Coming Out of Retirement…
George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one…I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as I live it is my privilege – my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I love. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me; it is a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got a hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
This is a life defining statement! On a personal level, it has become my personal mission statement.
I have previously hinted that I would be coming out of retirement; therefore, doing so should surprise no-one. Nor would it take a rocket scientist to figure out that I am pursuing another accessibility venture. I’ve been thinking about this particular venture for several years and started building it last year. It’s not like anything I’ve ever done before, so I’m quite excited (and nervous!!) about making a go of it. For the time being, I’ll be using this blog as a vehicle for communicating additional information about this new venture.
I’m also very excited to announce that WebABLE.TV is launching a new series, “Accessibility Champions” this spring. Our ‘Champions’ program is a monthly series featuring collaborations, initiatives and innovative solutions launched by individuals and organizations who are working together to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The program will be produced by TV WorldWide and supported by sponsors.
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been semi-retired for nearly 3 years now. As I conclude this first blog, I would like to express my sincere gratefulness for the incredible outpouring of kindness by family, friends and colleagues following my wife Kim’s passing. Be assured that I will always be indebted to all of you.
24 Comments
Welcome back!
Thank you, Leonie!
+100000000!
Congrats on the new venture Mike, I look forward to reading more about it over the coming weeks and Months.
Thanks Paul. Great to hear from you.
So glad you are ready to come out of retirement! I look forward to hearing more about your future ventures!
Thank you, Susan! Best to you, Jamal and the kids!
Welcome back! Honestly, digital accessibility needs you.
Thanks much Ken! Really appreciate your kind words.
Not done yet! So great to hear. And waiting for the reveal with baited breath (what does that even mean? Sounds gross).
You were just waiting for the election in the US to be over, so no one could steal your thunderous news, right? Congrats and welcome back!!
Fantastic, Mike! Let your fire burn bright!
Can’t wait to see the next amazing chapter unfold Mike! Your inspiration to all of us continues.
Fantastic news! The world needs you!
Hey, no worries. The vacuum you left is still there waiting to be filled. Cheers!
I’m on it!
Hey, Mike! Welcome back and good luck. You are a class act and your career championing accessibility features in software and documentation has raised the bar on what people expect in applications. I’d seen that you had done some work with our UI design team at Kronos a few years back. Maybe you, Donna, and I can rendezvous some day in North Beach for another fantastic meal!
Hi Dick – fantastic to hear from you. Thanks for your kind words! TPG did work with Kronos for a few years and, in fact, I recently found out that one of my other long-time colleagues, Becky Gibson, recently accepted their Sr. Accessibility Product Manager role. Happy to catch up, anytime!
Yay, thanks for sharing great news! Congratulations Mike and welcome back, we’ve missed you.
Mike – so excited to read this first blog post and to hear about your next season. Thank you for carrying the torch, may it burn bright and light the way for many!
Thanks Scott! I really appreciate the incredible support from everyone!
Hi Mike. I’m excited for you. I would wish you luck but I know you don’t need it. John
Thanks very much John!
Happy to hear you’re ready. Welcome back!