Someone Believed in Me

 Stardate 10.28.2026

Tonight, our leadership team will gather for a VIP party to thank everyone who helped bring a new location to life. It will be an opportunity to recognize the work behind the opening and celebrate the people who helped prepare the team for its next chapter.

For me, the evening carries a personal meaning. Kayla, our new general manager, played a pivotal role in my career. Seven years ago, she believed in me.

At the time, I was working as a trainer. Two of us carried that responsibility without the supervisor or manager titles held by the other trainers. We also lacked the official credentials.

Kayla encouraged us to become official trainers. She opened a door and gave us the opportunity to develop our skills through training and certification with our organization’s top trainers.

I remember being pulled away from an assignment where I was already helping train people. The work felt important, and I questioned why I needed to leave it for a three-day session. I thought I was there to evaluate new training ideas coming from corporate.

On the final day, one of our leaders played graduation music from a cell phone.

That was when I began to understand. The session had been designed to develop me. I was being prepared to become more effective in future training assignments.

Kayla had recognized an opportunity for me to grow. Her encouragement gave me a chance to learn skills I could carry into years of future work.

Seven years have passed since that training experience.

During that time, I’ve helped more than 10,000 members get started with us. I’ve also trained others to guide new members as they join our family. The organization continues to grow, and I’m grateful to play a part in helping people find their footing as they begin.

Being one of only two trainers without an official leadership title has shaped how I approach the work. I can serve alongside the people I’m training, sharing the experience of someone who has stood where they stand. I’ve noticed that employees often seem more relaxed when they’re learning from someone at their own level.

I know what it feels like to be given an opportunity before you have all the credentials. Someone has to see the potential and be willing to open that door.

Tonight, I’ll watch Kayla take the helm as general manager. I’ll also celebrate the new employees I’ve helped train as they begin their own journeys. The leadership team will have an opportunity to thank everyone who helped make this opening possible.

I’ll be thinking about the decision Kayla made seven years ago and the people who have benefited from the opportunity she gave me.

Psalm 90:17 (NIV) offers a simple prayer: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us.” I find meaning in those words as I look back on the people who helped shape my work and the opportunities to serve others that followed.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: Michael, one act of encouragement can influence a great many lives over time.

Bones: Just remember to thank the person who opened the door, Michael. And make sure you leave room for the new crew to shine tonight.

Spock: A sound recommendation, Doctor. The next chapter is already beginning.

I’m grateful Kayla believed in me. I hope I can keep passing that belief along to others, one person and one opportunity at a time.