On National Doctor Day, I am reminded of the doctor who changed my life. As a 12-year-old with severe scoliosis, Dr. Laurence McKinley performed a 6-hour spinal surgery that required the installation of Harrington rods. Today, decades later, I still have them and recognize that my body is limited in what I can physically do. But thanks to Dr. McKinley, I am leading a happy and successful life.
I am grateful for doctors like Dr. McKinley who not only save lives but change them for the better.
–Robert Larios, President & CEO of the Employees Club of California
It was a tough realization as a young boy, knowing that physical activity would forever be forbidden. But Dr. McKinley taught me an important lesson – that success comes from using our minds, not just our bodies. Thanks to him, I am able to accomplish things I never thought possible. So on this special day, I am grateful for doctors like Dr. McKinley who not only save lives but change them for the better.
In California we commemorate the enduring legacy of César Chávez, whose unwavering advocacy for fair and just treatment of farm workers continues to inspire generations. It is a day to remember those whose lives were directly touched by his profound work, like my Dad Rafael Larios, who has been working tirelessly in the fields for over half a century. At just 14 years old, my Dad had the opportunity to hear Chávez speak and witness firsthand the power of his message. Driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to justice, my Dad continued to farm and eventually became a successful avocado and citrus farmer in Pauma Valley. Today, as we give thanks for Chávez’s remarkable dedication to fellow farm workers, my Dad’s story reminds us that change is possible, and that the tireless efforts of one person can make a difference in the lives of many.
Leadership Notes:
The legacy of César Chávez serves as an inspiring reminder that strong leadership is possible when driven by a deep sense of purpose and commitment to justice. It also reminds us that one person’s actions can have a powerful effect on the lives of many – change is possible when we are fearless in the pursuit of our passions and goals. We must use this example to motivate our own leadership efforts and keep striving towards positive change in ourselves, our communities and our world.
On Sunday of last week, it would have been 90 years since Bud Bradford was born. His gentleness and kindness were unique, and his teachings were filled with relevance and meaning. Even though he’s not around anymore to see how far I’ve gone in life, I am grateful for the life lessons he gave me that have shaped me into who I am today. As my mentor, friend and second father, he gave me the insight that university education, hard work, empathy and love can go a long way in achieving success – a truth which certainly held relevance in my journey of growth. From my wedding day all the way until becoming CEO of the Employees Club of California, all I wanted was for him to be here with me as I celebrated these milestones. I miss him more everyday but carry his contribution with me everywhere I go.
Having a person to mentor you is an incredibly valuable asset for each individual’s growth and success in life.
-Robert Larios
Having a person to mentor you is an incredibly valuable asset for each individual’s growth and success in life. For me, this mentor was my dear friend, Bud Bradford. His presence guided me from 1986 until the year of his passing in 2012, nearly a quarter century’s worth of support. Throughout our years together as mentor and mentee, Bud was able to provide me with immeasurable invaluable insight into the seemingly mysterious journey known as life.
In Photo (Left to Right): Brad Bradford; Robert Larios (Me); Bud Bradford
Growing up in Pauma Valley, California, I had the privilege of being mentored by a good friend Bud Bradford. He spoke highly of his time at Stanford and the overall college experience he lived and how his actions enabled him to achieve great success in building his business later in life. His words were an inspiration for me; they made me think deeply about what my future could be if I took ownership of it. I knew that to get there, I would have to plan, be determined, resilient and patient, and work hard.
Shaping our own destinies requires us to take control over our lives by setting clear goals, working hard with determination and resilience, and exercising patience throughout our journeys towards achieving success! My mentor Bud Bradford inspired me through his story about shaping his own journey while at Stanford University which ultimately led him down a successful path in life. Do not forget that no matter what struggles may come along our paths we must continue pushing ourselves forward by remaining focused on our goals until we reach them – taking ownership of one’s life starts within each one of us!
