I’ve been sitting with last Thursday’s virtual event, and I’m grateful for the ideas shared 🙌🏾 The biggest takeaway I’m still holding is this: clarity travels faster than effort ⚡️ — and the people who stand out aren’t doing more, they’re doing the right thing consistently 🎯 Special thanks to @Durrell Douglas for leading the conversation so effectively and keeping the space moving with intention 👏🏾🧠 Here’s what I’m implementing this week based on what I heard ✅: 1. Clarifying the one problem I solve 🧩 2. Tightening the one sentence I want people to remember ✍🏾 3. Taking one uncomfortable action that moves the needle 🚀 Now I’m curious 👀: what’s one idea from last Thursday that you’re implementing in the next 7 days? Drop it below ⬇️ so we can hold each other to it 🤝🏾

I’m excited to share that my TEDx talk is officially live on YouTube. It starts from a simple but slightly uncomfortable question about friendship, loyalty, and growth, and unpacks why some ideas are meant to challenge what we’ve been taught to value. It’s the kind of title that should make you pause, maybe raise an eyebrow, and feel compelled to click, the same way a good book title pulls you in before you’ve read a single page. 👉 Watch here: https://youtu.be/FAoGs4Bw7fg?si=nrKxY1zUAEwnUSD6 As you watch, please leave a comment directly on YouTube responding to one or two of these prompts: - What made the title work or not work for you before you even pressed play? - What moment in the talk clarified the real idea behind the provocative framing? - How does this change the way you think about loyalty, growth, or who we keep close? For those of you thinking about applying to speak at a TEDx event, pay attention not just to what is said, but how the idea is framed to invite curiosity and conversation. Looking forward to reading your thoughts.

TEDxThirdWard Finalists! We’re thrilled to introduce the next class of changemakers, storytellers, and visionaries who will take the stage at TEDxThirdWard 2026 on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Houston, Texas. This year’s event will be a full day of ideas worth spreading, featuring five dynamic sections filled with talks that challenge, inspire, and ignite new ways of thinking. From personal transformation to social innovation, each speaker brings a powerful story and a unique perspective to the red dot. 🎟️ Tickets are now available! Don’t miss your chance to be in the room for one of Houston’s most inspiring events. ➡️ https://matchouston.org/events/2026/tedx-third-ward And if you’re already counting down to what’s next — mark your calendar! The next TEDxThirdWard Salon will take place in April 2026, continuing our mission to build a year-round platform for big ideas and bold voices. Please join me in congratulating this incredible new group of speakers who are ready to Dream. Dare. Do. #TEDxThirdWard #DreamDareDo #IdeasWorthSpreading #Houston

After a day of headshots and interviews we met over light bites, wine, and my mom’s spaghetti for a little mixer. What an amazing group of volunteer curators and future TEDxThirdWard speakers! I also took the stage at TEDxGreenhouseRoad to give a talk yesterday.

💬 “The best leaders aren’t just readers. Leaders are readers of people.” 📚 I was at a conference this past weekend when I heard that statement, and it hit me hard. 💥 For years, I believed success was about sheer effort, that if it was to be, it was up to me. 🙅‍♂️ I didn’t think I needed people. I thought I could muscle my way to the top alone. 🧠 But I was wrong. True growth and lasting success come from understanding, connecting with, and collaborating with people. 💬 My mentor and the right associations helped me realize that people skills aren’t optional, they’re essential. 📖 Over the years, I’ve listened to or read the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie at least 25 times, and honestly, I think it’s time I revisit it again. 🔄 Every time I read or listen, I’m reminded that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about connection. 🌱 I’m still a work in progress. Aren’t we all?