What’s with the name?

During my first college semester, I “earned” (using that term very loosely) a .64 GPA. You read that correctly: not 3.64. Not 2.64. Not even 1.64. Point. Six. Four.

There are several reasons why I got off to a less-than-stellar start, but the important thing is that–with the help of some good friends, encouraging classmates, great teachers and a shift in attitude–I recovered. I eventually improved enough to make the Dean’s List, earn two master’s degrees, and put together a pretty solid academic record.

So why, you might ask, would I name my consulting and training business after one of my biggest failures? A few reasons:

1. It keeps me humble. Every time I think I’m smart, I remember a time when my grades showed otherwise and when I exhibited ignorance of a wide variety of topics (including science and accounting). Yes, today I do know a few things. But I also know that everyone’s smart about something, and no one’s smart about everything.
2. It reminds me of how education changed my life.  As my first-semester GPA shows, I wasn’t always an eager student. But once I found a topic I enjoyed and a constructive way of expressing myself in the classroom, there was no holding me back. Everyone can transform in a similar way–if they’re inspired.
3. It’s a good story. Yep. Some of this is pure marketing. The story behind the Point Six Four name is fun, disarming, and–hopefully–memorable.

So, ultimately, Point Six Four is designed to be reflective of how I approach things: being serious about my work while not taking myself too seriously. If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s talk!