People in My Professional Life I am Particularly Thankful For

I'm blessed, there's just no question about it. I am surrounded by friends and family who make me a better man and that, in-and-of-itself, is more than I can ask for.

That said, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge some people who share my professional passions, people who inspire me to both focus on and grow in my chosen field. These are people who truly invigorate and motivate me. As frequently or infrequently as I see Elizabeth Frisch, Linda Glass, Donald Tracy, Wesley Williamson, Liz Lathan, or Pastor Tina Carter, I always come away wanting to do more, and do it better, for more people. For me, when it comes to leadership, culture and brand management, these are people who "just get it." 

There are certainly other people who I appreciate greatly, people who have impacted me tremendously throughout my career. But these are people who stoke my inner flame, somehow multiplying my natural drive and making me want to work harder. For this, I am eternally grateful.

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, I sincerely hope you have people like this in your life. If you don't, I strongly encourage you to seek them out. How you will find them I cannot exactly say, but I can tell you that the key is knowing what lights you on fire. Once you do, listen and listen carefully for people who talk about it the same way you do. Individually, we are embers. Together, we burn brightly.