Not discounting the horrifying aspects of the cornonavirus pandemic, there have been some developments that can be viewed as positive. here they are.

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We have been through so much over the past several weeks with the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to the growing number of deaths and severe illnesses, there have been frightening economic impacts around the world, leading to terrible physical and emotional stress for so many. Despite all the hardships, which I don't discount at all, it seems that we are starting to care more about others than ever before"to finally give a damn"about each other. Maybe it took a horrifying pandemic to get our attention.

I love seeing so many recent demonstrations of respect and appreciation for our health care workers, first responders, police officers and teachers. I think so many of us now understand our total dependence on these people, as well as the countless ways that we depend on farmers, and the transportation, travel, food service and technology industries. I love that many individuals are donating to charities. I hope these efforts will continue and not end when this is over. This new awareness, appreciation and respect is one of the silver linings that I see in this coronavirus crisis.

Even in the most difficult times, I hope that we can look for some good, no matter how small, in very bad situations; and be grateful for positive changes. Although this virus has been deadly and continues to be scary, I want to express how the coronavirus has made us realize the following:

• That we can all come together as a family, regardless of race, ethnicity, religious affiliation or political views; setting aside our differences and prejudices; and that when we do, we want and are capable of helping others;
• That we should slow down so that we might set aside time for the most basic and important things such as family, friends, giving, and sharing our talents and expertise;
• That we can better appreciate our freedom and the many luxuries we enjoy each day, yet often take for granted;
• That leaders of our cities, states and countries can come together in efforts to collaborate and solve problems;
• That individually I can make a difference, but collectively we can change the world;

Today, and each day going forward, we have new opportunities to change the world through our actions. Perhaps the coronavirus is helping us to become more compassionate and empathetic citizens, and maybe through altruism, caring, respecting and collaborating with each other in new ways, we can create a more positive and happier long-lasting cultural change. This is my greatest hope.

Authors Website: https://www.giveadamnbook.com/

Authors Bio:

Mark received his BS degree in Finance from Boston College and an MBA in Marketing from Tulane. He worked for IBM for 13 years before forming Communique' in 1994. As President, Communique' quickly became the South's fastest growing ISP, building a client base of over 10,000 users. After Communique' was purchased in 1997, Mark merged multiple businesses to form a new Internet Company called Orange Twine, which was chosen by the Chamber as the Rising Tide Small Business of the Year in Technology. In late 2002, Mark became President of the Louisiana Technology Council (LTC) to assist the state in technology development. In 2005 Mark was selected by the Governor's office as Technology Leader of the Year for Louisiana. He helped Louisiana rise from 49th to 32nd out of 50 states in technology employment. Mark continues to appear live (12+ years) on WWLTV's monthly program called "Digital Gumbo," that helps promote local technology initiatives/companies in the region.

In late 2012, Mark became a principal partner and then 100% owner of the consulting firm Communique'. Mark coaches and consults entrepreneurs and small businesses for success. For the past 6 years, he moderates three CEO Round tables to help with their growth. For the past 8 years, Mark has been the Coordinator for Louisiana's largest Annual IT Symposium, specifically for CIOs, CTOs, (etc.) and their direct reports. In late 2018, Mark self-published the book, "GIVE A DAMN!The Ticket to Cultural Change". GIVE A DAMN discusses the challenges facing society and business, what needs to be done, and how a GIVE A DAMN attitude can culturally make a difference both professionally and personally. Give a Damn has made a big difference in company cultures. He has appeared on several radio shows promoting his movement, including the Frankie Boyer Show, the Ed Tyll Show, and The Tom Barnard Show.

Mark is a highly successful, energetic, thoughtful leader, entrepreneur and keynote speaker. His presentations provide for engaging and interesting stories, while also providing the motivation and insight to help businesses and individuals succeed at all levels. Mark is a Board member of Entrepreneurial Organization of Louisiana as its Membership Chair. Through his leadership, Mark helped EO of Louisiana become the fastest growing Chapter in the country. And in July of 2019, EO of Louisiana awarded Mark the "Marshall Klein Louisiana Entrepreneur of the Year" Award