Growing up in Pauma Valley, the Christmas season was always a special time of year. From the smell of the real pine tree and decorations to the presents that appeared under it, I was struck by the energy and spirit of this magical season. Looking back on it now, I am so grateful to my parents for making these memories possible. As an adult, I have been inspired to pay it forward by giving back to families in need during this special time of year.
My parents made sure that my sisters and I had the best Christmas we could hope for—from decorations around the house to presents under the tree with our names on them. It was so exciting! Even when I was young, though, I realized that not everyone had these same experiences—not everyone had a real tree or gifts with their name on them. This motivated me as an adult to give back in whatever ways I could during Christmastime.
As an adult, I have been able to donate money and resources to charities who provide toys and meals for those who are less fortunate during the holiday season. Through organizations like Toys For Tots and Club Angels, there are countless opportunities for those with means to give back so that others can experience some of what I did as a child—and even more! It is truly incredible how much people can do if they come together in unity with one purpose: helping others enjoy a little bit of what they experienced while growing up.
Gratitude makes us appreciate the many gifts life has to offer and keeps our hearts open.
Robert Larios
The Christmas season has always been filled with fond memories for me growing up—from decorations around the house to presents under the tree with our names on them—and now as an adult, I am deeply grateful for all those moments spent with family and friends over the years. This gratitude has inspired me over time to help provide similar experiences for others less fortunate through donations, volunteering and continuing my work at the Employees Club of California throughout this special time of year. Gratitude makes us appreciate the many gifts life has to offer and keeps our hearts open. By doing so, we can all make sure that everyone gets a chance to experience some joy during this holiday season!
Knowing Phil Orland was one of those experiences in life where you meet someone who has a positive impact on your future. He would always be cheerful and full with words from wisdom, leading up until his passing this year at age 75! It’s because he gave honest feedback when I felt discouraged that helped me emerge successfully- without the help from my support network this story wouldn’t even exist as it does now…and Phil was an impactful part of my network.
I’ll never forget the day I met Phil. He was a man with so much heart and spirit, always looking out for others before himself.
Phil Orland’s life was dedicated to serving others – a father, a husband, a friend, a dedicated civil servant, a community volunteer, a mentor, and a US Navy Vietnam veteran. He often spoke about his time as a U.S Navy seaman. During the Vietnam War, he served on one of our country’s destroyers named the USS Henderson. On top of that, Phil talked with excitement about his enriching experiences and career at the City of Los Angeles’ Recreation and Parks, where he managed recreation programs that covered all ages. He loved working for the City of LA, especially with the countless co-workers he met during his career journey. This resulted into an impressive network of friends and colleagues.
Phil Orland was a man of many hats, and his service to others will be remembered long after his passing. Phil was a man of great compassion and empathy, always looking out for others. He had strong opinions about politics, but it came from a good place in his heart because he wanted everyone to live their best lives possible. That’s why I’m so honored that this man considered me one such individual worthy enough for advice on how we could serve municipal Retirees together when he was a Board member for the Employees Club. That was the kind of man he was, always looking to help others.
May his legacy live on among the lives he touched. Rest in Peace, Phil.
You could be forgiven for thinking that integrity is something you only need to worry about when other people are around. But the truth is, your integrity is just as important when you’re alone. After all, who are you really trying to impress with your actions? Other people, or yourself? If you’re only trying to impress others, then you’re not being genuine. But if you’re trying to live up to your own standards, then you’re being true to yourself.
There’s a lot of pressure to be perfect. We’re constantly surrounded by images and messages telling us that we need to look a certain way, act a certain way, and be a certain way. It can be hard to know who you are when you’re constantly being told what to do.
If you’re only trying to impress others, then you’re not being genuine. But if you’re trying to live up to your own standards, then you’re being true to yourself.
-Robert Larios
But it’s important to remember that you are not defined by what other people think of you. You are defined by who you are when no one is looking. Are you someone who stands up for what’s right, even if no one is watching? Are you someone who does the right thing, even when no one is there to see?
