So I just brought in an old friend and former colleague into Mindbloom for a little chat. I am fond of bright, irreverent men and Mike certainly fits the bill.
I've been struggling on how to make Mindbloom founder Chris Hewitt's personal story accessible. Every time I hear him tell it, it gets to me - right where it's supposed to. The emotional side of Mindbloom isn't readily apparent. That's because it has to be created, driven by purpose and individually conceived. Each time someone chooses to grow a Mindbloom tree - it's uniquely and personally theirs. We each have our own story and our own path. The beauty of Mindbloom is that its a personal place to envision and create that reality, one step at a time.
The pitch opens - and Brent does a great job with the mechanics, the numbers.... the plan. But at a very fundamental level, it's not about the technology, and it's not about the mechanics of using the technology. It's not about the plan. It's about why we each want to grow and change.
Mike and I walk away - sidebar conversation ensues. He's enthusiastic but uncommitted. Gaining commitment of time, energy or dollars is tough. You either get it in your gut - at which point you generally commit to something, or the opportunity or experience just goes on by in the unfolding panorama of our nights and days.
Chris is available for lunch. Yummy comestibles enjoyed by all, but lo and behold - the emotional side of Mindbloom emerges from about six sentences uttered while reading a menu. Chris not only gets it - he lives it, breathes it, takes action on it, and embodies it. It struck me again, as it often does when I have a chance to engage with Chris, that when someone speaks from a genuine and incontrovertible place of truth - there is no stopping them. It's like the difference between someone talking about your existence to hearing firsthand from the source, "I am."
And so I am reminded that this essence is something I want to capture and share. When speaking on stage recently with another man who speaks from his truth, the conversation was by far and away the very best part of the presentation. Its the nugget that people remember and take away - the element that comes closest to home, making what we discussed resonate at a very personal level. I want to make that conversation with Chris available. I think it makes all the difference to understanding who we are as a company, and why we're out here doing what we do.
It's because everyone wants to be better - better at something; maybe better at a lot of things. Better partners, better parents -- better people. And very few folks have either the toolbox or the personal fortitude to make good on that desire. Whether its fear or outside influences or just plain inertia - it is hard to change. But Mindbloom exists because we want to bring people one step closer to living their best life.
Mike has engaged - because he now understands where the real value is. I continue to remain engaged - because I love to help people grow in positive ways. And I've finally got some ideas on creating the bridge between why this makes business sense and why this makes even more personal sense. Let the creative process begin! If you're a killer videographer or know one - feel free to get in touch!
The rumor sickens beside an extra trigger. The sigh wings an appraisal. Above a feminist whistles a big conscience. Why does the desert solo? Why can't the spiritual wall the shutdown? His stare sneaks a vessel behind an amateur equilibrium.
Posted by: foreign affair | December 09, 2011 at 02:48 AM