As of this writing the MGSF re-entry program is in more than a dozen prisons, and is working with more than 60 prisoners. Corresponding through email has proved an invaluable tool to help prisoners prepare for a law-abiding, contributing life upon release. To that end, I share the newsletter I emailed to all participants this morning. To learn more about contributing to this worthwhile cause please visit www.MichaelSantos.org. 

January 27, 2012

Newsletter # 4

Dear Straight-A Guide Participants,

Those of you who have access to the Wall Street Journal may have seen an article that appeared on page B6 of the Tuesday, January 24, 2012 issue.  It's catchy title "No More Resumes, Say Some Firms," gives credence to the message we're trying to convey through our Straight-A Guide Program.

According to the article, business firms are evolving with regard to their hiring practices.  In the past, businesses relied on applicants resume when assessing whether the candidate would be a good fit as a new hire.  Not any more.  With the proliferation of the Internet, employers are doing away with the snapshot into a potential job candidate's life that a resume can offer.  Instead, employers want to see a more complete picture of the job applicant.  The Wall Street Journal reports on employers that ask applicants to send links representing their "Web presence."

In the books Earning Freedom, Prison! My 8,344th Day, and Triumph!, Michael wrote extensively about how building his Web presence opened numerous opportunities that he was able to harness from prison.  He encouraged others to begin thinking about steps they could using the Straight-A Guide to build their own Web presence.  To the extent that an individual makes a commitment to the strategy, that effort will pay dividends.

Individuals may have to serve a term of confinement in prison, but that prison term does not absolve an individual of his responsibility to prepare himself for an increasingly difficult employment market.  As the Executive Director of the Michael G. Santos Foundation, I consider it my responsibility to motivate individuals, and that was the reason I wanted to share some of the quotes from this article in the Wall Street Journal.

According to Christina Cacioppo, her employer is "most interested in what people are like, what they are like to work with, and how they think."  Participants in the Straight-A Guide have an opportunity to document their journey through prison.  Through that documentation, they can show employers exactly what they are like, what they would be like to work with, and especially, they can show others how they think.  Indeed, the Straight-A Guide workbook is specifically designed to provide such data.  The Wall Street Journal now validates the merit of such a strategy.

John Fischer, founder and owner of StickerGiant.com, says that a resume isn't the best way to determine whether a potential employee will be a good social fit for the company.  Instead, his company relies upon online data. 

IGN Entertainment, a unit of the giant News Corp, which owns Fox News and the Wall Street Journal described its hiring practices.  When IGN Entertainment sought to build its work force, it didn't ask for resumes.  Instead, the firm sought information from the individual's Web presence, and several of the people it hired were "nontraditional applicants who didn't attend college or who had thin work experience."

Those involved in the Straight-A Guide would be wise to pay close attention to this trend.  A prison sentence may be a reality, but not all individuals will emerge from prison with the same opportunities for success.  Those who prepare themselves will be far better positioned to overcome the hurdle of their felony convictions.  All prisoners should think about the challenges they're going to face when applying for meaningful employment, credit, business partners, or anything else.  Documenting the prison journey may be one of the best investments an individual can make.  He should recognize that although he cannot change the past, he can take proactive steps that will help him overcome the challenges ahead.

I urge individuals to use the Straight-A Guide website to build a Web presence.  Although I know the costs of email can be excessive, it's an investment in the future, one that has the possibility of bringing rewards such as success upon release. If I can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,

Justin Paperny, Executive Director, MGSF

January 10, 2012

During my lectures on ethics and professional development I frequently discuss the importance of perspective and learning from the experiences of others. Sometimes to make my point, I share one of philosophy's most famous fables, Plato's "Allegory of the Cave". I cannot summarize it any better than I did in Lessons From Prison. So rather than try I am sharing the exact text from the book. 

LESSONS FROM PRISON. CHAPTER 19. MORAL CODES. PAGES 164-165, Allegory of the Cave

Besides offering preventable lessons, I could also offer advisory lessons. Despite good intentions, bad decisions or life circumstances sometimes led us into adversity. This was a universal, human condition. When such challenges came, I hoped that those with whom I shared these lessons could find confidence to power through. We may succumb to temptations, but time immemorial offered countless examples of our resilience. We could thrive through turmoil and emerge stronger from adversity.

