Inspire Action

It's day 5 of the American Cancer Society's International Leadership Summit. So far I've delivered a marketing strategy presentation to the leadership from other 7other countries, discussed strategy with ACS leadership in order to maintain relevance in 5,200 communities so that we can increase on the already $420+ million we raise each year, and have helped inspire a movement for a more positive culture transformation in one of its larger divisions.

This is the last day of the summit, it's early in the morning, and I've just finished a powerful discussion - my brain is close to fried. I step out into the hallway and I see a familiar face. I haven't been in the country for a long time, and I'm surrounded by familiar faces at this ACS meeting so I point and yell a hello assuming it's a fellow volunteer. The man has no idea who I am, and I realize I've never met himself, I just admire his blog and book. He's walking hastily to a meeting so I run up to him, and give him a quick thank you for his work. In fact, his book 'Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action' - and the AWESOME TEDx talk about it - have empowered me to be a better leader in my role on the American Cancer Society's National Advisory Team and Leadership Training Team.

He stops, smiles, and reaches in his pocket. He hands me a token that says 'Inspire Action', and says "No, thank you for what you do." We shake hands, and I run back into some more planning - even more inspired than I already was.

The summit was a HUGE success... the training was top notch, the messages inspiring, and my friends at the ACS all ROCK! This group leads the Relay For Life movement that impacts over 3.5 million volunteers in 6,200 communities around the world who are the true global leaders in the fight against cancer - I am so honored to be a part of it... and meeting Simon Sinek was icing on the cake!

This week was all about initiating action and I was reminded of just how powerful we can be if we put our hearts and minds behind a purpose - together. It's a great topic to frequently reflect on... how can you inspire action?