This is a story about resilience, perseverance, and the "Never Give Up" mindset—a philosophy that has guided my family and me through many challenges, big and small. It’s a principle that’s become so deeply ingrained in our lives that it’s literally been part of us for over 20 years, displayed proudly on the license plate of our car.
This license plate, battered and weathered, has been on two Chevy Suburbans and now a Nissan Pathfinder. It’s been with us as our children grew up, traveled with us through snowstorms, car accidents, and even a deer collision. It’s more than just a piece of metal—it’s a symbol of protection, persistence, and purpose for my family. It represents our family motto: Never Give Up.
I first encountered this powerful idea when I was about ten years old, introduced to it by my childhood friend, Brian Maslyk, whose family also displayed "NGU" on their car’s license plate. Brian explained that NGU—Never Give Up—was their family motto, and it left a lasting impression on me, even as we went back to playing whatever game we were into at the time. That simple yet profound message stuck with me, and little did I know it would become a guiding light in my own life.
The origins of NGU trace back to one of history’s greatest examples of perseverance—Winston Churchill’s unyielding resolve during the Battle of Britain and The Blitz in World War II. The UK stood alone as Nazi Germany unleashed relentless air attacks. But through it all, Churchill's message to his people was clear:
We shall never surrender.
That unwavering determination inspired nations, and the free world owes a debt of gratitude to the United Kingdom for their resilience during that time.
For Patti and me, even before we had children, NGU was already our family’s guiding principle. Patti had "NGU - I Love You" engraved on my wedding band. It’s a constant reminder, not just of our love, but of our shared commitment to face life’s challenges with grit and determination.
Now, our four children—each in their 20s—carry that NGU spirit with them. Whether it’s in their studies, careers, friendships, or faith, they live by that mindset. Patti and I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible young adults they’ve become, and I know the best is yet to come. But what makes me most proud isn’t just their accomplishments. It’s the way they’ve embraced a love for life—a deep joy that fuels their success. That, to me, is the true essence of NGU. Success is the byproduct of a life well-loved, not the other way around.
Let me be clear—NGU doesn’t mean "Never Change." In fact, it's quite the opposite. Part of never giving up is recognizing the need for growth, for adaptation, for change. Our world is dynamic, and to stay the course, we must be willing to evolve. As Stanford’s Carol Dweck teaches, having a "growth mindset" means learning from failure and continuously improving. Angela Duckworth calls this "grit"—the perseverance that turns setbacks into stepping stones. Embracing change is how we stay resilient. It’s how we fuel the NGU mindset.
In my career, this NGU philosophy has shaped my leadership. Whether I’m working at Wells Fargo, Citibank, KPMG, IBM, or building entrepreneurial solutions, NGU is about understanding challenges, planning, executing, and continuously adapting to new information. It’s about leading by example, putting the mission first, and supporting the success of those around me.
With that, I want to share the NGU Top 10 Success Habits—habits that have guided me in both family life and business, and that can help you too:
Willingness to take risks
Willingness to do your homework
Willingness to put in the work
Willingness to put your team first and lead by example
Willingness to humbly help others succeed
Willingness to admit uncertainty
Willingness to set goals
Willingness to make tough decisions
Willingness to share your joy and love of life
Willingness to learn, update, and change
These habits are not just words—they are the building blocks of a mindset that says, "I will not be defeated." Whether you’re raising a family, growing a business, or facing personal challenges, these habits will help you persevere, adapt, and achieve your goals. Life isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about embracing it, learning from it, and never, ever giving up.
So, I encourage you: adopt the NGU mindset. Let it guide you through whatever life throws your way. When things get tough, when the road seems long, remember this—Never Give Up. You have more strength within you than you realize. Keep pushing forward, and amazing things will happen.
Notes
[i] Churchill, WE SHALL FIGHT ON THE BEACHES, Speech to the House of Commons, International Churchill Society, 1940
[ii] Winston Churchill, as far as I know, never actually said the words "Never Give Up." Although, we reference the spirit of NGU and the great sacrifices of the British people during World War Two. In a speech to the Harrow School on October 29, 1941, Churchill said:
"Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
It is truly unthinkable, for about a year and a half, the entire British population lived in constant fear of being over run by the Nazis. The British people stood in the breach to protect the world from Nazi domination. Thank you to Churchill, the UK leadership, and the British people for withstanding this extraordinary challenge. If not for them, the world could be a much different place than it is today.
For an excellent biography of Churchill during this time, please see:
Larsen, The Splendid and the Vile, 2020
In the biography, Larsen writes:
By now, what had long been clear to Churchill was also clear to Harriman: that Britain had no hope of winning the war without the direct intervention of the United States.
[iii] Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, 2006
[iv] Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, 2016
Kommentare