This weekend I had two events—one YPO gathering with Doris Kearns Goodwin and another, a birthday celebration. Both gave me a chance to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen in a while, and I found myself reflecting on the kinds of conversations we hold onto.
There are the evergreen conversations—about the weather, sports, or travel. But the deeper you go, the more authentic it feels. Across both events, people asked about my kids, our family life, and what’s capturing my focus right now. Those simple questions led to richer exchanges about summer memories, lifestyle changes, and even the challenges and opportunities in business.
For me, the conversations naturally touched on my book—Twice Over a Man. Someone who endorsed it even asked how sales were going. I shared that I think we’ve reached 3,000–4,000 readers so far, though my goal remains 10,000. And then the dialogue shifted into my next focus: developing a leadership curriculum that aligns with my vision—to create environments where people can live better lives, stretch into their next level, and become who they were destined to be.
Moments like these remind me that authentic conversation isn’t just about catching up—it’s about seeing and being seen, and inviting others into the vision you’re building.