From D-Day to Hollywood: What Mac Macdonald Taught Rotary About Service, Leadership and Showing Up
What do Apocalypse Now, The Longest Day, Saving Private Ryan and Boys in the Boat have to do with Rotary? As it turns out, quite a lot.
When Mac Macdonald recently joined the Rotary Club of Des Moines-Normandy Park, he brought an unusual combination of history, leadership, volunteerism and Hollywood stories to the podium—and challenged Rotarians to think differently about what it means to serve.
If you missed Mac’s presentation, you can watch the video below and experience his message for yourself.
From Normandy to Rotary
Mac’s connection to the subject of service goes back to the 2014 D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France, where he was invited by the organizing committee to speak to school-aged audiences during ceremonies held at each of the invasion beaches.
What he learned from people who had fought in World War II—and from civilians who had been caught up in the conflict—became the foundation for a message that extends far beyond the history of D-Day.
It is a message about volunteerism, courage, teamwork, leadership and the importance of stepping forward when your community needs you.
Mac used stories and images from some of Hollywood’s most memorable films to illustrate those themes, connecting the sacrifices and teamwork depicted on screen with the everyday contributions made by community volunteers.
And that connection is particularly meaningful to Rotary.
A Lifetime of Leadership
Mac’s own career reflects the breadth of experiences that shaped his presentation.
He earned degrees in Psychology and Organizational Development from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After serving as a Teamsters superintendent in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, he received a NATO scholarship to study International Relations at Oxford University.
He later became Director of Personnel Development at Boeing, developing his expertise in organizational leadership and human potential.
Mac eventually founded The LYFE — Lighting Your Own Fuse Enhancement Company, through which he has traveled throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada helping individuals and organizations discover their passion, purpose and leadership potential.
He is also the author of Lighting Your Own Fuse: A Glossary of Mission, Vision, and Passion and has served on numerous community boards.
And Then There’s Hollywood
Mac’s presentation also revealed a side of his life that many people might not expect.
He has appeared in productions including Apocalypse Now, American Graffiti and Murder, She Wrote. He also has fond memories of appearing in several classic Rainier Beer commercials.
Those experiences give Mac plenty of stories—and the ability to weave humor and entertainment into a message with a much deeper purpose.
The Rotary Connection
Ultimately, Mac’s presentation wasn’t really about movies.
It was about people.
The individuals featured in the stories he shared didn’t necessarily set out to become heroes. They responded to the circumstances around them. They showed up. They worked together. They served.
And that is at the heart of Rotary.
Most Rotarians will never find themselves on a battlefield or in a Hollywood production. But every day, they have opportunities to use their time, talents, experience and leadership to make their communities stronger.
Mac challenged the audience to consider a simple question:
How can I use what I have to make a difference?
It is a question that has resonated across generations—from the beaches of Normandy to community organizations right here in the Pacific Northwest.
Watch Mac’s Presentation
Mac’s Rotary presentation is now available to watch. If you weren’t able to attend in person—or simply want to revisit his stories and message—we invite you to take some time to watch.
Sometimes the most powerful lessons about leadership and service come from the most unexpected places.
And sometimes, they come from the movies.
Presented at the Rotary Club of Des Moines-Normandy Park by MAC Macdonald.
About Mac Macdonald
Mac Macdonald was hired by the organizing committee of the 2014 D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France, to address the subject of volunteerism among the school-aged audiences assembled at ceremonies held at each of the invasion beaches there.
Mac’s stimulating slide show will show us what he learned from those who either fought in that war or were caught up in it as townspeople, and how not only that event, but messages from other movies have much to do with what we do as community contributors, and how crucially important our roles are.
As a corporate trainer, Mac is well aware of the leadership role we all play and teaches it in his seminars. Another interesting aspect of his experience is actually having acted in various movies such as “Apocalypse Now”, “American Graffiti”, “Murder She Wrote”, and his favorite, several of the old Rainier Beer commercials. He uses a few photos from those times as well to amuse you.
Learn more here:
About Rotary of Des Moines-Normandy Park
Rotary of Des Moines-Normandy Park is a community of people who believe service creates stronger communities. We bring together local business and community leaders to build connections, support meaningful causes, and make a positive difference locally and around the world.
Through fellowship, service projects, speakers and community partnerships, we put Rotary’s People of Action spirit into practice—one project, one connection and one community at a time.
Learn more here:
Watch Mac’s Speech Here:
