Featured Modern Elder*

Marla Sheiner
Age 68

Marla and I have been friends for decades, and it's been maybe 20 years since we've seen each other. We had a whole lot to catch up on, especially she authored her first book that is very timely right now: McCain's Navy* Class of '82. I was impressed, knowing what discipline it takes to get a book written, especially one that requires supreme diligence for authenticity.

I realized what a plumb opportunity it was for her to be McCain's first press secretary at the age of 26. When I was 26, I was teaching high school English and had my hands full every waking hour growing our family and marriage.

Because today is very close to the November election, choosing our next leaders, both locally and nationally, has risen to the top of our country and personal priority lists. Naturally, and especially in Arizona, the name John McCain, country's most iconic statesmen who was known for his principled leadership, his love of our country and our continuing role in the world as the most stable and oldest democracy.

Conveying and remembering his reverence and love of country, especially during this election cycle, was Marla's mission as she shares experiences from the first campaign as his press secretary. Through her lens, you will read the compelling stories, and the leadership practices that she, McCain and others practiced on the campaign that launched McCain's 40-year-career in public service.

In particular, Marla tells of his ability to involve everyone in every effort, "We all felt that we had been a small part of the (massive door-knocking) effort, and, in whatever slight way, felt that we were members of his and Cindy's extended family."

And as she recounts the touching story of a volunteer's success in quitting painkillers cold turkey, with the support and encouragement of both John and the staff, she makes the point, "Having a purpose and serving others wasn't just a campaign for 'McCain Congress' for that volunteer. It was the opportunity to apply the principles of self-improvement. To feel cared for and cared about by John and our team. This volunteer reminded me often that it was their highest privilege to stand tall next to one John McCain, whose example of courage, bravery, and sacrifice strengthened them as they prayed the serenity prayer throughout recovery."

Included in the book (pg. xxv) are the Navy's Eleven Leadership Principles. I've turned back to read this particular page several times in the course of reading the entire book, cover to cover. I love these principles and did my best to live them every day when I was the co-owner and Leader of Cookies from Home and 57 employees I put these principles to the task in growing my company into a multi-million-dollar business:

Set the Example and Train Your People as a Team.

Per Marla, our ability to set the example will inspire business leaders and entrepreneurs. "Those who exhibit these traits will assuredly develop lifelong loyalty and longevity among his or her followers, and to the cause, when these are the pillars of the person's leadership practice."

Marla is now retired from an impressive career in mass communication, and I know she welcomes opportunities that will put her stellar list of skills to a task and cause. I can hardly wait what she chooses as her next venture!

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