Meet David Schilling

We were lucky to catch up with David Schilling recently and have shared our conversation below.

David, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

When I was 14 years old I was involved in an accident that put me in the hospital paralyzed from the neck down. The prognosis was a paraplegic for life. In my 14 year old boy’s mind that was not an option. I would fully recover and walk out of the hospital unaided before summertime. Needless to say, the doctors did not agree.

Slowly over the first couple of weeks following the accident I began to move my toes, then my feet, then legs and eventually my hands and arms. I was very weak but I was regaining feeling and motion. At the time there were no MRI’s or CAT Scans, only XRAYs, so doctors had no way to see the full extent of my injury. As it turns out I dodged a bullet. Instead of severing my spinal cord (which is unrepairable), mine had only been “bruised”. As the injured area began to heal most of the nerves were able to do their jobs again. So I regained most of my strength and motion, although overall weaker and with some areas still, and forever, unable to move.

After four months of several times a day physical and occupational therapy, as well as a relentless mental determination to be back to normal, I walked out of the hospital unaided and went home.

The experience changed me forever. I learned “experts” are not always right. I learned your mind is a very powerful tool not only in thought and decisions, but in repairing your physical body. Focused determination, unwavering belief and hard work can get you through things in life others may not believe in.

I learned then that in many cases even the seemingly impossible is possible if you truly put your mind into it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m retired from a 30 year career in commercial real estate. I started at the bottom, parking cars, then worked my way up through the company, retiring as Senior Vice President. I always focused on being the best I could be and doing the best job I could.

I have had a lifelong love of music, so when I retired I decided to build a second career around something I loved. I began working with an internationally respected independent radio station, learning how broadcast worked, how DJs create and produce shows, how to produce live music events and how to relate to artists. After about four years of this I decided to try producing my own radio show, so connected with another independent radio station (in another city after relocating) and began my own show. In the four years since I have created a prime drive time show where I play new music, local artists and interviews. I get a lot of great feedback from listeners so I’m counting this as a success!

Along with radio, I have managed artists and produced live music events.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I would say keeping an open mind, trusting my instincts and thinking in a common sense way have helped me a lot throughout my life.

I have told my kids many times, think for yourself. Just because someone (or something) tells you something doesn’t mean its true or the way it is. Question authority. Analyze. Don’t blindly follow.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My father was born with a form of muscular dystrophy which affected the muscles in his feet, legs and hands. He can’t run and has difficulty walking.

All of my life he has proven his physical issues will not stop him from doing things he wants to do. He has been an expert skier for nearly 50 years. A lifelong cyclist, having done high level tours in several countries and riding mountain bikes at a high level. He windsurfed for 20 years, and is a lifelong motorcycle touring rider.

He’s done all of that without complaining of pain, nor bragging about what he overcomes to do these activities.

His example has been one of the most valuable of my life. Especially when it came to dealing with my physical issues following my injury and how to continue to live with the aftermath. He’s shown me that even with big obstacles you can overcome them if you work hard and create your own methods. Keeping focused and pushing through when something gets in your way. Never give up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @davideschilling