“I was booked to speak at a massive Leadership event early in my career in Edmonton Alberta on the same day as global icon Robin Sharma, author of 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.' At the break, we both had author tables set up. While I sold a few copies of my books, Robin's line stretched on for miles. In an act of pure class and serendipity, Robin smiled, told me to pull my table up next to his, and had me co-sign his books with him.

On the way out, he invited me into his airport limo. We skipped the executive lounge and hung out directly at my departure gate talking shop. I discovered that he, too, was originally from Nova Scotia, having printed the very first copy of his breakout bestseller at a Kinko’s copy center in downtown Halifax.

That is the true gift of the speaking profession. Over thirty years, the stage has granted me the privilege of crossing paths with extraordinary people—from Olympians, military generals, and global icons to farmers, nurses, project managers, and business owners. It reminds me that at our core, regardless of our title or industry, we are all searching for the same thing: authentic connection, mutual respect, and a shared passion for living life large.”