A few weeks ago, I was sitting on the front row at a conference,
preparing to go on stage and share how servant leadership can transform a culture.
This is the message that’s been heavy on my heart for some time now; I could
feel the excitement build within me as I imagined the people this message would
help.
Just before my time to speak, I paused to reflect on everything
our country—our world— has been through over the past year (plus). As I looked
back on our collective journey, I became overwhelmed—with gratitude.
Gratitude for two main reasons:
- The ability and opportunity (at 76 years old!)
to do what I love doing. - The chance to communicate directly with leaders
live and in person.
The challenges we faced throughout 2020 (and now well into
2021) tested everyone in profound ways.
For some of us, we were forced out of our normal or comfortable
routines. For others, we gave up things that were certain and looked for new,
creative ways to move forward through the mess. And some people chose to ignore
the challenges as long as they could, ultimately paying a high price for their
intentional blindness.
But no matter how you chose to respond, your true values
were brought to the surface for all to see.
That’s because a test doesn’t make a person;
it reveals a person.
A great leadership lesson from the last 18 months is that when
there’s uncertainty on the outside, a leader must have certainty
on the inside. Unfortunately, too many leaders are more concerned
with the outside than the inside. They’re worried about image instead of
integrity—and the difference is revealed more and more each day.
Don’t you think it’s time we change
that?
I believe it’s impossible to go through a crisis without the
emergence of great leadership.
Consider this quote from the great Winston Churchill:
“In every age there comes a time when a leader must come
forward to meet the needs of the hour. Therefore, there is no potential leader
who does not have an opportunity to make a positive difference in society.”
Leaders, this is our moment. Our opportunity
to step forward onto the stage of history and help change the direction of a
world incapable of changing direction on its own.
In times of stability, leaders make history. In times of
instability, history makes leaders.
What are you doing to prepare yourself for this
leadership moment?
If you’re not sure, then let me offer you an opportunity I
believe would be a good place to start. On October 8, 2021, we will be in
Atlanta, GA, hosting Live2Lead—with leaders LIVE and IN THE ROOM. If you’ve
never been before, this is our flagship personal growth event. We pull out all
the stops for this annual gathering, and what we’ve planned for 2021 is on
another level because we believe this is our moment.
The speaker lineup is packed with incredible leaders I love
and trust. These are women and men that I promise will add value to your life
and leadership.
I mean—just look at the list of leaders joining me on stage this
year:
- Ed
Mylett: Bestselling Author and
Host of the top-rated “Max Out Your Life” Podcast, also known as The Ed Mylett
Show. Today, Ed is one of the premier business leaders, peak performance
experts, and motivational speakers in the world. He has a passion for mentoring
and coaching others on what it takes to become a champion in all areas of life.
- Jamie
Kern Lima: New York Times Bestselling
Author and Founder of IT Cosmetics, a company she started in her living room
and grew to the largest luxury makeup brand in the country. Jamie’s love of her
customers and remarkable authenticity and belief eventually landed her on
the Forbes America’s Richest Self-Made Women list.
- Jeff
Henderson: Author, Entrepreneur,
Communicator, and Business Leader. Jeff’s bestselling book, Know What You’re
FOR, launched a movement in non-profits around the world and has become a
focal point for many businesses. Jeff has worked for well-known organizations
such as the Atlanta Braves, Callaway Gardens, Chick-fil-A, and North Point
Ministries.
- Joel
Manby: Former CEO with 25+ years
of experience, Author, and Business Leader. Joel
assists CEOs and boards in transforming their organization’s business
performance and culture through a set of proven processes and tools. As
President, CEO, and Director of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Joel was
responsible for resetting SeaWorld’s vision and guest experience during a brand
crisis. He also spent 20 years in the auto industry and served as CEO of Saab
Automobile during Saab’s U.S. turnaround.
- Valorie
Burton: Certified Personal and
Executive Coach, Bestselling Author, and the Founder of The Coaching and
Positive Psychology Institute. Valorie has appeared regularly on the TODAY
Show, CNN, Dr. Oz, and the pages of Essence, and has spoken for hundreds
of organizations around the globe. She was named one of the top 60 motivational
speakers in America and one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in the field of
personal development.
- Don
Yaeger: Nationally acclaimed Speaker, longtime Associate
Editor of Sports Illustrated, and Author. Don has
written books with, among others, Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, UCLA
basketball legend Coach John Wooden, baseball legends John Smoltz and Tug
McGraw, and football stars Warrick Dunn and Michael Oher (featured in the movie
The Blind Side).
- Tim
Elmore: Founder and CEO of
Growing Leaders, mentored by John Maxwell, and Consultant to top leaders in
business. In his 40+ years of teaching, Tim has consulted
with top leaders in business, academia, and sports. He’s advised corporations
such as Chick-fil-A, Cox Communications, the Home Depot, Cici’s Pizza, Delta
Global, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and more on the dynamics of developing the next
generation of leaders.
Our team has worked hard to make this year’s event the best
it can be, because we believe this is our moment. Remember, the
people who change the world are those who want to and don’t wait to.
Are you ready?
Tickets for Live2Lead are limited, so click here to view the ticket packages, FAQs, or learn more about our speakers. Don’t wait to claim your seat—the room is filling up fast, and we want to make sure you are in the room!
This is our moment, my friends!
See you on October 8th.
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