029 - Wonderful and Different with Paul Avery

“It’s a wonderful life; it’s just a different life.” We interview Paul Avery, CEO of World of Beer; former COO of the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, father of two daughters diagnosed with FA; and a member of the board of directors at FARA. The transition from being in the business of running successful restaurants to becoming forefront in the research and treatment of a rare disease was a sudden and unexpected change: but not a shift Paul hesitated to make. For him, his love for and concern of the well-being of his daughters, diagnosed with FA, made his decision to join the research and development of a treatment of FA a natural fit. And in Paul’s willingness lies a lesson for all of us. We ourselves may not have a background in medicine, biology, or genetics. We may get overwhelmed at becoming part of whatever team is calling to us. Paul was able to use his economic and negotiating skills to become a powerful voice in FARA. Not to mention the unbelievable benefits Outback Steakhouse and other companies under his authority have provided at FARA events. What is your calling in life? Could the fact that your background seems unrelated to that be not a weakness, but a strength? We want to thank Paul Avery for reminding us that strength and accomplish comes from everyone bringing their diverse skills to the table.