Brian Dyson’s 30 second Speech?

This piece turns up in numerous Web sources, attributed to one Brian Dyson, in a commencement speech given at Georgia Tech on September 6, 1996 (or, in some attributions, 1991).

Brian Dyson is President of Chatham International Corporation (CIC), a private international business consulting and investment firm with emphasis in South America. Prior to founding CIC, Mr. Dyson worked for The Coca-Cola Company for 35 years. He retired from Coca Cola Co. as Vice Chairman on July 31, 2003.

There is no proof that Mr. Dyson made such a speech, or even uttered these words in any context. but the message stands alone, with clarity and impact.

“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air.

You name them – Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the Air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball.

If you drop it, it will bounce back.

But the other four Balls – Family, Health, Friends and Spirit – are made of glass.

If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered.

They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for Balance in your Life.”