04.29.08
When I was asked to capture the life in the Maximum Impact business conference in Atlanta I was more than a little concerned. I tend to be comfortable in more casual atmospheres, and was concerned that I might not fit in, much less succeed in what they were asking of me. I was, however, most pleasantly surprised.
Its the people. It’s always the people. I don’t know why I forget this! I fall love with them everywhere I go, and it doesn’t seem to matter what environment I am in. I always find joy in meeting them, getting to know them, and capturing them with my camera. These people were of especially fine quality and caliber. Great leaders of all kinds. They were famous authors, speakers, coaches, business owners and musicians. They had gathered to do a conference on helping other leaders to succeed in business and life. I thought I would be intimidated by them, but found myself drawn to them instead. They were compassionate, friendly, endearing and accessible. In this environment I was reminded that you don’t get to such pinnacles of success without first learning to value and honor other people.
A great example of this was Dick Vitale. He is a dynamic speaker, author, sports broadcaster and basketball coach, but more importantly, an authentic and caring person. I am more than a little embarrassed to say I did not know of this man’s renown before preparing for this event. I now understand it. Not because of his list of credentials, but because of how he treated people. I watched in amazement as he patiently signed basketball after basketball and warmly greeted so many fans who just wanted their picture with him. He genuinely cared about people and this was very evident in his eyes. You just can’t fake that. He was only one of the many inspiring people I got to meet this weekend!
I felt God remind me that when people are present, He is always at work. They are His most valuable treasure. He always has time for people. When we are interacting with people, whether famous or unknown, rich or ignoble, someone we agree with or not, we are directly in the path of God. He is about people. I want to be like that too. My camera is a wonderful tool that enables me to enter into places I might never have gone, be it a mission field in Africa (someday!) or a business conference in Atlanta. It is my ticket to interact with the human race, and therefore, God’s heart. Who can resist that? I am in. All in. For as long and much as I can be.
I enjoyed so much meeting the great leaders that came together for the Maximum Impact Conference in Atlanta. Thank you for reminding me what great leadership is and where it starts. With loving people! Who would have thought a business conference would have showed me that!