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Florida Law
Downs Steps Up
Mayanne Downs lays out her goals as Bar president
Lessons
In 2007, Downs nearly died. She was in a hospital, suffering from sepsis, a severe infection she developed as a result of a kidney stone. To save her life, doctors put her in a medically induced coma. Fully recovered, she acknowledges the experience changed her.
"I hope I am more passionate about the people around me and the opportunities I have and the importance of doing good work, being kind and serving others," she says.
But not everything changed. Downs remains an unusually rabid fan of all Florida Gator sports teams. One of the last things she remembers before going into the coma was that the 2007 Gator basketball team was in the midst of the NCAA men's tournament. When she woke up, her first words were, "Did the Gators win?"
Mayanne Downs, 53
Education: Bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Florida
Career: Shareholder at King, Blackwell, Downs & Zehnder in Orlando; city attorney of Orlando; 62nd president of the Florida Bar
Children: 19-year-old Barry Rigby; 17-year-old Savannah Rigby
Mayanne Downs 15 rules of life:
- When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
- Never underestimate the power of a simple “I’m sorry,” and be sure to look the person in the eye when you say it.
- Talk slowly, but think quickly.
- Always remember the three Rs: Respect for self; respect for others; responsibility for all of your actions.
- Smile when you pick up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
- Spend time alone — without time alone, how will you reflect upon who you are and what you should be?
- Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
- Read more books and newspapers and watch less TV.
- Read between the lines in conversations in the office, the courtroom and at home.
- Remember that NOT getting what you want is sometimes a great gift.
- Learn the rules, and follow them.
- Remember that your character is your destiny ... and your legacy.
- Develop guiding principles for life, and check them frequently.
- Become indispensable, in every part of your life.
- When you get mad, figure out why. Anger is your psyche’s clue to self-awareness.