The question was would people listen. Plato, the immortal philosopher, wrote about the challenge of conveying lessons to be drawn from human experience. In his classic book The Republic, Plato told his story known as “The Allegory of The Cave.”

In that fable, Plato asked his audience to imagine a subterranean cave. A group of people had lived their entire lives in that cave. Not only were they confined to the cave, but Plato described their movements and perspectives being restricted because they had lived their entire existence fastened to a pole behind them.

As a consequence of their circumstance, the people in Plato’s cave could not comprehend or fathom the fullness of life. They had nothing more than what they could learn from their limited perspectives. By only being able to look straight ahead, they misperceived shadows for reality. Reflections from bouncing light rays brought illusions that those in Plato’s cave felt certain were authentic.

That life of limited perspective was all that the dwellers of Plato’s cave knew until one of the inhabitants broke free. He climbed out from the cave and emerged into all the splendor of the world. For the first time, he saw more than the reflection of light. He felt the power of light itself, with the sun beaming upon him and illuminating all around him. Suddenly life was more than a collection of shadows that he saw projected on the wall. Instead, he saw and experienced life itself.

Upon his discovery, Plato’s cave dweller returned to the subterranean chamber that had heretofore been his only world. He was eager to share the lessons that he had learned about the world, to help others exchange their illusions for the beauty of reality. Instead of embracing those lessons, however, Plato told us that the fellow cave dwellers rejected such descriptions.

People have a natural propensity, Plato’s allegory instructs, to perceive the world in accordance with their own perspectives. Conveying lessons from human experience represented one of man’s greatest challenges. That was why Hegel advised that we had a duty to record our histories. We had to do our best to instruct others in order to prevent the cycle of mistakes. What got you here won’t get you there. I would do my part to enlighten others through the lessons I learned.

Justin Paperny

818-424-2220

January 7, 2012

It has been pointed out to me the irony in my running compliance and ethics programs. After all, I was convicted of a crime and served an 18-month sentence at Taft Federal Prison Camp. Convictions aside, I am pleased at my expanding client list, convincing me I am on the right track.

My lessons on ethics, as told through my books, and recent Forbes blog, are practically based. Sharing my story, and the stories of other educated white-collar offenders who fell from grace, provides real life examples of the consequences of unethical behavior.

I admire those executives who sit attentively in my audience. Embracing ethics is not a chore for them, but a joy. Unfortunately, before I went to prison I had very little interest in the study of ethics. As far back as USC I wasn't concerned with listening to others who would put me to sleep with lectures about the value of making ethical decisions. My focus was on playing baseball, then graduating and making money. That was my first mistake. 

As a stockbroker I made money—lots of it. Money and advancement, at all costs, consumed me. Some called it greed, others ambition. Either way, my singular pursuit of money, and ignoring the nuisance of ethics, came with a heavy price. As a result of my arrogance and dereliction of duty I created victims, embarrassed my family, ruined my career, and suffered through a year in prison. 

"What was your biggest mistake?” I remember an executive at KPMG asking me.  

My biggest mistake was suffering from myopia. I never fully understood how the decisions I made today would influence the life I wanted to lead tomorrow. Additionally, I never stopped to consider what I valued or why. Why did I choose money over family? Why did I think it was ok to use you as a means to my end? Why did I subordinate my health and relationships for rapid advancement? 

The study of ethics helped me understand these questions, and it helped define my values. It helped me embrace Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean, of finding balance and moderation in all we do. It taught me the importance of prioritizing, and pursuing activities that translate into a moral life. It helped me embrace my past, and to pay attention to the emotions that helped lead me astray. When I feel envy, jealousy, or resentment, I now ask why.  Ethics requires that I stay focused on tasks that bring value to my life and the lives of others. Ethics provides a much needed perspective—I am amazed at how differently I see the world after reading only 10 minutes of Socrates or 15 minutes of Sartre.

My study of ethics continues. It is a part of my life, like breathing. I feel immensely grateful to be able to share these valuable lessons with audiences from coast to coast.

