From Living in Foster Homes to Making a Fortune

I am always amazed about the resiliency of people in their lives and their companies. On this week’s episode of The Small Business Radio I talked with an executive that has an amazing story,

At the age of 3, Ed Hajim is kidnapped by his father, driven cross-country, and told his mother is dead. He presses his face against the car window, watches the miles pass and wonders where life will take him.

In a memoir filled with human drama, wisdom and timeless life lessons, “On The Road Less Travelled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom” tells the improbable story of how Hajim bounced from foster homes to orphanages, in a daily struggle to survive, to living the American dream as an accomplished Wall Street executive and model family man with great moral fiber and the means to give back to a world that seemed intent on rejecting him.

Ed served as a senior executive at such firms as E.F. Hutton, Lehman Brothers, Furman Selz and other financial institutions, regularly transforming fledgling operations into profitable growth machines.

In 2008, after 20 years as a trustee of the University of Rochester, Hajim began an eight-year tenure as chairman of the university’s board. Upon assuming that office he gave the school $30 million—the largest single donation in its history—to support scholarships and endow the Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. In 2015, he received the Horatio Alger Award, given to Americans who exemplify the values of initiative, leadership, and commitment to excellence and who have succeeded despite personal adversities.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Ed Hajim’s life began under harrowing circumstances. At just three years old, he was kidnapped by his father, who falsely told him that his mother was dead. This traumatic event set the stage for a tumultuous upbringing, marked by instability as he bounced between foster homes and orphanages. Despite these challenges, Ed’s resilience shone through, and he ultimately found a path to success.

Key Takeaways

Embrace Resilience: Ed’s story underscores the importance of resilience. No matter how difficult the circumstances, maintaining a resilient mindset can help you navigate through life’s challenges.

Adaptability: Learning to adapt to changing situations is crucial. Ed’s ability to adapt to different environments, from orphanages to the corporate world, played a significant role in his success.

The Role of Mentorship

One of the pivotal themes in Ed’s story is the significance of mentorship. Growing up without a stable family, Ed sought out mentors who could guide him. This realization became a mantra for him: surrounding himself with trustworthy and supportive individuals.

Actionable Advice

Seek Out Mentors: Identify individuals who can provide guidance and support. Mentors can offer valuable insights, help you navigate challenges, and open doors to new opportunities.

Be a Mentor: If you have the experience and knowledge, consider mentoring others. Sharing your expertise can make a significant impact on someone’s life and career.

Overcoming the Victim Mentality

Ed passionately advocates for taking control of one’s life and focusing on what comes next rather than dwelling on past hardships. He believes that the energy spent on victimhood is better directed toward personal growth and future opportunities.

Key Insights

Take Responsibility: Acknowledge your circumstances but don’t let them define you. Take responsibility for your actions and decisions.

Focus on Growth: Channel your energy into personal development and future opportunities. Embrace a growth mindset and continuously seek ways to improve.

Defining Freedom and Career Choices

Ed shares his definition of freedom, which he sees as the ability to control one’s life. He explains that working for smaller companies often provides more opportunities for responsibility and growth compared to larger corporations. This desire for freedom and control influenced his career choices, leading him to seek out smaller firms where he could make a meaningful impact.

Listen to the entire interview on The Small Business Show.