Even after 50 Years I'm Still Curious 

Last week, Joy and I stepped into one of those moments as we traveled to Nashville for an intensive StoryBrand workshop led by Donald Miller. We expected to learn about branding, messaging, and communication. What we didn’t expect was how inspired we would become simply by being in the room.

From the very first evening, there was an unmistakable energy among the participants. At the opening reception, we found ourselves surrounded by an incredible mix of people. There were cybersecurity specialists, wealth managers, horse ranchers, creatives, consultants, and entrepreneurs all gathered for the same reason: to grow.

What struck me most was that success had not caused these individuals to become complacent. If anything, it had made them more curious.

Throughout the week, Don did an exceptional job helping everyone understand the importance of clarity, connection, and storytelling. One of the highlights was an intimate dinner at his home where country music artists shared the stories behind Grammy Award-winning songs. Listening to the inspiration behind those songs was a reminder that whether you’re building a business, creating artwork, or standing on a stage, meaningful connection always begins with story.

By the time Joy and I headed home, our minds were racing with anticipation for how these ideas could shape our websites, future presentations, and the way we communicate what we do.

But beyond the strategy, the experience reinforced something even more meaningful.

Three Things the Experience Reinforced

Growth Begins the Moment We’re Willing to Learn Again
No matter how long we’ve worked in our profession, there is tremendous value in becoming a student again. After nearly five decades as a professional artist and years of speaking across the country, I could have easily convinced myself that I already understood branding and communication. But sitting in that room reminded me that meaningful growth often begins when we willingly place ourselves back in environments where we can listen, learn, and stretch. 

The people who continue making a difference are rarely the ones who believe they’ve arrived. They’re the ones still curious enough to grow.

Your Story Matters More Than Your Sales Pitch
One of StoryBrand’s greatest reminders is that people are not looking to be overwhelmed. They’re looking to connect.  Whether through art, business, leadership, or speaking, people respond to authenticity. They want clarity. They want meaning. They want to understand not just what you do, but why it matters. 

That resonated deeply with me.  For years, I’ve realized that some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had with collectors or audiences had very little to do with technique, accolades, or accomplishments. They centered around stories, shared experiences, memories, struggles, and inspiration.

Connection will always outlast promotion.

Sometimes the Greatest Investment We Can Make Is in Ourselves
Many people hesitate to step into new arenas because they feel uncertain, intimidated, or perhaps even undeserving of being there.  Yet nearly every breakthrough in life begins with stepping beyond what feels familiar. 

Watching accomplished leaders from vastly different industries gather with open minds reminded me that growth is never reserved for one profession or one age. It belongs to those willing to continue evolving.

Joy and I left Nashville energized not because we suddenly had all the answers, but because we could see new possibilities.   And sometimes, possibility is exactly what rekindles purpose.

A Moment I’ll Never Forget

Before leaving, I had the opportunity to present Donald Miller with a copy of my book, Making a Difference. It felt especially meaningful because, in many ways, that’s exactly what he had done for us that week.

Not simply by teaching strategy or branding, but by reminding everyone in that room that our gifts, experiences, and stories still have room to grow and impact others in even greater ways.

That’s a lesson worth carrying home.  Because no matter where we are in life or business, there is something deeply refreshing about realizing we are still becoming.