Your integrity is the most important thing in the world. You will make mistakes and poor choices along the way, but always make amends and follow your true self. It’s what makes you who you are, and it’s what sets you apart from everyone else. So don’t forget about it, even when nobody is watching.
Happy Thanksgiving Day! It’s a special day like today that I hope for all people that they have a wonderful day full of love, laughter, and good food. This is certainly a time to be thankful for all that we have in our lives. But it’s also a time to celebrate who we are and the journey that has brought us to this point.
For me, this Thanksgiving is extra special. It’s not only a time to reflect on all the good things that have happened this year, but also on all the people who have helped make me who I am today. I want to thank my parents for always supporting me, even when I’ve made mistakes. I want to thank my friends for always being there for me, no matter what. And I want to thank my wife Patricia for always making me feel loved and supported. I want to thank people like Verne and Joyce Maynard, Bud and Penny Bradford, Sherman and Susan Johnson, Don Smith, and so many others. Here is a more comprehensive list of the people who have contributed to my growth in life – https://bit.ly/3VqxHLm
I know that each of you has your own list of people to thank as well. So take some time today to remember those who have been important in your life journey. Give thanks because there are so many blessings coming your way!
Please honor the people on your list by naming them here.
On November 11, 2022, Veteran’s Day was observed in the U.S., honoring all those brave women and men who have served our country. We are grateful for their dedication and sacrifice, and we honor their commitment to protecting our freedoms.
We salute you, Veterans, for your bravery and courage in the face of danger. You are an inspiration to all of us, and we are proud to call you our friends and neighbors. Thank you for your service!
When I was a little boy, one of the first veterans that I met was Verne Maynard. He was my Dad’s employer shortly after we arrived from Mexico. It didn’t occur to me until much later on just how bravely this man had served his country during World War II. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. The Bronze Star Medal is a prestigious U.S military decoration that can be awarded for acts of valor or service to our country in combat zones with distinction.
Verne was a kind-hearted man. I didn’t grow up knowing my birth grandparents until returning to Mexico as an eleven year old boy, but Verne and Joyce treated me like their grandson. Verne would dress up as the Easter bunny and Santa Claus during Easter and the Christmas holidays, appearing from out of no where it seemed to bear gifts for my sisters and me. Of course, as a young boy then, I didn’t know it was Verne under the costumes. My adoration of the season stems from those memories of childhood happiness made possible because they were so kind-hearted people who loved coming together as family.
Verne was not only a wartime hero who helped preserve America’s future in World War II, but later in his life helped someone like me – an immigrant from Mexico who later became an American CEO.
Verne and Joyce were also a big part of my support network from kindergarten to graduating from the University of Southern California. Why is a support network important for success in life? It can provide stability during difficult times, help you stay motivated, and even provide new opportunities. It did for me. I look forward to writing more about this subject matter in future blog posts.
Why is a support network important for success in life? It can provide stability during difficult times, help you stay motivated, and even provide new opportunities.
Robert Larios
Can you share a story about how your support network played an important role in your success?
In 1989, I was elated when I received the American Legion Award at my 8th grade graduation at Pauma School. It was a great honor to be recognized for my academic achievements, especially after spending the year before recovering from scoliosis surgery, and despite that it would be a decade before I would be sworn in as an American citizen.
As people began to disperse after the graduation ceremony, I was approached by a neighborhood Mexican teen who was a sophomore at Fallbrook Union High School. He quietly said that none of this mattered and that my awards and recognition were nothing. My response to him was, “We will see…”
It can be tough to stay motivated when we’re faced with negativity from others. But it’s important to remember that these people are often looking for validation themselves. They may not understand what it means to achieve something great, so they try to bring others down.
It can be tough to stay motivated when we’re faced with negativity from others. But it’s important to remember that these people are often looking for validation themselves.
-Robert Larios
But don’t let them get you down! Use their words as motivation to prove them wrong. Let your success speak for itself and show them that your accomplishments are real and mean something.
Robert Larios 