Going about the business of life was the message that Leeposey Daniels brought to the students at Charles Henderson High School on Friday.

Daniels, a 1970 graduate of CHHS and a 33-year employee of the Alabama Department of Corrections, was the guest speaker at the school’s Black History Program at Wagoner Hall.

Daniels told the students that each of them is in business – the business of life.

“You are in business, a business where you are the employer and the only employee,” he said. “To have a successful business, you must have a plan. You must make financial arrangements and you must set high goals. Even if you don’t reach those goals, you have reached to great heights.”

Daniels said today’s world is on a fast track and it’s a world that is constantly changing. “You have to accept change,” he said. “You have to accept it and roll with it.”

Being the CEO of a business, whether it is a mom and pop operation or a big corporation, is a huge responsibility, Daniels said.

“You have to have a good attitude and an outstanding work ethic,” he said.

“Your hours of operation in the business of life are 24-7. You go to work as soon as you get up and don’t stop until you lay your head down at night.

“To succeed in the business of life, you must be of good character. You must be able to communicate. You must be able to accept criticism and you must learn not to sweat the small stuff.”

Daniels told the students that they live in a post 9-11 world.

“So you must operate your business with integrity, love and caring,” he said. “Life is the most precious commodity that we have. Be grateful for it. Be thankful for it.

“If you go about the business of life in the right way, your investment will not be empty because of the legacy that you leave behind. Be a good CEO of the business of your life.”

Dr. Boyd English, CHHS principal, also encouraged the students to give their best each day.

“Never give up,” he said. “If you give your best each day, you will be on the path of success here at CHHS and in life.”