I was invited to speak at the Parents as Teachers National Center, mostly their staff and national directors. While I can’t do every speaking engagement I’m invited to, I look at opportunities like this twofold: to tell the story of the bank, which may open doors for future business, and to tell the story of the human spirit to encourage leaders in their own journey.
I love reminding people that all human beings have potential. But what got me on the radar for this invitation wasn’t a current relationship—it was a forgotten connection. One of my former students, Crystal, referred me for the opportunity. When asked why I’d be a good speaker for the event, she said, “Orvin’s leadership class at the Brown School was like a spiritual experience.”
I co-taught with Dr. Jill Stratton for a few years, and while the course was rooted in leadership and team dynamics, the Spirit was undeniably present in the room.
I am grateful for Crystal. When I say “forgotten,” I don’t mean erased—I mean catalogued in the heart. There are people who may not be top of mind in our everyday lives, but the experience of them stays with us. The memory might fade from the forefront, but their impact—the feeling of being seen, encouraged, or inspired—gets etched in the heart.