As the middle of seven kids, I had to find a way to stand out. And I did. Early on, I developed three skills that would separate me from my siblings–and continue to shape my beliefs, actions and accomplishments as an adult. 

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From a young age, I needed to understand how people communicated. And while not much of a student in school, I became a valedictorian of this self-guided pursuit. I studied New Yorker cartoons. I escaped to the library and devoured poetry books. I watched foreign films with no subtitles. I read four newspapers every morning, right after my dad finished. I hung on every word uttered by priests and politicians. And I made a discovery–clarity was the common thread. Efficient and elegant communication happens when clarity is in the driver’s seat. 

What force pulls people together and binds them in a common pursuit? I needed to understand human connection. I quickly noticed that curiosity and vulnerability were consistently on display wherever meaningful connections occurred. I put my observations to the test. As a twelve-year-old, I posed serious questions to the adult golfers when I caddied at the local country club. And the tips rolled in. When I asked my middle school crush to go to the dance, I honestly confessed to her that she was out of my league. She said “yes.” My teenage hypothesis was proven correct–curiosity and vulnerability were a shortcut to connection. 

At age 10, I attended a masterclass in persuasion. I spent one entire week in the second-grade classroom of my beloved Aunt Pat. Aunt Pat could get each and every one of her students to do exactly what she wanted. Not through fear. Or by raising her voice. Instead, Aunt Pat would always lead with her emotions. Not just facts or details, but her authentic emotions. Aunt Pat combined this with a true gift for storytelling. Aunt Pat would find a relevant story to share for nearly every request she made of her students. And her students were captivated by this potent blend of emotion and storytelling. 

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Communication. Connection. Persuasion. 

In my family, I am known for these virtues. As a professional, I am known for exactly the same qualities. This is my life’s work. And this is what I have to offer you.