"Don't let fear hold you back, let fear to drive you to do the impossible"

This is the quote I shared during a recent podcast interview, when I was asked what drives me to do what I do. 7 years ago, I put my family in jeopardy when I lost my job. It was the 4th time in 6 years that I had been "let go" or "downsized." The fear of not being able to provide for them transformed my mindset. I needed to take action.

With the help of my family and friends, I committed to Cooking up the Professional Speaking Dream I had talked about for years. I got Hungry!

On June 27, 2015, I asked my wife to give me 1 year to fully commit to living my Professional Speaking Dream. That day I spoke at a Speakers Showcase (Unpaid) for High School Student Leaders from around the country in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. 7 years later, I'm still using the fear of failure and letting my family down to fuel my commitment to provide the best experience possible for my family and the people I'm invited to work with.

On July 9, 2022, that commitment was rewarded when I was recognized by The National Speakers Association and my peers as one of the top professional speakers in the world by earning my Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) Designation at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. Something that's only been earned by less than 1,000 speakers worldwide since the designation was created in 1980.

If you look closely, you'll see my family (and my accountability partners) in the middle celebrating with me...My 5-Star Masterpiece.

What Masterpiece will you Cook Up next? I don't know what it is, but I do know it will be Tasty as long as you commit mentally to put in the work and surround yourself with people who challenge you to Live FRESH!