feel "in a groove" and the routine leaves me less likely to leave something behind because I will feel something is missing. Clothes, on the other hand? Well I've definitely left a dozen or so solitary socks behind in hotel rooms. Catch up soon, my friend!
Connecting Cannabis and Financial Services | VP, Banking Programs @ Green Check Verified | Operations & Technology in Financial Services | Herbalist and Holistic Health Coach
5yGreat story Sam!