Lifelong learning: The latest chapter

TIL means “Today I Learned.” Recently I learned that one of my dreams had come true.

I delivered a keynote speech based on a book that I wrote.

The book happens to be about my own challenges, struggles, and what I’ve learned over the years about resilience, growth, and personal innovation. I learned a lot in delivering the keynote, too.

I learned that a live audience for your own stories and ideas is something to be cherished. I do not take this for granted. Thanks again to Matt Coen and the City and Regional Magazine Association for inviting me to speak. I also learned that #stlouis is a fantastic place for a conference.

I learned people desperately need help with work-life balance, leveraging resilience and building trust. I was slightly overwhelmed by how many people offered kudos and compliments following my presentation. Some said they wished their whole team could have been at the conference to hear the lessons.

I learned it’s good to have others “in the room” with you. I told stories and relayed my conversations with Gianna Biscontini, Porsha Grant, Ruchika Tulshyan and even my best friend since seventh grade, Brad Benson. We talked about “burning the boats” when he quit his chemistry job after 25 years to launch a brewery with his wife and partner. And how they pivoted during the pandemic to keep the business alive. I still get a little choked up every time I tell it.

I also learned that all the hours of writing, researching, and interviewing that went into the book and all the preparation for those 45 minutes were ultimately so worth it. Can’t wait to do it again.