Today was the 2022 HR Conference and my keynote presentation on Minding the GAP: Choosing Growth, Appreciation, and Presence. There are many things to be thankful for today, but one really trumps them all.

What I am most thankful for are the dozens of people who helped to create this presentation. I wish there was a way to help them all experience the applause at the end – they all earned and deserved it. The message may have come out of my mouth but it was crafted by so many.

From the people who helped me create the idea to the people who’s acts of kindness helped inspire me. Teammates who listened to the presentation and offered feedback to the friends who texted before the presentation. The wonderful team at the event who helped get everything set up to people who’ve presented in the past who inspired me. The people who offered up difficult but honest and necessary feedback. The people who built up my confidence. The people who helped script specific words and phrases. The people who’ve introduced me to the concepts.

Most importantly, two people in particular who’s roles were front and center throughout the entire process.

Becky for the never ending love and support, the belief in me even when I struggle, and the inspiration to live into my biggest dreams.

Dad for growing and cultivating the values discussed today, all the gifts he gave me through his life, and the lessons he continued to teach me through his death. Each time I practiced this presentation I had an opportunity to re-live that wonderful last time we were together in person and that final hug we shared. What a gift!

To all of you who helped to create this presentation – thank you, thank you, thank you. I love and appreciate all of you. Thank you for creating something beautiful.

Thanks!!!