Meet My Network: Featuring Paul Mesard
* Meet My Network is a monthly blog series where Alyce highlights outstanding individuals within her network to share their professional and personal accomplishments *
Paul Mesard
Perhaps the most special relationships in life are those that are a perfect mix of family connection and personal friendship. Paul Mesard, known to me as Uncle Paul is the epitome of that type of relationship. He is the ultimate connector, a highly accomplished financial professional and one of the most thoughtful and compassionate human beings living in our world. Paul is a curious traveler and is always looking for new ways to see the world through the eyes of others.
Professionally speaking Paul has over 20 years of experience in the Financial Services industry as a CPA. He worked with ING Group and prior to that he was affiliated with two venture capital entrepreneurs in the Denver metro area. Now, he’s retired and continues to work with a few clients.
Personally speaking Paul has been and continues to be one of my biggest cheerleaders and sources of continual support. Whether we’re discussing how to grow my business, community events or the challenges and blessings of being #BonusParents, he is a shoulder to lean on and an inspiration to be around. In fact, I landed my first professional speaking gig because of Paul who asked me to co-facilitate a networking workshop to a group of highly accomplished business women. To this day, I preach and teach one of the most invaluable networking lessons I learned from Paul during that presentation, which is called The A.S.K. Concept.
The A.S.K. Concept, created by Paul stands for: Always Seek Knowledge (of others). Simply put, if you’re looking to create a strong network first find ways to learn about others, rather than focusing on how your needs are going to met.
While my opinion may be bias I’m not the only one who’s recognized these qualities in Paul. In 2012 Paul received Metro Volunteers’ highest honor, the Community Impact Award. The award recognizes individuals who have a demonstrated passion for volunteerism and the ability to foster civic engagement throughout a broad array of sectors and organizations. Paul has chaired the Nathan Yip Foundation Gala, Colorado AIDS Project, College Summit and Title I Planning Council boards and served on the Mayor’s Gay & Lesbian Advisory Committee. He has also volunteered for Orlando’s Way, Metro Volunteers and Mental Health America of Colorado.
What makes Paul stand out from other community leaders is his passion and dedication to mentoring young professionals who want to be involved philanthropically or in the nonprofit world. One of Paul’s innate strengths is guiding young leaders and teaching them how to use their time and energy in a way that will make a lasting impact for their community and for themselves. Along with my parents, Paul has played a huge role in helping me figure out how to get involved, make a difference and find organizations and board positions that align with who I am and what I value. This is such a gift and something that will be a part of me for the rest of my life.
Uncle Paul, there are truly not enough ‘Thank You’s’ for all you’ve done, which has greatly impacted my life. I wake up every day counting my blessings and you are among the top blessing in my life. Thank you for being my friend, my mentor and for someone who never stops pushing me to become the best version of myself.
To connect with Paul please see the information below:
Email - psmdenver@comcast.net