And the winner isn't …

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Opinion

Sun, October 1, 2023 | 10:14

And the winner isn't …

Posted : 2018-03-09 16:30

Updated : 2018-03-12 00:14

Casey Lartigue, center, receives the Global Award from Challenge Korea in Seoul on March 8. / Courtesy of Brian Klein

By Casey Lartigue Jr.

The "Wide World of Sports" on ABC used to start shows with scenes of athletes celebrating "the thrill of victory" in sporting events. But the opening scene would also show "the agony of defeat" as skiers and motorcyclists tumbled.

Within the last month, I publicly experienced the thrill of victory, but also what some may consider the agony of defeat. After I announced on social media that my organization was a finalist for the Asia Liberty Award, a friend asked: "Won't you be embarrassed if you don't win?" She reminded me: Koreans "lose face" when they don't win.

I told her that I would only lose face, and be an internet sensation, if I fell off the stage. I would have preferred to be mailed what I was sure would be the finalist award, not the grand prize, but flew to Indonesia ready to shake the winner's hand.

My explanation to my Korean friend: There are many great organizations across Asia, and we were the only Korea-based organization named a finalist. The 2018 Asia Liberty Award Finalist plaque is now hanging on the wall behind my desk, along with other awards, certificates and honors.

Most people see themselves as scoring the winning goal or basket in life, but as leadership expert John Maxwell said: "Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn." Former anti-apartheid fighter Nelson Mandela said: "I never lose. I either win or learn."

This past Thursday, I was the winner of the Global Award from the organization Challenge Korea. There are about 50 million people in Korea -- 2 million non-Koreans. I won even though I'm not a celebrity, singer, actor or politician.

Last year, before winning the "Social Contribution" Award from the Hansarang Rural Cultural Foundation, I had pledged I would show no mercy if I won, I would have a touchdown dance in the face of the other finalist. If I lost, then I would accept his touchdown dance in my face. He's Korean, he didn't show up that night. We probably would have been more like two boxers hugging after a fight.

I've heard that some business school professors advise students to put together a "failure" resume. It is assumed that you will have failures in business and in life.

Winning those awards and being a finalist were reminders that it is better to be in the competition, enjoying the journey, as sometimes we win, and sometimes we learn.

Casey Lartigue Jr. is a co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center.

CJL@alumni.harvard.edu