Sometimes you just want to sing the Hallelujah Chorus from the rooftops. Yesterday, a friend of ours got recognized – in front of thousands of people – and by just about the biggest company in the world. How was your day?
We can be pretty cynical about the kinds of technical arrogance we see in the computer world. But, in this case, Microsoft got it right in a big way at their Worldwide Partner Conference in Washington D. C.
So, let me ask you – when was the last time the Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft went ape about your company? And, when did it happen in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center? Yeah, happens every day, huh?
What was Kevin Turner so excited about that he closed his keynote speech with a video and salute to this particular company?
It’s Never 2 Late – Never!
He was excited enough about the potential of a Microsoft partner company called It’s Never 2 Late. He was excited about Jack York’s vision of changing the lives of older adults.
You see, as long as Sheryl and I have known Jack (gosh, over 10 years now) he’s had a single-minded drive to help senior citizens connect, enhance and empower their lives by connecting to the computer world.
Jack would never say it’s been easy. In fact, if most of us went up against the odds he’s encountered, we’d have thrown in the towel long ago.
Not Jack.
“I just know this is a good thing to do. It really does change lives and you can just see it when it works. We just need a little more technology juice behind us to make it work.”
Um, so, do you think Microsoft might just have the juice?!
Take a look at the video above. If you want to skip right to the place where Mr. Turner introduces the video about It’s Never 2 Late, just skip to the 1 hour and 39 minute mark.
With Your Head In the Cloud
The Microsoft Partner Conference was often about something called “Cloud Computing.” But, Kevin Turner ended his speech, in front of over ten thousand of their most important partners, reminding all of us that technology just has its head in the clouds if it’s not about truly serving people.
As one of the seniors, Milton Greidinger, says in the video:
“It’s like a godsend. That’s a good word, godsend.”
And, that’s a good job, Kevin. And that’s a godsend, Jack.
21 comments ↓
Very nice and inspirational. Thank you! It’s refreshing to be reminded that if you are truly passionate and if you truly work to make a positive difference in the lives of others, you can.
Thank you and congratulations to Jack!
Thanks Nora,
Jack wouldn’t even want us to tell the whole story, but just because he’s too modest. We, of course, jealously hate him for his success, but that’s another blog article!
Great content and I was inspired….You are the best.
Thanks,
Scott Hammond
http://www.EveryDayDad.com
Thanks Scott,
You know the story is a good one when you can inspire the folks who inspire. Thanks!
Great job, Jack! It is nice to be recognized for all of the important work that you’ve done to keep IN2l moving forward! You deserve it!
Gwen
Way to be a champion Jack!!
This is fantastic. Championing the quality of life for seniors and those that serve them is such a huge opportunity through leveraging technology such as IN2l and passive sensor technologies like WellAWARE.
Total care is helping support people with their mind, body and spiritual needs. Cannot wait for the integration of our products to be complete!
We’ve experienced the positive life changing effects of Jack’s work first-hand and this recognition is well-deserved. Congratulations to Jack and all of the work of the IN2L team. We will continue to support and praise the work that has been done and look forward to all that’s to come. Its just the beginning.
Thanks so much Gwen, Jeff and Brad,
You folks represent another slice of the world that is trying to change the lives of our senior citizens for the better. We need to study up and write a blog article about Volunteers of America, WellAWARE, and Good Samaritan. Each of you is a godsend, too.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I have watched over the past ten years as Jack has gone from being a tech guy who didn’t know a lot about aging to someone who’s vision and work is truly changing the lives of so many elders and how we “carers” think about their potential contributions. As a gerontologist, I have seen first hand the connection that is made when elders (esp those with dementia who no one ever thinks can use technology) can’t wait to use the system everyday. Learning Spanish, sending emails, and visiting their favorite websites–so cool and truly inspirational!
Thanks Juliet,
That means a lot coming from someone whose company Mission Statement includes the statement – “Put the resident first and the “bottom line” will take care of itself.” Could we ever use more companies like Brookdale Senior Living!
Wow. Going to share with some of my home services folks. And by the way, does Jack make house calls? My parents could use someone other than me telling them it’s really not that hard. Dad used to work on computers the size of a gym and these little things today scare him to death.
Hi Eileen,
While we were still teaching computers to older adults I had a guy in his 50’s call up who used to work on the Cray Super Computer. He told me, “This Windows personal computer thing has me baffled.”
By the way if you want to know more about Eileen – go to our blog article – http://goldencompass.com/blog/what-google-doesnt-know-will-surprise-you/
Keep up the great work Jack and IN2L team! You guys are making a difference.
Thanks Chuck,
Looks like you know this business from the inside and have worked with Jack on some of his projects. Thanks!
Congrats to Jack and the whole IN2L team. As a gerontologist, it’s wonderful to see what they have done with so many elders and culture change champions in recent years.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the shout out for Jack and the IN2L team. By the way, the IN2L story got mentioned at the end of this guest article on Jonathan Farrington’s blog. Jonathan is a top sales guy and knows a good story when he sees one – http://tinyurl.com/FarringtonIN2L
Thanks to both Joe and Jonathan
Congratulations Jack, to you and the whole team from IN2L. We here in Northern Ireland are proving just what a difference IN2L technology can make in the lives of people with dementia. Using your technology with our dementia clients has been a truly transforming experience, for them and for the staff working with them. We are now engaging with our colleagues in Health & Social Care to see how we can incorporate a diagnosic element to the theraputic services IN2L software provides. It’s exciting times for us – and it’s all because of IN2L and your dedication Jack. We share your vision and sense of purpose, so keep up the good work. We look forward to great things ahead with IN2L.
Hello Eileen,
Your comment makes us even more conscious of how much we ignore our older adults in this society. We’ve dreamed up billions of ways to entertain, divert and seduce with trivial, mean and sleazy technological advances. But, how many people realize that technology can be put to amazing use when it comes to our oldest, and too often, most disregarded citizens. Jack (and now, hopefully, Microsoft) realize the potential – and it’s what makes Jack get up each morning, don’t you think?
Congratulations Jack,
Over recent years you’ve challenged the Australian Aged Care community to question the potential of residents in their care. I thank you for exposing ‘the possiblities’ downunder. Through the establishment of IN2L in a number of facilities over here I’ve realised first hand the impact your work can have on not only the residents, but even more importantly, the staff. We have some highly dedicated and enthusiastic people carrying this message daily. I sense a real awakening and am grateful for the invitation to be involved with IN2L and your team.
A fine feather in the cap of such a forward thinking person. Jack deserves the acolades for the work he has done in improving the life of elders throughout the world.
The potential has now been realised lets take it forward and remove those plagues, lonliness, helplessness and bordom from the lives of our elders. WELL done and Congrats Jack.
Thanks Mike and Olaf,
All I have to say is if someone gets the kudos of folks like you from the Aussie and Dutch communities – then it just proves that “It’s Never 2 Late” for all us to pay more attention to a much neglected group of citizens – of the U.S, of Australia, of Holland, of every country. Thanks to both of you.
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