Texas Transit Association

Doug Eadie

LESSONS FROM THE BLIND VISIONARY
TTA Conference Keynote Presentation
April 20, 2010

Read Doug Eadie’s article Reach Out Aggressively

Doug Eadie and Virginia Jacko’s new book, The Blind Visionary, tells an amazing true story. Virginia Jacko was a successful executive at Purdue University when she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. She would slowly, but surely, go completely blind.  As the darkness grew around her, Virginia found the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. – and a new mission in life.  Virginia turned a potentially-devastating condition into an opportunity, going from student to president and CEO of the Lighthouse in just four years.  But The Blind Visionary is more than a great read.  Co-authors Doug and Virginia also provide readers with practical guidance they can put to use in their own lives in finding greater personal and professional satisfaction.

Doug Eadie’s TTA keynote presentation will focus on the four lessons that he and Virginia have drawn from her Purdue and Lighthouse experiences:

• Reaching out aggressively – cultivating mentors, role models and potential partners
• Acting on opportunities – taking action to meet challenges and overcome barriers
• Not letting fear win – believing in yourself no matter what the naysayers might tell you
• Keeping things in perspective –  keeping your ego in check and your sense of humor intact