Jim Mudd, Sr. of Mudd Advertising has generously chosen to donate his talent, time and treasure to Catholic Leadership Institute. His support is helping CLI build an informative and impactful website for the growing needs of CLI constituents. Recently we spoke with Jim to gather his thoughts on what it means to be a Catholic leader and what makes CLI so unique.
Tell us a little about your professional background:
I was born and raised in Owens, Iowa. Graduated from Brescia University with a degree in English in 1959. I spent 30 years in the broadcasting business as a salesman, station manager and owner. By age 35 I realized I was ready for a change and began Mudd Advertising in 1981.
Provide readers a glimpse into your personal background:
I have been married to my wife Cecilia for 44 years; we have six children (3 girls, 3 boys) and eight grandchildren (with a 9th on the way) or “Mudd Pies” as Cecilia and I affectionately call them. We love to travel, especially internationally. We are hoping to visit Australia, Japan, Russia and Greece one day.
How did you learn about Catholic Leadership Institute?
I learned about Catholic Leadership Institute through my affiliation with Legatus, a membership organization for Catholic business leaders. I met with Fr. Bill and Tim Flanagan and talked about how I could be a part of the mission of CLI.
In your opinion how does Catholic Leadership Institute stand apart from other philanthropic organizations?
I was drawn to CLI because I admired lay individuals coming together with priests and bishops under one mission to help revitalize parishes. I believe this is reflective of what the Church needs right now.
In your own words define a Catholic leader:
Catholic leadership is leadership that comes from a person who understands the Jesus within themselves. Once a person is in tune with scripture and with Jesus leadership is a natural by product of that relationship.
In your lifetime who has been the most influential Catholic leader and what impact have they made on your life?
John Paul II. I had the opportunity to meet him once in 1979 in Iowa and then once again in Rome, a year before he died. He said something in his speech in 1979 that has stuck with me throughout the years: “If you want to know how to live your life, read the Bible.” From that point on, I needed to know more. I started Bible courses and have since become an avid student of the Bible. Also, another influential leader was Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Archbishop Sheen had a national television show that aired once a week. As a youngster I watched that show faithfully and it made an enormous imprint on my life; he used small examples to teach the lessons of the Lord.
Why do you feel it is important for each of us to use our gifts and talents in service to the Church?
It is important for each of us to use our gifts and talents because it is God’s creative way; we were created to use our gifts and talents to build up His kingdom. We are the Body of Christ – each of us has something to give to the rest.
Tell readers about the Personal Development Program you adopted at Mudd Advertising and why it is an important program for your employees:
I met a publisher by the name of Charles “Tremendous” Jones who once said “You are the same today as you will be in five years except for two things: the people you meet and the books you read.” That quote was my inspiration for starting this program at Mudd. Each month the company buys a self-help book and lunch. Employees gather together to discuss what they learned and share their thoughts about each book. This type of inner-office communication helps develop a sense of camaraderie and “closeness” amongst the members of the club. The response has been overwhelming and the employees love it! It has helped create a positive atmosphere at Mudd.
What books might we find on your bookshelf?
I have a lot of motivational and self-help books, the Holy Bible as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church to help me grow and understand the faith.
|
