OneDegree Connect

I’m a big proponent of living with one purpose. Through all of my interests (philanthropy, music, magic, art, and speaking) it is my unifying purpose to “Connect People to the Extraordinary.”

A friend recently asked me how I define “extraordinary.” Great question, and one that I haven’t been asked before. So here it goes.

EXTRAORDINARY = Feeling inspired, moved, motivated, amazed, and/or awakened to the feeling that anything is possible.

Now I encourage you to take inventory of all your multiple passions and interests and craft a unifying mission in your pursuit of purpose. Would love to hear what you come up with.

We often attribute trust to the faith we put into others. I believe it’s far more important to remember to trust OURSELVES. Trust has to start with us (I mean us is even in the word trust).

The big paradox is that we are often the quickest to dim the very light we know we have. We set up hurdles to keep us in a safe, familiar place. Instead, we should trust ourselves to explore and achieve greatness. 

Learn to flex your “trust muscle” and more intentionally trust instincts, your knowledge, the words you use, and the actions you take. 

When you do, you’ll notice extra power and conviction in your words and actions. Trust YOU!

I’m in New York City and had the joy of visiting Macy’s during the holidays.

Of course the branding side of me couldn’t help but notice something else—the integration of Toys R Us within Macy’s. What a great way to reintroduce the Toys R Us brand, which filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and closed its last two retail stores in 2021.

This new partnership with Macy’s allows Toys R Us to reach a new generation of kids, and without the issues of maintaining standalone stores. The great part is that it also breathes new life into the Macy’s brand, drawing more families into the store.

We live in a day where brands can and should co-mingle in strategic ways. This includes your personal brand. 

A well-crafted personal brand can not only heighten your leadership, it can shine a brighter spotlight on the company you represent and the mutual passions you share. 

When it comes to your personal brand, look at it as a PROMISE that your fulfill through all you say and do. For example, my brand promise is to “Connect People to the Extraordinary.” I fulfill this as a foundation executive and nonprofit leader; and also as a TEDx speaker, magician, and musician.

Look for ways to understand your own personal brand and utilize it to strengthen the people and organizations you associate with.