business.

Business, it can be quite interesting. I've never been the shark or the "wheeler and dealer" type, instead I've always led with the same style I would outside of business: honesty, integrity and trust. That's allowed me to build a massive network of people with whom I remain in very good standing with. In fact I've come to see how wonderful my professional relationships truly are as I look to reconnect with that network to share with them my new business. I spoke to my very first boss ever, who I worked for 12 years ago, and the very next day the former CEO of that company. Both took my call and we're happy to talk, listen, provide advice. Wow, that's pretty incredible. And just recently I found myself with an interesting new business opportunity that would require me to call in some "favors" or at least conversations with some of my core network. And it was so great to see how everyone once again took my call and was happy to hear what I had to propose.

But what I'm learning as I'm now out on my own in this big (sometimes scary) world of business is: everyone else doesn't always operate from the core tenants that I do. Some people look to give a little and take a lot and they feel fine about that. Some people stay true to their own needs and their own interests despite what the other party might need. And while I'm the first to admit everything is a negotiation but even so, typically any good negotiation involves some collaboration, some give and take. And when you don't sense the other party is willing to do that, and when you're not getting a sense of trust, or honesty or as a result, all that much integrity. Well, then sometimes you just have to walk away.

And as my dad would say, there's a bunch of assholes out there, I choose to see them as small gifts in life that only make you smarter for the next one. So here's to staying true to who you are, owning it, and damn anyone who tries to compromise that.