Meet N.H. “Rush” Rushdan: Land On Your Feet Inc, Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with N.H. “Rush” Rushdan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi N.H. “Rush”, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Since moving to Tampa Florida in November 2017, I have marveled at the vision, energy, and drive of entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians who I have met; truly they are risk takers. NOTHING COMES TO A DREAMER BUT A DREAM First and foremost, vulnerability and courage are parts of risk taking; vulnerable enough to put yourself out there and courageous to stick to it! Risk taking requires a deep emotional belief in yourself, the ability to absorb and apply knowledge, the flexibility and adaptability to learn new skills, and a trust in your instincts; I call it head, heart, and gut. I believe that mobility is the fuel that propels us towards our dreams, but risk is the “elephant in the room” that must be addressed. Calculated risk taking requires analytical and critical thinking. Before diving in head first, it is essential to understand the “what if…?” about decisions. Hope is not a method nor is it a strategy; plan for the best outcome but be prepared for the worst. Before executing a plan, I gather as much data and information about potential pitfalls. That said, it is easy to get “paralysis through analysis” if overthinking occurs. However, before executing my plans. I would always discuss with a trusted person/people to avoid blind spots. Risk takers see beyond their current situation to their end state. Once “what right looks like” has been clearly defined in my mind’s eye, I marshal in the necessary methods and resources to achieve the intended outcome. At the outset of my achievement journey, I know that risk taking is not iron clad nor is it a foregone conclusion that things will turn out exactly as planned. But having a plan B-C minimizes the negative impacts and allows you to move forward even though it didn’t turn out as originally planned. The key is persistence and keep it moving in a positive direction; almost don’t count. IS THE JUICE WORTH THE SQUEEZE? Having been in a position to observe and learn from United States (US) Army Senior Military Leaders and Department of the Army Senior Executives in the US Intelligence Community. Risk assessment is an integral part of the operational planning phase and occurred at every level from the ground up. Risk v. gains helped guide the decision-making process. Said differently, “is the juice worth the squeeze?” Key takeaways from lessons learned: – Assume nothing; CYA (Challenge Your Assumptions) – At any given time, we’re in one of three positions: 1. Let it happen 2. Make it happen or 3. Wonder what HAPPENED?! – Sometimes there’s a delicate dance between letting it happen and making it happen; you don’t have until you get it and you’re not there until you’re there; ALMOST DOESN’T COUNT. Keep your eyes on the prize and go get it. Persistence is the key! – Don’t be a YEBUT (Yeah But)! Get your butt out of the way and chase greatness professionally and chase goodness personally; don’t mix them together. – Risk v. rewards; is the juice with the squeeze? Your call…

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Land On Your Feet (LOYF) is a concept that I’ve been thinking about for years. It basically means, regardless of your situation you can always land on your feet when you know what “right looks like” in your mind’s eye. Part of LOYF will focus on a compilation of life lessons learned after serving 40 years with the Department of Army: 30 of which was in the US Intelligence Community whereby I am now willing to share to a broader audience. Throughout that time I had key developmental jobs at three different echelons, as well as having been Special Advisor to senior leaders where I was consulted daily on matters of mission, operations and personnel. While in these positions, I learned and developed different strategies and courses of action to solve a myriad of problems. I gained in-depth understanding, knowledge, and experience in facilitating and supporting the military force requirements. My background can easily be related to any large organizational dynamics. The lessons learned aided me –my mentees and protégés- greatly in navigating a maze of challenging personal and professional situations. Moreover, I have been in a position to observe the absence of direction and focus in our youth and recognize the need to provide tools they can use on a daily basis as they mature into adolescence and adulthood. Throughout my career, I have successfully trained, coached and mentored dozens of Soldiers, Department of Defense Civilians and Contractors with their professional and personal development and career. As a parent, I co-raised four daughters in a foreign country to be solid citizens using some of the tools listed below. The lessons learned do not guarantee success; rather, they add introspective tools to an otherwise sparse toolbox. Having been a trainer, coach, and mentor the majority of my entire career, I am now retired; I have time to do what I want to do; and that is being instrumental in influencing positive change wherever and whenever I can. For years, colleagues, mentees, protégés, and friends have encouraged me to capture my life lessons in a memoir; however, I do not think a memoir is the right vehicle to get my message across to today’s youth. Rather, I believe repetition and hard work is the best way to learn.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Depending on the my mood, there are have a few places I visit for the vibe; Chaney’s Cigar Lounge (Fb: Chaney Cigar Lounge) and Cigar Castle (website: www.cigarcastle.com) are both in Temple Terrace. Chaney’s Lounge has the feel of the neighborhood bars that I grew up around in New Jersey. The Cigar Castle has a great selection of whiskey’s, bourbons, cognacs, beers, and they make the best coffee in town, Loc’d On Cigars (Fb: Loc’d On Cigars) Maduro Marauders W.Tampa, Cigar International Brandon, The Asshhouse, Saint Petersburg (www.cigarbizness.com), has a breadth of hand rolled house sticks and the house is as comfortable as a pair of slippers, and the historic Ybor City Tampa. For Caribbean and Soul Food, check out Mangos Cafe and Specialty Store Temple Terrace.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
No successful person achieved success alone. Regardless of the heights we’ve achieved, there was a network of people that encouraged us to push forward and a select few that pulled us up. I am thankful to my parents and maternal grandparents for my core values; my dad for instilling “Trenton Makes the World Takes” work ethics, my mother for a sense of adventure, and my grandparents exposing me to new and different things. A special shout to my Brothers and Sisters in The United States Army who personified and help me understand the meaning of “One Team, One Fight!”

Website: www.myloyf.com; www.my-rush-hour.com

Facebook: Land On Your Feet Foundation

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Ene4UwyiI5M. https://youtu.be/13JWNm4JmFw

Image Credits
Rush Pic2.jpg LOYF LOGO-02.png