In 2015, a Starbucks manager named Chris Ali hired Sam, an autistic teenager with no work experience, as a barista. This small, unnecessary act of being “nicer than necessary” didn’t just positively impact Sam—it had a ripple effect that resonated far beyond that Starbucks location. Sam’s friendliness, charisma, and unique ability to dance while making coffee quickly gained attention, earning him an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. That video now has over 8 million views on YouTube and serves as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of kindness.
A Message from Rita Davenport
This story perfectly reflects the message shared by Rita Davenport, the concluding keynote speaker at Teresa’s and my recent CITIEA-72SOLD holiday event for our agents and corporate team. Rita is a long-time Paradise Valley resident, a dear friend to me and so many, and an inspirational powerhouse.
If you don’t know Rita, she is a bestselling author, talk show host, and the driving force behind Arbonne’s meteoric revenue growth—from $20 million to $980 million—during her tenure as president from 1991-2011. Just recently, Rita was honored as the 2024 International Speaker of the Year.
Rita’s lessons are unforgettable because they are so simple yet profound. “A setback is a setup for a comeback.” “You only get in life what you give away.” And one of my favorites: When Rita asked Billy Graham what amazed him most about life, his answer was: “The brevity of it.”
She also shared a delightful story about her son Scott asking a girl named Jennifer to dance at his first school dance:
“I was worried. You gotta wonder what that little heifer was going to say to my son. I worried the whole time he was at the dance. When I picked him up, I asked, ‘Scott, did you ask Jennifer to dance with you?’ He said, ‘Yeah, Mama.’ I asked, ‘What did she say?’ Scott said, ‘Well, she said, yes.’ Now, I wanted to prepare my son for the time when somebody said no, so I asked how he would’ve felt if she’d said no. Scott looked at me and said, ‘Well, Mama, there’s 17 other girls in my class.’”
To me, one of Rita’s most elegant and impactful pieces of advice was simple: “Be nicer than necessary.”
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Rita reminded us that going the extra mile in kindness isn’t just a moral choice—it’s a winning strategy for both life and business. Her words carry weight because she has lived a life of generosity and kindness.
Rita commands significant speaking fees, but she graciously spoke at our event without asking for a dime. Instead, she simply mentioned a favorite charity of hers, Joy Bus, a non-profit organization dedicated to feeding needy cancer patients. Teresa and I were honored to make a significant contribution—a ripple effect born from Rita’s kindness.
The Nicest Guy in the World: Tex Earnhardt
Rita’s message also reminded me of my dear friend (and hers), Tex Earnhardt, who I once described as “the nicest guy in the world.” Tex had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel important, whether it was a CEO or a valet parking his car.
Tex was the driving force behind building a billion-dollar auto empire from a single Ford dealership he purchased in 1951. His success was not just about business acumen; it was about his extraordinary kindness. He taught everyone around him that being nicer than necessary is not just a virtue—it’s a superpower.
Kindness Creates Lasting Impressions
Kindness isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about everyday moments. A heartfelt compliment to a stranger, a thank-you note to a colleague, or even a simple smile on a busy day can create ripples that positively impact others far beyond what we see.
As the legendary Maya Angelou once said:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
The Science of Kindness
Research proves that kindness is contagious. When someone experiences kindness, they are more likely to pay it forward, creating a chain reaction of goodwill. But here’s the fascinating part: being kind isn’t just good for others—it’s good for you. Acts of kindness release endorphins, improve mental health, and even lower blood pressure.
The Dalai Lama perfectly captured this when he said:
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
A Mission for Life and Business
Rita’s message goes beyond simply being nice for the sake of it. It’s a proven strategy for success in both life and business. In a world that often feels impersonal, genuine kindness makes you stand out. It makes clients feel valued, colleagues feel respected, and strangers feel seen.
At our CITIEA-72SOLD event, Rita challenged us to imagine the impact of consistently being nicer than necessary. Not only would we elevate our own success, but we’d also create a ripple effect of positivity that benefited everyone we encounter.
Kindness is Contagious—and Powerful
Rita Davenport’s wisdom, Tex Earnhardt’s legacy, and countless stories of kindness remind us that the ripple effect of being “nicer than necessary” is immeasurable. It inspires confidence, empowers others to do better, and fosters a culture of respect and goodwill that extends far beyond the moment.
To me, the holiday season—a time of giving—is the perfect time to embrace this mindset. No matter how nice you thought was necessary in the past, be nicer than necessary in the future.
With everyone you know and everyone you meet, make it a point, make it your mission to… be nicer than necessary.
