It's a Wonderful Life

A message from Brian...

As we’ve shared recently in our blogs and through social media posts, we have a wall of images in our office that represent our teammates’ “Coins”. This display has become a great reminder for all of us of the depth of our full-time staff and our team of Expert Facilitators, and what we all value.  

In this week’s Blog, our colleague and dear friend, Dr. Brian Selman, gives us a glimpse into his values, and shares some of the currency beneath one of the images he chose. 

As a walk-on long snapper at University of Alabama, Brian earned a three-year starting role under Coach Nick Saban, and was part of the Crimson Tide’s 2009 SEC and National Championship team. He has 16 years of applied experience in Major League Baseball front office leadership and private consulting, and he currently leads the team development, operations, and execution of the NCAA and North American sports programs at EPIC Global Solutions. 

We’re honored to have Brian as part of our Game On Expert Facilitator team, and appreciate the experience, work ethic, and vision he brings into everything he does. 

- Steve Shenaum 

Since 2010, I’ve been a pupil, disciple, friend, and occasional facilitator for Game On Nation. Coins have always had a profound impact on me. Coins make building authentic relationships simple. To know me and understand me is to know my coins and the stories behind them. Coin collecting has also allowed me to better pursue understanding others. 

Game On Nation headquarters now features a “Wall of Coins” chalked full of depth and meaning, both in the individuals they represent and the broader story we tell together as a team. 

One of my Coin images depicts a scene from my favorite movie, It’s A Wonderful Life. A holiday tradition in my house, each new viewing brings new insight and perspective. 

If you’ve not seen the movie, now is the time to stop reading and go watch it. Now! Go. 

The movie opens with angels Clarence and Gabriel discussing our beleaguered protagonist, George Bailey. George’s family owned and operated Building and Loan was in serious financial trouble. George was out of options and hope. Clarence asks, “Is he sick?” Gabriel responds, “No. He’s discouraged.” 

Throughout the movie, George Bailey faces life and circumstance with a steel jaw. Time and again he responds thinking about everyone but himself, until one day, circumstances outside of his control overtake him. The Building and Loan faces ruin. As George’s world seems to be crumbling, he does the one thing he never, ever does. He makes the situation about himself. 

After some literal soul searching with the aid of his guide and guardian angel Clarence, George Bailey finds his source of encouragement and purpose in the final scene. Surrounded by his adoring community of friends and family, George’s younger brother and local hero Harry Bailey raises a toast, “To my big brother George. The richest man in town.” 

In two sentences, Harry Bailey reframes what true richness means for George. I’ve kept this image as my phone background for years to do the same. 

The depth of this movie is incredible and far exceeds what I can articulate in this message. It’s the people and sense of community that give George purpose. That’s a Coin worth holding on to for everyone. 

It is, in fact, a wonderful life. Celebrate it.