CBA Record November 2017

Desmond Clark Speaks at CBA By William A. Zolla CBA Record Editorial Board

F ormer Chicago Bears tight end Des- mond Clark overcame an extremely difficult childhood in Lakeland, Florida, to become a star athlete at Wake Forest University, where he was the first member of his family to attend college. He later enjoyed a successful 13-year career in the National Football League, including being a member of the 2006 Bears team that won the NFC Championship and played in the Super Bowl. Clark, who currently works for a finan- cial advisor and serves as president of the Chicago Chapter of the NFL Alumni Association, has continued to excel since retiring from professional football. He has written a book about his life journey, entitled “Before and Beyond the Game,” and frequently speaks to groups about the lessons he has learned on his path to success both on and off the playing field. Clark recently spoke at the CBA as part of its new "Signature Series" about his life story and the “Six Principles of Winning” he believes are essential to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. According to Clark, the six biggest keys to success are: • Understanding that your reputation for honesty and reliability is your most important character trait. According to Clark, if you tell someone you are going to do something, you better do it because your name and word will ultimately determine whether you will be successful. • Embracing the power of relationships by always making a concerted effort to broaden your network of friends and “extended family members.” • Mastering the small, mundane details of a project better than your competition. • Practicing hard. In fact, Clark believes

Desmond Clark addressed CBA Members and guests at the CBA's Signature Series. Photo by Bill Richert.

Learn more about The CBA’s S i g n a t u r e S e r i e s a t www. chicagobar.org. In addition to his work and public speaking engagements, Clark actively sup- ports the American Cancer Society’s “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign in honor of his mother. people to follow their dreams even at the risk of failing. He believes that a person can fail at something without being a failure, and it is essential that people allow them- selves the opportunity to fail rather than not pursuing their dreams.

that in any competition, you should practice harder than you than you “play” because perfect practice leads to perfect performance. • Being self-motivated; Clark urges people to ask themselves how good they want to be at something, set a bar for their success, and then focus on how to get better and reach the bar. • Igniting your passion or purpose by tap- ping into what is fulfilling. For Clark, that means faith, family, fun, finances, charity, and how to make a difference brighten up people. Finally, as a bonus principle, Clark urges

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The Chicago Bar Association

Myra Colby Bradwell was one of our nation’s leading advocates for women’s rights and played an important role in breaking through the barriers that restricted women from practicing law. As founder and owner of the Chicago Legal News she wrote many editorials about equality for women, and about the need for an association of lawyers in Chicago. Her December 1873 editorial was instrumental in The Chicago Bar Association’s formation in March 1874.

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