BiographyGary was a chronic underachiever who found himself suspended from high school and college for numerous and sundry infractions. Thanks to a number of individuals who took time to mentor, discipline and encourage him he become a professional student earning a BA degree in History from Belmont Abbey College (NC), a Masters degree in History and a Ph.D. in Education, both from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Between his various educational gigs Gary worked as a deckhand, bartender, dishwasher, waiter, teacher, school administrator and university instructor. All of these jobs had one thing in common. The pay was lousy but the life lessons were priceless!
After earning his doctorate and in dire need of funds Gary joined The Interpublic Group Of Companies, one of the leading global marketing communications companies in the world, becoming a vice president of executive development. Upon leaving IPG after fifteen very productive years Gary launched a successful consulting career specializing in executive and organization development. He was recruited back to corporate life becoming the senior vice president and chief human resources officer of one of the top financial service firms in the country, AXA Financial. After two very challenging years Gary left AXA to start up a company that provided web-based management development programs to small businesses. It was a spectacular failure! But, Gary learned a great deal about business, technology, happiness and himself. The latter two led him to launch a second career as a happiness researcher, motivational speaker and life coach aimed at helping retired Boomers find happiness and meaning in their Second Half. Something he is currently trying to find himself and having a great deal of fun in the process!
Gary's recently published book, Self Leadership: How Boomers Can Boost Happiness, Secure Their Finances, and Find Meaning in the Second Half of Life. The book is based on Gary's research on happiness and how it can be applied to our daily lives. You can order it from Amazon.com. You can learn more about Gary if you visit his website, www.garybillings.com