Just began reading Media Mogul and Philanthropist, Ted Turner's Book, Call Me Ted. I had the good fortune of working for Ted Turner under the Turner Broadcasting System, Inc, brand before the AOL/Time Warner Merger. I was laid off the day after the merger.
Prior to the merger, it was so exciting going to work everyday! Ted was such a visionary! Ted had a way of making every single employee feel like they were part of something bigger. Our company was always making money while also giving away millions of dollars to charity. It was such a great place to work. Ted has been quoted as saying "that if he had not been lied to by Gerald Levin and AOL/Steve Case had not "cooked the books", he would still be there." Ted also said that if you were one of the ones that had been laid off, not to be too sad. He was Time Magazine Man of the Year twice and made the company millions of dollars. He was still laid off also. Ted tells the story that when Gerald Levin told him that he was going to pay him a million dollars a year for the rest of his two year contract. Ted didn't have to do anything as he would be Chairman of nothing. Ted told him he would not take money for doing nothing while people making $40K a year were being laid off. You don't hear Chairman and CEO's of big corporations in America saying that. Think Enron or more recently, financial companies, Detroit automakers, and AIG. There are not many men like Ted Turner that would turn down millions of dollars for doing nothing. He truly is one-of-a-kind.
The thing besides Ted's brilliance and generosity that makes him such an interesting person, is that he always says exactly what's on his mind. You are never perplexed or wonder where he stands. We need more people like Ted who will say what they mean and mean what they say.
As Ted Turns 70 this week, he could take his billions, buy a yacht , sail around the world, with a full staff. Instead, he still gives his time, talent and treasury to those with less. He has inspired so many people. He is the reason why Warren Buffet and Bill Gates finally invested their billions in foundations that do good for others. Ted likes to say that he was cable before cable was cool. While watching the news this week or your favorite cable show, think of Ted, and send him good wishes as he turns 70. I know I will raise my glass to him and thank God that I had the chance to cross his path during my lifetime. Happy Birthday Ted! Hope to see you over the next 70.
