About

My Work

I'm a keynote speaker, conference presenter, workshop facilitator and author of Where Are We Going So Fast? I also blog for the Chicago Tribune Media Group and have written for the Chicago Tribune, Pioneer Press, and Chicken Soup for the Soul Enterprises. In addition, I'm an adjunct professor for the School of Communications at Loyola University Chicago where I also sit on their Communication Advisory Board.

And, oh, yes, I'm the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for a funk/rock/blues band called "The Groove."

Why I Do What I Do

I was driving to work on the highway about 20 years ago when, for some reason, I decided to get out of the left lane and slow down. When I did, I quickly noticed how fast everyone was driving past me (insert "Whoosh!" sound effect here). And I realized that I’d just been doing the same thing, as if I were the one on cruise control.

For some reason (again), a question came immediately to mind: "Where are we going so fast?" Which, over time, made me wonder if I might be "going so fast" in other parts of my life, too.

Since then, I've been trying to figure out the answer to that question. I believe it's partly about paying more attention and connecting . An answer that has led to my wanting to put more humanity into everything I do, from writing to speaking to music to communications and marketing and everything in between.

But I also believe, the more time goes on, that the answer isn't something to be "figured out," but to be lived into in a way that also helps others.

Which brings us to you.

What I Hope to Do For You

To put it simply, I want to show you what I've seen.

I promise you that, once you start looking at life in this new way, you'll also begin connecting more to yourself, while also wanting to make a real, authentic connection with more of those around you.

Whether it's at a conference or a workshop, or through my book or blog or songs, there will be a moment where you and I connect, in person or virtually. And, when we do, that's another one in the plus column for a human connection being made.

Then, over time, I believe you'll get closer to the people in your life. You'll find new ways to find joy amidst the hurry and worry. And, if you haven't already, you'll discover your purpose. You'll also likely start applying what you've seen and learned in your work. And you'll learn something else. That you're not alone on this journey.

Never were. Never will be.

After all, as Ram Dass, the famous spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author, said, "We're all just walking each other home."

Full Disclosure

Yes, I write and speak about noticing our moments, connecting with each other, finding joy and putting more humanity into what we do. But that, in no way, means I'm an expert in it.

Not even close.

On a regular basis, I still rush through things, forget to show people what they mean to me, stubbornly refuse to have fun or break out of my patterns, spend too much time "of the moment" and not "in the moment," etc. But I'm committed to continually looking to make sense of what I asked myself on that day on the way into work, and acting upon it.

And sharing that journey with you as openly as possible, shadows and all.

Because, really, upon further reflection, I don't believe the end goal is to be an expert, to be perfect at it, to "fix "ourselves. In fact, I don't believe now that there even is an "end goal," just another stop along the way to being as authentic as we can with ourselves and each other.

Oh, yes, and helping others along their own paths. Not forcing them, but being there if we're needed.

That's the journey I'm on.

Feel like walking with me for awhile?