Many of us are not fans of the theory: “It’s not personal, it’s just business.”
Others put forth the notion that this old-school rhetoric simply serves as a justification for bad behavior.
Have people amassed fortunes using this brand of self-centered logic? Yes. Are they fulfilled? Possibly. But for those who worship at the throne of the bank account, fulfillment is likely defined by a rather short list of criteria.
The point? One’s “work” and one’s “life’s work” should never be confused, misaligned or misunderstood. Sadly, the first is often “just business,” but the latter is almost always extraordinarily “personal.” The lucky ones manage to combine the two.
Achieving success at one’s life’s work doesn’t necessarily lead to a burgeoning income. Nevertheless, what does come in can provide much greater value — a connection to our hearts. Or in the case of Beth and Natalee Holloway, the hearts of millions around the world.
At one time, Beth Holloway was a public school speech pathologist for children with special needs and a devoted mother of two. She lived a self-described “quiet, somewhat uneventful life” just outside of Birmingham, Alabama. All of this would soon change — under terrible circumstances.
In the summer of 2005, Beth’s daughter, Natalee, disappeared on the last night of her senior high graduation trip to Aruba.
The exhaustive search and widespread media coverage made Natalee Holloway a household name. Now living every parent’s nightmare, Beth Holloway was thrust out of her Alabamian comfort zone and into the public eye.
As part of her unrelenting search for Natalee, Beth Holloway has been interviewed by countless national and international media. Even Barbara Walters selected her as one of the most fascinating people in 2005.
Though a primary suspect in Natalee’s disappearance has long been identified, his name has been intentionally omitted. It’s a gross misuse of ink — and justice — to add fuel to his self-perpetuating, attention-starved fire.
Natalee Holloway was declared legally dead in 2012. Her whereabouts are still unknown.
For Beth Holloway, her unexpected life’s work may have been tragic in its origin. However, today, business as usual is about as personal as you can get.
“I found myself asking — since I’ve been a teacher and an educator — what can I do for others? What can I teach others from our tragic life?” says Holloway. “I made the commitment early on in 2005 that I would share Natalee’s story in hopes that others can learn how to endure in the face of adversity.”
Once a teacher, always a teacher
Holloway has most assuredly kept that promise. She has delivered her message of hope, faith and personal safety to thousands across the country.
“It was cathartic in the beginning, but I think that’s a normal process,” says Holloway. “For the last eight years, it’s been personally rewarding and fulfilling to me to deliver the personal safety message to our young adults. It’s very heartwarming to see that Natalee’s story makes a difference in their lives — even though many are too young to remember it.”
However, to spend one-on-one time with Holloway — to hold her gaze as she discusses her beautiful daughter’s hopes, dreams, charm and appeal — is equal parts uplifting and shattering.
Beth Holloway’s life’s work is a celebration of all-things Natalee — complete with the “what was” in shared equal billing with the “what could have been.” A tragedy of a very different kind would emerge if Natalee Holloway, the person, got lost in Natalee Holloway, the story.
“She wanted to go to medical school,” recalls Holloway. “I have no doubt she would have made it. She had big plans for her life. She was going to the University of Alabama. She was very disciplined and driven. She had an amazing network of friends. She had an amazing balance in her life.”
This interview was easily the most challenging of my career. Mental images of a would-be Dr. Natalee Holloway juxtaposed against the faces of my own two 20-something children created a cerebral rebellion that mocked my ability to focus, to comprehend.
In time, my course of action became clear: assist Beth Holloway in paying it forward — to tell the story of her noble mission. To honor Natalee, her family and the millions who continue to support — and learn from — Natalee’s legacy.
Is there a more compelling reason to advocate for the education, welfare and safety of others? To look outside ourselves for purpose, fulfillment and courage — for our life’s work?
“There are a lot of transitions that you make in your journey,” says Holloway. “For me, there was a transition for victim to victor. You begin to redefine yourself and your life.”
For those who have faced any kind of adversity, the spirit of this message could not be more universal.
Regardless of how you choose to learn about — and celebrate — Natalee Holloway: news updates, “Loving Natalee” (Beth Holloway’s bestselling book and subsequent Lifetime movie), or by experiencing Beth Holloway at the podium, Natalee’s beloved mother’s all-too-personal objective is quite simple: “Each person will take away a little piece of hope that will be applicable in their life.”
Even in its profound simplicity, could there be a loftier goal?
As we embark upon a brand new year — one with limitless new possibilities — please keep Natalee Holloway close to your heart.
Her indefatigable mother, Beth Holloway, has provided us with a New Year’s Resolution guaranteed to stand the test of time: the ultimate act of “class” — business or otherwise — is to work on behalf of others.
For more information, visit the Natalee Holloway Resource Center (NHRC) at helpthemissing.org. For more on marketer, speaker and writer Randall Kenneth Jones, visit RandallKennethJones.com.