Oversized outcomes.

Multiplier effects.

Those experiences where the outcome is worth more than what what you put in.

I love those times.

It could be an amazing dinner out. A social event you were reluctant to attend. An unknown band performing in a small club. Maybe it’s just any kind of a ‘win.’

I feel this way about teaching.

Every January, I literally bound out of the house (just ask my wife) to head across town, excited to open the new semester for the business strategy class I teach at a local university.

With optimism, I walk into a classroom full of possibilities where I’m greeted by a combination of hopeful energy, confident smiles, and eye contact avoidance (some have heard there could be unexpected cold calling in this class). But they signed up anyway.

My goal is for students to leave this experience not only with knowledge of some new (to them) tools and ideas, but most importantly, confidence to state their opinions and apply these new concepts in real world situations. If they improve their comfort and ability to speak in front of their peers, even better!

Like mid-to-late April every year since 2017, I posted final grades yesterday afternoon. I’ll send my final email and goodbye to this group over the weekend.

They were a good one. Another reason to be optimistic about this generation.

For them, mine is just one class out of 40, 50 or 60 that each student will take as they chase their degree.

For me, this is the only class. They’re the only ones. It always has memorable moments for me.

And the impact always has a multiplier effect.

We spend 2-3 hours a week together, once a week, for 3 months during the Canadian winter. Trudging through campus in February is not glamorous. But they do it.

They come together to learn about real companies, like Salesforce, Netflix, Apple and Trader Joe’s. They share their ideas – and what they’d do differently – if they were the founders we study.

And in a good year, like this one, they also get to learn from local entrepreneurs. This is a highlight for all of us.

Every time around, I’m reminded about the quality of the students that are currently in universities and colleges. No need to fret or whine, as people my age often do, about the “younger generation.”

They are as smart and motivated as any that have come before them. I know we (older folk) will be in fine hands as they become our leaders, managers, and caretakers.

There have been over 300 of them so far. I hope they’re all doing well. They won’t all remember that one business class they took a few or more years ago, or the guy that was teaching it. And that’s ok.

Many, I won’t ever see or hear from again.

But make no mistake, I love when I do hear from or see them.

And when I do run into Natasha at the market, or Arthur at a local pub, or Sam at the tennis courts, I am genuinely happy to know how they’re doing (and thankful I remember their names!).

For those students who have just finished up in this class, I wish you well.

Believe it or not, you’ve left a mark.

I hope it was worthwhile for you because it certainly was for me. But as Ted Lasso said:

“It’s not about me. It never was.”

Remember that no matter what you may have learned in school, sometimes in life, there will be moments that do not make conventional sense.

Sometimes, 1+1 does equal 3.

Build yourselves a great life.

Start by having a great weekend!