The Power of Meeting Your Mentor

Last year I had the priviledge of meeting not just one, but TWO, mentors who completely transformed my life over fifteen years ago.

I was one of the speakers at the MegaSpeaker Expo in Orange County, CA. It's a great event for anyone learning to be or ready to take their speaking career to the next level. I was one of the breakout speakers...this is me with Mark Victor Hanson, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, on stage!

On stage with Mark Victor Hanson at Mega Speaker.

But for me, the highlight, was being able to meet these two women. First is Barbara DeAngelis, author of many books, one of which I read over 20 years ago that totally changed my life. I learned so much about relationships from reading her books. Barbara was so REAL and we spent quite a bit of time connecting and talking. I was very impressed with her presentation -- she outsold every other main stage presenter! And she focused on her truth, her core message, which is about "love!" Shows how powerful anyone can be when they stay in integrity with their truth.

Barbara DeAngelis and myself at
Mega Book in Orange County, CA.

My other amazing connection was from another long term mentor -- Sam Horn, author of Tongue Fu. Way back when I was at Motorola, Inc., my mentor gave me her book to help me deal with some difficult people in my client base. It was very eye-opening! Imagine how exciting it was for me to be able to tell her how much of an impact she had on my life back in the beginning. I was even more grateful when she showed up at my breakout session! Sam has some very clever programs and books, especially helpful when naming new programs.

Sam Horn, author of Tongue Fu and myself

What about your Pets?

Do you have pets that inspire you in your work? Do you often refer to your pets as a way to help people know who you are beyond your work?

The other day I was speaking at an event where the emcee asked if I had pets. He asked me "What is something unusual about them?"

Well I've had cats since I was a baby. I've had some wonderful pets over the years but there is something really unusual about my cats that I have today. Tigger and Bear think they are dogs.

Really, they think they are dogs.

I've never had cats who follow me around all day. If I head for the stairs to make a cup of tea, they are right behind me, tangled around my feet heading downstairs.

Tigger likes to roll over on his back and have you rub his belly. What cat really likes that?

But the funniest thing is how Tigger likes to snuggle up in my arm at night like a little puppy might. He puts his nose up against my chin and sleeps there all night.

What are some of the funny things your pets do to entertain you? I'd love to hear it from you.