July Defined: Juicy. Unusual. Loving. YES!

I have never declared July a month “dark.” Holiday weeks, yes — but a whole month? Never. Perhaps you will join me in stepping away from your work for a while, time off for good behavior.

I will confess that this month is bookended with two events. The first is in Malaysia, where I am the opening keynote speaker for a double-header: and Global ESG and Sustainability. Yes — all in the same conference room. It draws leaders from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. I said “yes” months ago. I leave in five days for my 22-hour journey to Kuala Lumpur. Sometimes I follow my heart rather than my head.

I will close out July with my dear colleagues at the National Speakers Association. I have the honor of introducing the opening keynoter, Australian Amanda Gore. We became friends 26 years ago when she agreed to come to the U.S. to speak at the NSA national conference I was chairing. What a joy to be with her again.

In between these two events, I will seek out what is juicy and unusual. I will say yes to what supports this nation’s democracy, which I love. And love is the theme at a time when hatred, division, and cruelty are all too common.

Hmmm. Join me?