When I retired, I thought I was done stepping into the spotlight. After decades of working hard, raising three kids, and navigating life’s unpredictability, I was ready for the quiet. Or so I thought.
But something shifted. I found myself reflecting more deeply on the lessons I’d learned—not just about work or family, but about resilience. I realized I wasn’t done. I had something to say. And maybe, just maybe, it could help someone else navigate a challenge of their own.
That’s what ultimately led me to Leadr and the TEDx stage. But the road there wasn’t smooth—and it started years earlier with a diagnosis that changed everything.
A Diagnosis That Rewrites the Story
I was 48 years old when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. That’s not the typical age. Most people get it in their 70s or 80s, and many don’t live long after that. I had three kids under 10. My wife wasn’t working. I was, frankly, overwhelmed.
To put it in perspective: the odds of someone getting Parkinson’s as young as I did are eight-thousandths of one percent. I was in rare company, and not in a way I would’ve chosen.
But I adapted. I had to. And as I learned to live with the diagnosis, I also started seeing how much people needed tools, not just for survival, but for navigating daunting circumstances and emerging stronger.
So the message began forming. Not just a story of hardship, but of practical ways to build sound footing when the world feels unstable. That message had weight. It needed a platform.
Why TEDx (and Why Now)
Over the years, I observed something consistent: the people I respected—those who had real influence and were making meaningful contributions, all valued TEDx. It’s not just a stage; it’s a symbol. A badge of credibility. A megaphone for truth-telling.
I wasn’t naive about it. I knew TEDx wasn’t just about being inspirational—it was about crafting a clear message, delivering it powerfully, and showing up authentically. I wanted to do it right.
That’s where Leadr came in. From the first interaction, I felt supported. The team understood the stakes and offered more than encouragement, they offered guidance. The kind of practical coaching that turns uncertainty into a game plan.
The Power of Preparation (and Community)
Let’s be real: getting on stage in front of strangers and hoping to earn a standing ovation? That takes guts. But what made the process possible for me was the community I found inside Leadr.
The other speakers, the team, the entire culture, it was all about courage, kindness, and clarity. I made real friendships in the process. People who shared my values and drive. People who reminded me that I wasn’t doing this alone.
And the training? It was essential. From talk frameworks to storytelling technique, from practicing posture to voice modulation, none of it came naturally to me. But with guidance, it clicked. And when I stepped onto that stage, I wasn’t guessing anymore. I was grounded.
Performing at Tuacahn: A Moment I’ll Never Forget
My TEDx talk was held in St. George, Utah, at the iconic Tuacahn Center for the Arts. That venue alone was a dream, a space built with vision, surrounded by breathtaking red rock, and steeped in stories.
To take the stage there, where so many powerful performances have taken place, was an honor I can’t quite put into words. But I’ll try: it was one of the most meaningful moments of my life.
I wasn’t just sharing a talk. I was standing in the very tension between hardship and hope, and offering people something they could walk away with.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the fence about sharing your message, I understand the hesitation. It’s vulnerable. It’s a leap.
But here’s what I know: we all have stories. Some harder than others. What matters is how we use them. Leadr.co gave me the platform, the process, and the people to shape mine into something that resonated.
Was it challenging? Absolutely. But was it worth it?
Without a doubt.
And now, as I explore this next chapter, public speaking, mentoring, sharing, I’m reminded that our hardest moments often prepare us for our most impactful ones. TEDx wasn’t just a talk. It was a turning point.
