Along The Way

I started a journey this year.

Literally before a single week of 2018 had played itself out, I independently immersed myself in DJG Communications LLC. After a few years of side work, my presentations coaching had blossomed beyond a nights-and-weekends gig, and so I set forth on the journey of entrepreneurship.

Gosh it can be hard. But gosh it can be rewarding too.

As I reflect on the talks coached, lessons learned, and sights visited this year, there are so many people to thank for their advice, guidance, and support.

There are too many of you to thank here each individually. I thought about picking out a representative few. But I neither want to vainly attempt to summarize all that you have done in a few words, nor do I want to seem to suggest that those who are unnamed were somehow less important. Be it in frequency of contact or pivotal conversations at just the right time and space, I value everyone who has offered advice this year.

Therefore, deep-hearted thanks in aggregate:

Thank you to all my clients and speakers.

Without you, this journey would not have lasted at all. I learned so much as we worked together to launch stories into the world that had your ideas talked about by more, reaching rooms you have not entered. From artists revealing a glimpse of how your creative process helps humanity learn more of itself, to scientists seeking to understand how to build a better future. Some of you are drawing together communities that improve as one. Others are individually calling attention to an idea that is worthy of fueling.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to forge inspiring stories with you that audiences gleefully retell and join.

Thank you to all my fellow travelers.

Individuals in this communications business space who revel in sharing ideas, prospects, and emotional support for each other. We of course respect each others’ commercial spaces but balance that with a desire to shore each other up and encourage ambitious endeavors. Some of us chat very frequently, others intermittently, some just once, but each engagement helps the day go a little better.

In reflecting on this year and looking with experience into the next, I look forward to building each other up.

Thank you to my biggest supporters.

My wife is a fiercely kindhearted professional who leads by example and inspires me to reach higher than I could have imagined on my own. She has encouraged me, lit a fire, and helped me think differently about words like opportunity, ambition, and value. This year we bid sorrowful adieu to loved ones but also visited places not previously seen, together. Friends too, many of you for many years, have been so supportive this year. Living is full of adventure, both expected and unanticipated.

May our year of 2019 be one of continued growth, learning, and good life.

Put audiences first to deliver persuasive talks.

In 2018 I have been driven by this mantra. As I look into the next year, I realize another mantra that will be a guiding ambition:

Present stories to start conversations in rooms you have not entered.

In 2019 I look forward to fueling so many more conversations.