Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Cary Matthews of Cumming

Cary Matthews shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Cary, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Nothing gets me recentered like being out in nature. Most mornings I take my dog on a walk along a creek and let him run with other dogs or chase squirrels or deer he happens to see. Just being outdoors in the cool morning air is a great way to start the day – a little exercise and time to talk with friends.

If I really need to unwind, put me in a creek in the North Georgia mountains or in a boat on Lake Lanier to fish. It’s peaceful and relaxing, and time will fly by. It’s one thing I do where I completely forget about my To Do list and what’s on my plate. Being outdoors reminds me just how big and awesome our world is, gives me time to reflect on what’s really important, and lets me spend quality time with friends.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
After being an operations executive in small business for almost twenty years, I started Opal Partners Group in 2017 because I fell in love with small businesses and the impact they have on our communities.

I choose the name “Opal” because it is a combination of the first two letters of the words “operations” and “alignment.” That really sums up what I do: help small businesses get focused and aligned around their purpose and their goals and implement the tools to make that vision a reality.

I primarily invest time with the executive team of an organization. Part of that time is spent helping them create a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand strategy and teaching them tools to help make the plan a reality. I also act as a coach, facilitator, and advisor giving them space to work through challenges and opportunities, offering advice, and asking good questions to help them get the clarity they and their teams need.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently: no relationship – professional or personal – can thrive without trust. When you trust someone, you know they have your best interest at heart, even when they challenge you or are doing things you may not clearly understand yet. You’ve heard it said that trust isn’t given, it is earned.

Losing trust is simple: don’t be consistent. If your actions and words aren’t communicating the same things, you will lose people’s trust quickly. Same thing if your plans or goals are always changing, your values aren’t followed, or anything else seems random.

Once you have lost trust, it takes a long time to earn it back and that’s why consistency is critical.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’m going to break the rule here and say two things: a compliment and a challenge. First, continue to treat people like you want to be treated. That trait isn’t teachable and is key to success. Second, take more chances and do things your own way.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Pretty much! I have a wonderful job – I get to help leaders and business owner reach their goals, and I can’t do that if I am not honest and truthful with them. They trust me to help them reach their goals even when I challenge them to change or think about things differently, and I can’t do that if I am just being a yes man or rubber stamp. I have to be authentic to build relationships that allow for that kind of dialogue. I love to help people enjoy their businesses, their lives, and get things done.

Outside of work or the public, I am more likely to cut up a little, but I think most people are more relaxed around friends and family like that.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
This is a hard question to answer, and I think you will see why. I love the freedom of working for myself, answering only to my clients, so part of me regrets not stepping out on my own sooner. However, a large part of my success and ability to do what I do requires the experiences I gained as an engineer, an account manager, a project manager, and leader working for the people and businesses who gave me those opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://opalpg.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmatt/
• Other: https://www.systemandsoul.com/s2-coach-cary-matthews