What Is It, And How Was It Different? 

At its core, the conference is a place where a large audience gathers to celebrate success, share ideas, expand their networks, and much more.  Alongside of this is the aspect of glamour, stage lights, and gala events. However, this year – as evidenced by some of the presentations, there was a very necessary earnestness towards the serious challenges that individuals are facing on a daily basis throughout the world-at-large and across all segments of business. The presentation on long-term well-being by Deepak Chopra and Inc. Editor-In-Chief Scott Omelianuk, is but one example – where among many other important aspects of well-being, they discussed different practices such as meditation. This compelled me to make my way to the microphone and ask Deepak a question that I know – given my experience with the Science of Spirituality Center, would reveal more about his mindset than perhaps a thousand words; that is, what is your mantra? His answer: “I Am”. 

It is very encouraging to see traditionally Eastern wellness practices gaining more traction in Western culture. I think that the candor with which leading and enlightened entities, such as Inc. Magazine, are approaching these very real human considerations will predict, and potentially even have a profound impact upon, individual well-being. If business as well as world leaders are mindful of and perhaps even practicing these principles of self-honesty and humility, perhaps there is real hope that we as a world community can experience a transformational shift towards a more positive cumulative mindset. This leads to the concept of ‘unity in diversity’ – or what Carl Jung called ‘synchronicity’.  Along those lines, later in the day we got to hear from Phil Mickelson, PGA Golf Pro and Entrepreneur. One of the things he highlighted was that we cannot be afraid to ask for help.  Afterwards, I had the pleasure of spending a few moments with him and his lovely wife Amy. And by the way, it was also very cool seeing Scott out walking the floor and spending time with the various attendees.

I can say unequivocally that I have never been to a conference that was this deep, and personal. Regardless of who you are, or where you are, I think it is safe to say that some aspect of the conference would meet you right ‘there‘ – which is to say, challenge you to experience a truly emotive connection. It is relative to the individual; touching the tusk of an elephant will be a different experience than touching its tail. Where are you in your journey?

And There’s More?

Yes! Another great example of vulnerability and perseverance was brought to the main stage when Ali Webb talked about the real-life challenges underlying one of the most otherwise exciting times of her life – and how those circumstances really did make everything else seem somewhat irrelevant; imagine the experience of selling your company for over $200mm feeling like an arduous task, rather than an exhilarating success.  And yes, when your child is in peril, all else moves to the ‘back page’ of your life’s newspaper.  I have experienced this myself, first hand. To hear Ali share about it on a stage in front of over 2,000 other attendees, and who knows how many more on simulcast – caused me to experience a deep sense of gratitude; not about her misfortune, but because of her courage. I am not criticizing anyone and each person will handle these very intimate circumstances in their own ways. But hiding one’s personal tribulations from the rest of the world can lead one to feel almost like they are leading a double-life. Ali had gone very far down the scale, and her willingness to share about it so openly undoubtedly benefitted and will continue to benefit others.  And one of those others was me. And thank you Inc. Magazine for making her available to sign her new book for me, and to provide me the opportunity to briefly share with her one on one about my own experience.  Sometimes, you just have to let go and understand that even if things are not okay, they are still okay.

In Closing

From there, many similarly fulfilling events followed. The intangibles lie in the personal conversations that were had throughout the duration of the conference. Here, information is exchanged in informal ways, and in various settings. My best advice to anyone considering attending in the future is – do not be afraid to extend your hand, to step up to the microphone, or to join in on a conversation among a group of people you do not know.  People will be approaching you everywhere, from the restroom (not to sound weird, but it happened) to the restaurant.

The marketplace floor was just plain fun.  This year, you could walk the red carpet and participate in a 90-second pitch interview courtesy of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, or check out the various booths of some major sponsors including Capital One – who also offered the opportunity of a ‘Your Next Move’ video production! It was a hub of activity, filled with smiling faces and brilliant entrepreneurs.

I’d like to give a shout out to the following wonderful people whom I met at the conference, in no particular order:

Scott Omelianuk – Inc. Editor-In-Chief

Ramesh Ramchandani – Topcone

Leon Williamson – iHeartMedia

Heide Olson – Accountinuity

David Pexton – Commercial Photography

Temara Payton – Indiana Economic Development Corporation

Rex Briggs – Author, Consultant, Speaker

Pauline Nganga – Marketing Director and Entrepreneur

Brent Straitliff – Westward 360

Mustafa Khan – IMCS Group

Laurence Marx – Emphasis HR

Kurt Schmitke – Emphasis HR

Jamie Hurley – Lobeline Communications

Solange Sinclair – Lobeline Communications

Jeff Poirier – Quincy Memorials

Chris Brown – Rescon Basement Solutions

Dan Gramann – Cultivate Advisors

Justin Schneir – Tractor Beverage

Michael White – Cloud Mellow