Justin Paperny

818-424-2220

I just chatted with a man who is in a jam I know to well. He is preparing to surrender to prison for a sentence that will keep him locked up for 15 months and 21 days. When he called, however, he had no idea that was how long he would serve. His judge sentenced him to 18-months. He presumed he would spend exactly that long confined. I explained to him the difference between half way house, good time, home confinement, second chance act, and other issues that could shorten a prison term.

Clearly, my friend is in the most awkward stage. As he makes plans to surrender to prison he feels as if his life is on hold, suspended. To a degree it is. I encouraged him to read a copy of my book, Lessons From Prison. I also directed him to the daily writings and books from Michael Santos. As a reminder, my second tip suggested spending time on Michael's website. 

I derive a sense of satisfaction when I spend the time helping others prepare for their journey. I can relate to all his emotions that are threatening to swallow him whole. He is going to do fine, in part, because he is preparing, taking charge of the situation. Reading my book will help.

Justin Paperny

Powering through a prison term is made easier with the help of good friends. Surely, an indictment and conviction imperils friendships, even lifelong ones. Indeed, losing some friends was one of the many casualties of my conviction. Fortunately, so many more stuck with me. 

Friendship, is always essential, especially when traveling through the system. Fighting a criminal case presents a series of strange emotions. I, for one, engaged in a series of higher highs and lower lows. One moment I was excited to be tackling the toughest moment of my life; the next I was smoking and crushing double doubles from In&Out, obsessing over how my life was falling apart. Friends helped me find the middle ground, and perspective.

Perhaps what I appreciated most from my friends was their patience and decision not to judge me. As one friend said,"but for the grace of god, go I. In my life I have made bad decisions. Who am I to judge?" Such comments buoyed my spirits, providing solace when I needed it most. 

My friends also stepped up to help my family. My parents were naturally worried about me when I began my term. What parent wouldn't be? My friends took the time to console my parents worries when they needed it most. It may have been as quick as a phone call to say hello, or even a cup of coffee. The point is they took the time to do it, and for that I am eternally grateful. 

My friends support enabled me to serve my sentence with dignity and strength. Their belief in me strengthened me, and it helped me make my prison term one of the most productive years of my life.

Justin Paperny

I am always asked about the food in prison.  Although I only served time at Taft Camp, I can affirm that the food there was pretty decent. The chow hall offered a comfortable environment for eating. In retrospect, it was reminiscent of an airport cafeteria. 

At Taft, the menu followed a five-week cycle.  The mornings brought pancakes, oatmeal, cereal, eggs (sometimes hard boiled), and biscuits and gravy. I usually woke at 5am each morning then made a cup of instant coffee. I routinely walked to the chow hall around 6:00. Generally I brought my own oatmeal and had it with milk provided from the chow hall.  Due to the cost I always refrained from purchasing the powered milk from the commissary.

For lunch, Taft usually served the following types of items once a week: hamburgers, enchilada casserole, fajitas, tacos, burritos, tostadas, hot dogs, cold cuts (the only really inedible item) and a lot of beans.  Dinners are typically the same type of meals.  I ate about seven to ten meals a week from the chow hall.

Besides the food in the chow hall, however, I loved to prepare my own meals in the housing unit.  At Taft we had access to four microwave ovens (though one was usually broke), and I became a master at microwave cooking.  The commissary sold tomatoes, onions, avocados, green peppers, apples, bananas, and jalapenos. It also sold brown rice, tuna, chicken, roast beef, salmon, pasta, bread, hummus, apricots, plums, crackers, peanut butter, and other items that easily nourished me. I will post a commissary list in a later blog.

There is a lot to worry about in serving a prison term. Eating healthy food, fortunately, is not one of them. 

Justin Paperny

Most of my clients facing an indictment seek my opinion on what lawyer they should hire. Out of prudence I always recommend a handful of competent, experienced white-collar defense lawyers. A good lawyer--one who is sympathetic to your plight, and one who hasn't become to desensitized to the judicial process--will take the requisite time to point out all the strengths and weaknesses of your case. When you call them you should not feel as if you "bothering them," or "taking their precious time," as so many defendants complain. They have an obligation, a duty to advise and to tend your questions and concerns; never refrain from asking them whatever is on your mind.

