I spoke at a conference this past week that was full of incredible people – the kind of people who genuinely love what they do.
And the event planner I worked with most closely? Instant favorite.
Even on our first Zoom, she was kind, welcoming… like if my second-grade teacher (who I LOVED) decided to run events as an adult. Just warm, steady, the kind of person you trust right away.
Then I met her in person and… same exact energy.
Tiny, delightful, and clearly running the whole show like an absolute pro.
Breakout goes great. I sit in on a couple of sessions. Then we head to lunch. I end up sitting with a few people who had been in my session, and we’re all excited because the conference has brought in a comedian. Fun, right? He’s also scheduled to lead a breakout later that day. Entertaining and teaching? I love a multi-talented moment.
Except…
It didn’t go well.
Like… not a little off. Not “he’ll warm up.” I mean…
It did not go well.
(Although, to be fair, our table bonded instantly over shared confusion about a surprising number of poop jokes… so there’s that 😅)
And listen, no shade. I love improv. I’ve coached it for years. But stand-up? That’s a whole different level of vulnerability. That takes guts.
Still…
He bombed. Hard. (Bless his heart.)
Lunch wraps up, and I head to the green room to knock out a few emails before the afternoon sessions.
In walks my sweet, tiny, delightful event planner. She looks at me and says…
“We made a shift to the afternoon schedule. We’re going to one track for the next session.”
HOLD THE PHONE…
“I told the comedian
there was no need to come back.”
I’m sorry… what?
Mid-conference. No second session. No “let’s see if it improves.”
Done.
I won’t lie… I was stunned. And then just as quickly? Mad respect. Because she had been watching the room. Feeling the energy. Paying attention to her people.
And she made a call. Not about him. About the experience she was responsible for.
Later, we found ourselves in the elevator together, and I told her how sorry I was… because I knew how much care she had put into planning the day.
And she just smiled….
So here’s where I landed:
I want to be more like that rad event planner. Clear. Decisive. Grounded in what actually matters. Not reactive. Not avoidant. Not holding onto something just because it should be working.
Other takeaways:
- Have the guts to do what needs to be done.
- Don’t live in regret… it doesn’t help move anything forward.
- And Julie, don’t suck (because getting fired mid-gig is a real possibility).
If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment and tell me… what’s one situation right now that you know isn’t working… but you haven’t made the call yet?
You’re not alone in that.
You don’t have to get it perfect.
You just have to be willing to lead what’s actually in front of you.
Something I’m Really Excited About
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Yours Truly,