A Glimpse of Greatness

Wow. Wow. Did I mention wow? It’s true I have been to my fair share of conferences and trade shows, and usually I dread them. Tired feet, surface and fake conversation, bad food, bad hotels….. ok ill stop now. But getting back into this industry a couple years back definitely changed that opinion. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of this industry. An industry whose people when all lined up together could cross the United States, twice, and an industry whose purpose is to provide an essential need to every person all over the world. But most importantly, I consider myself lucky to be a part of an industry that I am proud of, and that inspires me each and every day.

I’ll admit, I get caught up in the hustle and bustle of day to day monotony sometimes but I am incredibly happy that I am able to refocus during weeks like this, at the People Reports’ Best Practices Conference in Dallas. One, they put on an exceptional two days. Two the energy and dedication of the People Report staff is something I admire greatly; Joni and Wally’s warmth and graciousness are something to learn from and three, the people that these conferences attract are without a doubt some of the most influential, talented, hard working, and genuine people I think I will ever meet.

This morning I participated in a community service event along with 67 other conference attendees. In about two hours, we put together enough meal to feed over 24,000 people…. breaking a Texas food bank record. Go us! Knowing you have made a difference in someone else’s life definitely leaves me feeling good. Even better, seeing People Reports own Kacey Oden get chocked up talking about our experience. She’s truly a gem and a great asset to the People Report team. And if you haven’t looked into Share our Strength, an organization to end hunger, do it, pronto.

Next up, conference time. Now, People Report always has an awesome list of speakers and award recipients but they blew me out of the water this time. I have never sat through a more exciting, humbling, uplifting, and encouraging few hours, ever. Congratulations to all that won awards too! – All well deserved. Highlight for me though would most definitely have to be Roy Spence; the closing keynote. “if you aren’t in the business of improving people’s lives, you won’t be in business” and “where your talent and the worlds needs intersect, that’s where you find your purpose” are only two of the long list of things Roy spoke to that literally gave me goose bumps and brought a tear to my eye. I hope that when I am 56 I have half the passion, the intelligence, and the love that he has for his career and his life. Joni mentioned he was on her “bucket list” of speakers, I definitely see why, and added to my bucket list tonight was finding my purpose. I am 26 years old and love what I do and one day hope I am standing up in front of a People Report Conference truly moving people the way he did tonight. Rock on Roy! You truly are an inspiration to all.

Cheers!