"Can I have your shoes?"

“¿Puedo tener tus zapatos?” (Can I have your shoes?)  The Malecon lines the waterfront in Havana. At night, it’s a popular gathering place for locals to cool off, socialize, dance, and walk. Early in the morning, however, it’s nearly empty.

One morning a few years ago, I was running along the Malecon. A young man running the opposite direction raised his hand and we high-fived. He then turned around and joined me. We struck up a conversation, interrupted only by the limits of my Spanish and his English. He said he was 20, a student at the University of Havana, and his family lived in Camaguey. It was obvious by his pace and stride that he was a good runner. He said he’d finished second in the national half marathon that year. And then he said, “look at my feet.” His shoes were torn, barely held together by tape. I was stunned. He asked my size. “Diez,” I said. And then he asked, “¿Puedo tener tus zapatos?”

Like most people, I consider myself to be decent and generous but, in that moment, I was neither. My mind went to excuses: these were my only running shoes, I couldn’t buy new ones until I got back to the US, the shoes were new, etc. So, I did the easy thing…for me. I gave him money. He was grateful and he said so. But the look on his face was also one of disappointment. Money wasn’t the solution for him because – like so many things in Cuba – running shoes were scarce. I regret not giving him the shoes. And I think about how often I’ve done the same thing: prided myself on my generosity by giving the easy thing when I should have given the right thing. For me, this isn’t only about charity, it applies across all aspects of life. Obviously, it’s a lesson I’m still learning.

Think about it. When you see someone who needs help – in business, in your community, or in life – are you willing to help? You probably are. If so, do you think more about what they need or about what’s easy for you to give? Sometimes that can be the same thing. If it’s not, what do you do?

Our humanity isn’t measured by what we think. It’s measured by what we actually do. Let’s strive to be the humans we think we are.

I had a fascinating conversation with UCLA professor Gaye Theresa Johnson on the What I Wish I Knew podcast. Dr. Johnson is an expert on race, culture, and freedom struggles around the world. She said that often the most generous people are the ones with the least to give. Why is that? It could be because they’re not constrained by what they’re willing to give – they have little – but instead focus on what the other person needs. It’s an impactful reminder to those entrusted to leadership positions or those blessed to be asked for help.  Our humanity isn’t measured by what we think, it’s measured by what we actually do. Let’s strive to be the humans we’d like to think we are.

As Professor Johnson said, humanity is always possible and always accessible. It’s a choice we make everyday…at work and in our communities.

The situation in Cuba right now is dire. Hopefully, the Cuban people will get the support they need and find a path forward. Consider doing what you can. As for me, I’ll return someday. And I’ll bring lots of shoes.    

Mike Irwin is an advisor, blogger, mentor, operator, podcast host, and strategist. Drawing from his past as a startup co-founder/President, executive officer of a $1+ billion market cap company (WD-40), public company CFO, VP Marketing, global chief strategy officer, head of sales, and board member, Mike helps companies grow sales, improve profitability, and scale up. He serves as an advisor, consultant, fractional or interim CEO/GM/MD, and on boards of directors. He serves on the boards of directors of Kano Laboratories, Kitchens For Good, and San Diego Sport Innovators. He is co-host the podcast, What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw. Follow him at BottleRocketAdvisors.com, get in touch at mike@bottlerocketadvisors.com or connect on LinkedIn.