Date: 2025-10-14 Page is: DBtxt003.php txt00029056 | |||||||||
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PROFESSIONALS IN MY FIELD
CLAY WESCOTT ... LOOKING BACK I have no idea wehn and where I first met Clay Wescott Original article: | |||||||||
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Clay G Wescott
Looking back.
Since college, I’ve worked in 80 countries, visited a few more, and lived in 4. We live on a stunning planet, perhaps unique in the galaxy. The diversity of life and culture, and light is breathtaking. Over the last few years, I’ve tried to focus on two things: giving back so that my family and all the others can find the same fulfillment on earth as I have and staying healthy so I can be part of this wonderful world for as long as I can.
I give back by working for as many years as I can, hoping to contribute professionally to causes I support, along with keeping my family solvent. My work, whether for good pay, little pay, or no pay, is the same: supporting research on what works, what doesn’t work, and why? I use the evidence from this research to help push public leaders worldwide to achieve better results, working as much as possible with younger leaders through mentoring, joint publication, and networking.
To stay healthy, Alison and I have moved to Florida for most of the year, so we can be outdoors and exercise to the maximum extent possible. Florida has places of stunning beauty with its semi-tropical flora and fauna, sunsets, and beaches. I try to play tennis or go out in the boat every day. We also sing with Voices of Naples, a choral group that toured England, Ireland and Scotland this year. But living in Florida has nearly as many challenges as the low- and middle-income countries where we have lived in terms of governance, whacky politics, unsustainable development, and occasional wild weather. To keep it balanced, we spend some time in Washington, DC, France, Hawaii, and other places we love.
How is this working out? I stopped at our local wine shop in DC to get a bottle for our wonderful next-door condo neighbor as thanks for putting up with occasional dog barks from our quarters and my returning once from an overseas mission in the middle of the night. The cashier looked at me and said:
“You’ve been coming here for a long time, haven’t you?”, the cashier asked.
“Yes,” I replied.
“I’ve been working here for 20 years, and I remember faces. You haven’t changed a bit. Some of my customers look very different (she used her hands to sketch out large bellies and fragile physiques). I’m so glad to see you looking so well”.
“Thanks! I’m trying my best!” See less
Comments
Frank Claude Cadenhead
Thanks for this!
2y
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Sanjay Saxena
You are a source of inspiration for many Clay! The professionalism, gravitas and unassuming demeanor that you bring to your work is worth emulating by everyone. Stay blessed.
2y
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Meredith Wyman Walsh
Would love to see you! Not sure when or where but I trust it will happen. Thank you for all your guidance when I needed it!
2y
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Shabbir Cheema
Looking good indeed. Take care.
2y
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Richard Bolt
Very inspiring, Clay, ‘retirement’ is bit of a misnomer, like you I find it hard to stop caring and remain interested in life’s work and life in general!
2y
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Marsh DeMott
Wonderful essay, Clay. I remember you from Hingham! It's great you're singing in Naples as well. I'm playing sax with the Naples Big Band. Hope to see you at Cambier Park!
2y
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