A story of friendship

“I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar,
but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar.”
– Robert Brault

Just over a year ago, we co-sponsored and celebrated the first-ever Talent Development Think Tank, an in-person, live event for talent development professionals that was sold out and successful despite wildfires that forced organizers to reschedule within a week of its launch. Co-founders Andy Storch and Bennett Phillips managed a logistical miracle and pulled off a great event.

They proved they knew how to pivot as more than 150 participants, speakers, supporters, sponsors, and volunteers rearranged their calendars and their flights and came together to help create a memorable experience for everyone.

Once randomly assigned as roommates at a conference in Europe, the two forged a strong friendship that has grown along with their families and professional lives.

Today that friendship is in high gear as Andy fights cancer and Bennett steps up to fill in and help manage both Andy’s Talent Development Hot Seat podcast and the Talent Development Think Tank, now a growing, active online community.

“I’m not one to step into the spotlight willingly, but I am honored to do it. I see it as a gift from the universe to have the opportunity to act as temporary host of The Talent Development Think Tank community while my friend Andy is recovering from cancer.” Bennett says. “My goal, and that of the other community members, is to nurture the community so that when Andy returns in full health, it is even better than when he left it.”

Andy has started on a regime of chemotherapy that has made him “feel awful” as he battles testicular cancer that has spread. “Luckily I have such a wonderful friend and partner in Bennett, who has jumped in to help run calls and grow the Talent Development Think Tank Community while I’m on the couch,” he says. “I am so grateful for Bennett and everyone in our wonderful talent development community who has supported me through all of this and I know I’ll get through it and come out stronger.”

He is sharing his journey on Instagram and LinkedIn hoping to help and inspire others who walk the same path. A GoFundMe campaign is in place to help him and his family with expenses at gf.me/u/zgkwia.

Our hearts are with them both.

One great thing:

How to stay focused on what really matters, regardless of what comes next
When it feels like almost everything is changing, values are the one standard that we can all count on to remain steady.

Here is a quick exercise you can do to help define or renew your team’s (or your family’s) collective values.

→ More great things …