Hearing Stories
As an entrepreneur there are many things I love about what I do, from setting direction and strategy to having the opportunity to assemble a team of great people. There are also many things I'd rather not deal with, including wondering if I've chosen the right direction and dealing with the red tape of government and bureaucracy.
Until yesterday though, I couldn't really put my finger on the absolute best part of my job. You see yesterday I facilitated a participatory discovery session with a group of people currently undergoing varying forms of cancer treatment (we're in the planning phase of a virtual experience project for the cancer clinic at LHSC).
Talk about sobering.
Though I listened to stories of fear and anxiety, the kind that can only come after being told you're going to die, I heard more stories of hope, determination, and a desire to outright crush this awful disease.
It was then that I realized the best part of my job is the stories I'm told. From those that come after staring cancer in the face, to hearing the near impossible success of a small business, to learning about industries and meeting people that normally I would have never come into contact with. While some stories are more significant than others they share the trait of being told with conviction.
May of these stories overlap and weave together to form an incredible narrative that I'm lucky enough to be part of. The resolve and strength of humankind, be it in fighting a disease or fighting the odds to succeed in other areas of life, is truly remarkable.
People have fascinating stories -- I consider myself privileged to have heard so many.
