I just returned from my first international keynote in Munich, and I want to share something deeply meaningful from this experience.
Two years ago, the head of sales at a company heard my keynote via live stream and was moved by my 'be who you came to be' message. She kept this message close and, two years later, invited me to share it with her sales teams across Germany and Hungary. I was a mix of excitement and nerves. Two-thirds of the audience would be wearing headphones for live translation. What if it didn’t resonate? What if the message didn’t translate?
It felt overwhelming and scary. My fears and anxiety were getting to me. So, I tapped into my own mental fitness and shifted to the one thing that has NEVER let me down: leading with love. I focused on love—love for what I do, love for the people in the audience, and love for the unique stories each of them carries. I felt a deep connection with their journey and their purpose, even though we came from different cultures and spoke different languages. I leaned into love for their company and the work they do, understanding that behind every success is a human story of perseverance and passion.
I focused on love for authenticity, for celebrating what makes each of us unique. We all have gifts, talents, and experiences that shape who we are, and honoring those differences brings us closer. I reminded myself of my own mission—to help people elevate their self-awareness, to see themselves clearly, and to be who they came to be. There’s something transformative about watching people step into their authentic selves.
And, of course, I focused on self-love—not in a selfish way, but in a way that allows me to show up fully for others. I had to trust in my own message and believe that it would resonate, even through translation. It’s that inner confidence and compassion that allows us to put our best foot forward.
Finally, I focused on empathy. What challenges are the people in this room facing? How can I connect with them on a human level, beyond just a speaker and an audience? Empathy allows us to step into someone else’s shoes, to truly understand their perspective, and that’s where real connection happens. It’s the foundation of emotional intelligence.
Love guided me that day—not just love for the work, but love for the people, their journeys, their successes, and even their struggles. That’s the universal thread that ties us all together, and it’s why the message of emotional intelligence and authenticity resonates across cultures.
The result? A standing ovation and a deep, universal connection with people who don’t even speak the same language as me. This picture of my sharing heart with the audience at the end and so many in the audience sharing a heart back to me was EVERYTHING. A moment I will never forget. Love unites us.
It got me thinking: What if we let love guide us in our work? What would that look like for all of us?
Here are a few tips to let love and emotional intelligence guide your work:
Lead with empathy – When you approach your colleagues, clients, and even your challenges, start with understanding. What might they be feeling? How can you show care and compassion in your responses?
Embrace vulnerability – It’s okay to share your fears or uncertainties. By being vulnerable, you allow others to connect with you on a deeper level, fostering trust and authenticity.
Prioritize people over processes – Results matter, but how we get there is even more important. When we prioritize the well-being and success of the people we work with, the results naturally follow.
Celebrate the small wins – Love isn’t always about grand gestures; sometimes, it’s about recognizing the little victories and the effort behind them.
When love guides us, we bring our authentic selves to the table, and that’s where the magic happens. What can you do today to let love guide you in your work?
Keep shining – be who you came to be – and let LOVE guide you.
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