As a rule, whomever you hire, make sure to work openly and honestly with them. Sometimes embarrassment about our criminal conduct leads one to sugarcoat exactly what happened. Sugarcoating or living in denial may make may you feel better, but longer term--I know--the consequences are disastrous. Own it. Confronting reality can be tough, but it is an essential step to thriving through the system.

Also never forget that while your lawyers will prepare you for your defense, they are not prepared to prepare you for the inevitable--prison. Just as I would never presume to disperse legal advice, a lawyer should not dispense advice on what prison is like. It is both troubling and perplexing to me when lawyers try.

Justin Paperny

I am really enjoying writing these blogs. Over the last week a number of defendants, and their lawyers, have reached out, thanking me for my useful tips. As a reminder, I wrote a daily blog from Taft Federal Prison Camp. I would encourage anyone entangled in a battle with the SEC, DOJ, IRS--any of them--to scroll through my blog roll. I started writing them in October, 2008.

Yesterday I received an email from a man who had read some of my blogs. Specifically, he said that he "had so many questions", and that he and his wife were "freaked out" about his imminent surrender to prison. Then he said, "I would love to work with you, but my lawyer has sucked nearly every dollar from me. I am not sure I can afford you. What do you charge?"

I appreciated the honesty. I can also relate to the expense of retaining a top notch criminal defense attorney. I do charge a modest fee for prison consulting, however, not for one phone call. Call me and we will have a chat about your situation. Other consultants invoke the "power play" in trying to close business--I know of one who demands you deposit money in his bank account before even speaking to you. Not me. During our call you will either see the value or you won't. Then we can take it from there. At the least I will have alleviated some concerns. I can be reached at 818-424-2220.

In my next tip I will share some thoughts on lawyers.

Justin Paperny

A friend and client is preparing to surrender to prison on January 3rd. Like me, the judge hit him with a sentence of 18-months, and he was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release. With his surrender, the healing, and his penance, can begin. 

On a call last week my client asked if I had any "last minutes suggestions". By now, we have covered most everything. "Once you are settled", I said, "consider sharing your valuable experiences in business with others by leading a class."

My experience taught me too many prisoners focus on the limitations surrounding their environment. For some they prove to difficult to endure. Rather than focusing on what they could accomplish, they become enmeshed in the daily "pity party." These parties take place in the chow hall, tv room, or on the dusty track. These prisoners whine about all the outside forces holding them back, or the prosecutor that set them up, or the snitch that dropped the dime on them. Other than my gaining a few minutes of entertainment, it was boring to hear, and worse, their worthless tirades added no value to their life or the lives of others. 

I beseeched my client to be different, to set an example that others could be proud of. Indeed, my client has considerable business experiences from which others can learn. If he were to teach a class, or mentor others individually, not only would he bring meaning to his prison term, he would be giving back to an under privileged audience, who, frankly, never had the opportunities he (and me) took for granted. 

So, in summary, give back! Avoid the negativity! Not only will you thrive through prison, but you will avoid the misery and rancor that holds so many good men back. 

Justin Paperny 

Are all lies, even white lies bad? Those in favor of white lies argue they aren't that big of a deal, and that we all do it. Those against would tell you that if you respect someone enough you tell them the truth-- no matter what.

Lies and white lies interest me as it relates to prison adjustment. I learned quickly that my time through prison would be tougher on my family, specifically my mother. When I called home during my first month at Taft my mom always asked me the same question: "So, how are you?"

If I told her the truth--that I was lonely, I missed my bed, my own toilet, and that I was sick for freedom--I would have worried her. If I lied--prison was a piece of cake, and that I was gaining a valuable perspective on life--I would mollify her anxieties. I always eschewed the former for the latter.

Is it wrong when prisoners call home and play down their experience to save their loved ones from worrying? Or, conversely, is it bad when prisoners call home, and in an effort to gain sympathy, play up their experience? 

A dilemma rests in choosing between two options. I am not proud for having lied. Every time I told them I hoped that I would one day believe them.  I did. In retrospect, I feel I made the right choice.

Justin Paperny