Few people know that the inspiration behind the name of our Team is a book titled Aspire! The author, Kevin Hall, explores the origins of impactful words and how they should apply to our lives.
The first chapter packs a punch by teaching The Secret Word, ‘Genshai’ (pronounced GEN-shy). This ancient Hindi word means that you should never treat another person in a manner that would make them feel small.
Kevin Hall’s unique ability to weave The Secret Word and other words such as ‘Namaste’, ‘Humility’, and ‘Ollin’ into a powerful story makes for a great read. (‘Ollin’ is an ancient Aztec word meaning “move and act now with all your heart.” This is the origin of “All in” for us!)
I decided that I would begin teaching my children these words to live by at a young age. My daughter, Makena, was then 6-years old and I will never forget the look of bewilderment on her face as I explained to her the meaning of ‘Genshai’ on the way to school. She promptly asked, “But, how can I make someone get smaller?”
We both laughed as I realized the usage of the word “small” in this context didn’t make sense to a child. So I had to adjust the definition slightly to “Don’t do or say things that will make other people feel bad about themselves.” This definition stuck. Now, my daughter gets a bit annoyed when every time she makes a disparaging remark I chime in with one word: “Genshai, Makena. Genshai.” But I can assure you she will never forget the meaning of it!
So now you have some insight into where the name Sierra Pacific Mortgage, “The Aspire Mortgage Group” stems from, as well as a book I highly recommend you add to your collection!
Article written by Trevor Hammond