I recently completed Lifeguard certification (American Red Cross) and a certificate course in AI & Career Empowerment (University of Maryland Smith School of Business) … and acted as venture capitalist in a mock pitch and funding competition (also at the Smith School).
I posted about these on LinkedIn and Facebook.
I got several comments basically asking why I invested my time this way. Good question.
Fun fact: I have 1,050 followers on LinkedIn. My post about the Lifeguard certification attracted 547 post impressions in the past 4 weeks; my post on the AI program got 279. Maybe unusual activities are of more interest.
Anyway, here are my answers.
One of my life learnings is that adding new diverse experiences and knowledge increases the “width of your lens.” A “wider lens” enables you to connect seemingly unconnected dots and see “invisible” opportunities and solutions. I’ve found that “lens width” is critical to developing and implementing practical strategies. So, I’m always on the lookout for “lens widening” opportunities. Plus, I enjoy learning, so it’s easy and not really “work.”
The lifeguard thing is a carry-over goal from my youth when more lucrative (albeit less glamorous) part-time jobs presented themselves … and for fun. I might help at my gym which has big indoor and outdoor pools. I hope the opportunity never presents itself, but I might get to save my 2nd person from drowning. The last one was in 1971 when I was on active duty in the Army Reserves: a teen-ager in a river in a state park near Fort Knox.
The VC thing is a chance to work with and help smart, go-getter MBA candidates and see what they are up to, aka market research for new opportunities.
As for AI, if you want to deliver value to clients, you simply must understand AI basics, stay current with the latest, and use it. AI is … and will be … transformative and disruptive.
Following my own advice, here’s what ChapGPT AI did when I asked it to make the above more “eye catching.”
Title:
Why I Became a Lifeguard, Studied AI, and Played Venture Capitalist
Intro:
I recently had 3 very different experiences:
- 🛟 Lifeguard Certification (American Red Cross)
- 🤖 AI & Career Empowerment Certificate (University of Maryland Smith School of Business)
- 💼 Played venture capitalist in a startup pitch competition (also at Smith)
I posted about these on LinkedIn and Facebook — and got a bunch of versions of the same question:
“Why would you spend your time on this stuff?”
Great question. Here’s my answer — and what I’ve taken away from the experience.
1. The Value of a “Wider Lens”
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my career is this:
New experiences and knowledge expand your perspective — and a wider perspective helps you connect dots others miss.
That “wider lens” helps you:
- Discover hidden opportunities
- Solve problems creatively
- Develop and Execute strategies that actually work
For me, learning isn’t work — it’s fun. And I deliberately seek out chances to stretch my thinking.
2. Why Lifeguard Certification?
This was a goal from my youth that got shelved when more practical (and higher-paying) jobs came along. Now, I’ve made the time for it.
I might even help out at my gym’s indoor and outdoor pools.
There’s a deeper reason, too: I once saved a life — a teen drowning in a river near Fort Knox in 1971, while I was on active duty with the Army Reserves. I hope I never have to do it again, but if I do… I’ll be ready.
3. Why Play Venture Capitalist?
The startup pitch competition was a chance to work with sharp, driven MBA students — and to see what kind of ideas they’re developing.
It was also a form of real-time market research. Watching what this next generation is building gives you clues to where the world might be headed.
4. Why Study AI?
Because if you want to stay relevant and deliver value — you have to understand AI.
This wasn’t a technical deep dive. It was about AI use cases and AI’s impact on leadership, strategy, and career development. And one thing is clear:
AI is not optional. It’s transformational and disruptive — in every field.
Whether you’re an executive, a founder, a consultant, or a student — this is something we all need to be learning and using.
5. Unusual Gets Attention
Some fun stats from my LinkedIn posts:
- 1,050 followers
- 547 impressions on the lifeguard post
- 279 impressions on the AI certificate post
Turns out the most unexpected activity — lifeguarding — got the most engagement. Interesting signal.
Final Thought
I’m always looking for lens-widening opportunities — experiences that expand how I think, help me solve problems, and sharpen my ability to lead and deliver value.
Whether that’s pulling someone from a pool, evaluating startup pitches, or keeping pace with AI… I’m in.
What are you doing to widen your lens?
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Excellent. You have always widened your lens
Hi Tim, Good to hear from you. I wonder if and how you’re using AI … in your professional and personal lives.
Could the lifeguard thing be because you still want your Squints opportunity 😂
Seriously, congratulations on all three endeavors. I recently did a shallow AI dive and was reminded why I did not remain in the “Data Processing “😂 field. Yes, yes I did experience JCL😎