This weekend I’m investing in me.💵 ✈️Flying up to Atlanta to spend time with my coach @Christian Crenshaw and his team. Despite the relentless pace of work and other demands it’s a no-brainer to carve out this time on my schedule when he’s set up a venue to learn from others who’ve mastered the business disciplines I’m beginning to explore.🚀🚀🚀 🔥🔥🔥 How are you investing in you? Do you have a coach? What are you learning to do?

Last night, I had the opportunity to represent the Orlando Area Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association at the University of Central Florida’s Quotes Club (student PR club) Intern Pursuit. My primary role was representing the chapter as president and sharing our internship opportunities with interested students. 🤝 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️The Pegasus Ballroom was full, with more than 300 students and dozens of Central Florida’s top employers, as agencies, PR firms, and local non-profits all vying for new talent. I’ve been a sponsor and beneficiary of this annual event, finding great interns throughout the years. Usually with some input from insightful professors. ✅ 🚀 Tonight was a moment where the past connected to the future when I set up next to my friend Cherrah Johnson. Twenty-five years ago, Cherrah was one of those outstanding interns I recruited to work with me. 🔥 It was beautiful to see her setting up a table for her company, Beaux Studios. Now, an entrepreneur, she had a line of students up and down the row waiting to hear her story and see if they might have an opportunity to work with her. Based on the vibe at her table all night, I’m sure she found the right person. The opportunity to hire and work with interns in one of the best parts of our work in public relations. This is the step where reality meets preparation, bridging from student to professional. My first internship was in 1987 when Randy Berridge hired me to work with him at AT&T. This happened due to his PR firm, led by Roger Pynn, who was connected with Frank Stansberry, my professor. Lessons from the first day of that internship set the foundation for the career journey that has taken me to some of the most exciting work with some of the best companies and organizations. 📣 I’ve been blessed to have so many great influences and mentors over 35 years, and I am grateful. Especially for those who opened that first door. 🚪 ⌚️Take time to share with students, provide that internship, and stay connected as best you can to see how the seeds grow into something beautiful.