First, a quick follow-up note. On August 16th, I wrote a post that quoted Trond Solberg. Because I was writing under my own self-imposed deadline, I did not research Trond’s background - so I acknowledged in my essay that Trond might be a “bot” spreading socialist propaganda. I haven’t met Trond in person (yet), but he somehow came across my essay and sent me an email. I am now 99.9% certain that Trond is a human being and citizen of Norway. So, please know that a real, live human being has validated the notion that societies can be successfully organized around a number of different guiding principles. Do with this what you will.
I started this week in Cleveland, at EO’s annual Central Region conference. The weather in The Land was just as wonderful as it was down here, and the conference was a smashing success. It started Sunday night, at Playhouse Square - our nation’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City. There we heard the story of Ben Bebenroth, founder of Boom’s Pizza, talked about the painful decision to close his acclaimed Spice Kitchen + Bar right when COVID hit in early 2020.
On Monday, we heard the husband/wife duo of Michael and Liz Symon speak about the ups and downs of their restaurant business and wealth advisor Omani Carson described starting his first business in his dorm room at the age of seventeen and the winding journey since. After lunch, Colin O’Brady spoke about overcoming a painful accident to go on and set twelve new world records - including being the first person to traverse Antarctica on foot, with no outside support. On Monday evening, the EO Columbus contingent took over the penthouse suite at Rocket Arena and cheered the Cleveland Cavaliers to an overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Tuesday was just as amazing. Designer Debbie Millman spoke, then coach and breath work expert Finnean Kelly shared his “Belief Loop” framework, describing the linkages between feelings, beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors - and how we have more control over these linkages than we realize. Tuesday culminated in a massive celebration with all 350+ EOers at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Key Takeaways:
There is no such thing as an overnight success. Our dreams are built brick-by-brick. That doesn’t mean that we can’t accelerate progress by strategically involving other people. The most successful entrepreneurs figure out how to meaningfully involve other people in their efforts.
There is no pain-free path through life. Regardless of business success/income generation, no one escapes the meta-lessons that the universe wants us to learn. Every speaker at this conference has gone through multiple crucibles.
We are capable of far more than we think. Actively working to stretch our understanding of what is possible by testing boundaries is a worthwhile endeavor.
I left Cleveland full of energy and excitement for the future, with a renewed sense of camaraderie with entrepreneurs across the central United States.
Sunday Supper
Cabbage, Potato & Bacon Casserole
Sunday Music
Ber, recorded at my favorite bar in the world
Braulio Morales Quartet, swinging hard
2krispii, with the song of the midterm election cycle (please VOTE)
Enjoy!
If you know anyone who might like this essay, please share it with them.
Have a great week ahead! You can do anything you set your mind to. Let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,