I’m still trying to figure out what exactly happened!

I’m still trying to figure out what exactly happened!

I had the honor of speaking at Dr. Mollie Marti’s Make An Impact Live this past weekend.

It was an amazing event and it was so fun to kick it off on Friday night with my talk and the BIG Dream Gathering.

Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Mollie and her incredible team, we had people from all over the world come in to attend the event. Plus, I was able to stick around and get to take in the conference and get to meet and learn from many of the other speakers there.

I’ve got to tell you that the personal impact from the weekend has been so profound, I’ve had to wait a few days to try to capture some of the things that happened. It’s struck me so deeply that in some ways… I’m still trying to figure out what happened!

Since everyone had such an impact on me, I wanted to let you know more about some of the speakers that I was able to interact with. They blessed my socks off, so I want to introduce them to YOU so you can be freakishly blessed by them as well!

Dr. Mollie

The event was created and hosted by Dr. Mollie who is a fellow Iowan, but somehow we had not crossed paths until about 4 months ago. If you don’t know Dr. Mollie, you need to check out her story. (Click here to find out more about her.) She is a performance psychologist who has worked with star athletes and famous biz people. She probably knows more about the brain than just about anyone I’ve ever met, and she’s a true researcher. But at the same time, she has a heart of gold and true compassion for people. Her personal story was inspiring plus she set the tone for the event by sharing a few of her own big dreams that she’s never shared before. She’s now a true hero and friend!

Felicia Slattery

The event was emceed by Felicia Slattery. I’ll tell you what… Felicia is truly one of those people who can impact a room in 2 minutes!

She’s a speaker herself, but she’s also a speaker coach.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a speaker yourself… or you’re just wanting to improve upon what you’ve got going as a speaker… connect with Felicia. She’s the real deal! She offered me a few pieces of wisdom that were priceless. More importantly, she offered me some specific encouragement that got all the way down to my DNA.

So again… I’d WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommend connecting with her to take your speaking game to the next level! Connect with her at www.communicationtransformation.com.

Plus, be on the look out for her. She has some books coming out soon that will make a big splash and bless a whole lot of people!

Bob Burg

I have to tell you that I had high expectations for Bob Burg. He’s been a hero of mine for a long time, especially since I read a book that he co-authored called “The Go-Giver.” (If you haven’t read this book, put it at the top of your list! It’s a quick read but it will have a wildly lasting impact!) Even though I had lofty expectations, he still blew me away. He’s just one of those guys who is polished and professional, but still totally authentic and wildly likable.

He has a deep love for reading and one of the things that he did when he talked was he’d pull quotes from different authors and books. He would literally have the books with him and read from them. I’ve seen this done with less than effective results in the past, but Bob did it in a way that brought you back to that favorite teacher reading you stories in class. You just relaxed and took it all in.

He was funny and compelling but also gave me a lot to think about. (I took 8 pages of notes as I listened to him!) If Bob is speaking any where near you, go see him. You’ll love it!

John Morgan

And then there was John Morgan. I’ve got to tell you that this guy was one of the surprises of the weekend. He’s a branding guru in the truest sense and he boiled down some unique branding concepts in a way that made them freakishly impactful but also easily implementable. Not only that but he’s about the funniest guy I’ve heard in years. (I was laughing so hard that I snorted three times during his talk!)

I’m tempted to say that he’s the next Gary Vaynerchuk, but he’ll be so uniquely John Morgan… that it won’t apply. But he’s got the energy, the stories, the humor and the wisdom to blow the lid off the branding world!

I’ll just guarantee that you’ll be hearing from this guy at an international level!

Dondi Scumaci

Okay… so after this weekend, I have some new favorite people in my life. Each of these speakers make it on this list! But I have to tell you that Dondi got a special place in my family’s heart!

If you’ve seen her, you know that Dondi is a massively powerful speaker while still being completely approachable. Heck, I’d call her a master presenter.

Her segment was shorter but she took 20 minutes and just blew it up! She shared from the heart and threw in some pearls that are still making me think! She was also so encouraging and transparent about her own BIG Dream Gathering experience which I think gave people even more permission to dream big! She blew me and my family away… both on and off the stage!

Watch out for Dondi! She has three best sellers to her credit and I guarantee you that she’s just getting started! (Click here to find out more!)

Frank McKinney

This guy is a rock star real estate developer and author. What can I say? He’s so uniquely Frank McKinney that he can’t really be compared to anyone. But I think he likes it that way. He’s a guy who builds $50 million homes but then also has a charity that builds sustainable homes in Haiti that are given to families that need them.

His was the first relief organization on the ground in Haiti after the earth quakes and they are still there.

At the same time, he’s the guy who jumped a replica of his first house on his own motorcycle at the grand opening of one of his developments.

He’s wild. He’s a bit of a Robin Hood. He’ll push you. But at the same time he’s wildly likable and down to earth.

He held the crowd on the edge of their seats for 90 minutes but then stopped later in the midst of a crowd of people just to talk to our sons later that night. I didn’t know what to expect with Frank, but I’ll tell you that I became a big fan! Find out more about Frank by clicking here.

Josh Hinds

I’ve heard stories of people over coming adversity, and they are usually very powerful. But Josh’s story is special. I think a part of it is just the humble but confident way that he tells the story, but a big part of it is also Josh’s heart!

I’ll tell you that when I first got to the auditorium when I was going to be speaking, Josh was one of the first people to come up to me to ask if he could help me in any way. Honestly, my head was spinning a bit and I was excited to get started so I didn’t recognize Josh from his pictures in the program. I just assumed that he was one of the amazing people who was volunteering. Later on he let me know who he was and I was blown away. He had such a servant’s heart and a willingness to put others first. It was beautiful!

But when he took the stage the next day you saw that heart the size of Texas come out! He really touched everyone and pushed everyone to move past their own obstaclest! He impacted me and my family and I’m grateful we got to hear him speak! Find out more about Josh at his site: JoshHinds.com.

Patricia Rossi

Now, here’s another person who is on the very brink of becoming a household name. Patricia is this delightful and eloquent speaker who teaches audiences about etiquette. But at the same time, the more powerful message that comes out of Patrica is the power of kindness. It sounds like a simple idea and it is, but she delivers it in a way that has deep impact!

I think part of the impact comes from the fact that this message is what she speaks about but it’s also wildly represented in the way that she lives. So much so that you’re inspired to lead with kindness and really think about your actions… every time.

I’ll admit that we didn’t get to see Patricia speak in the “big room” because we had to leave early on Sunday. But we heard rave reviews! But I will tell you that I saw her interact with attendees and my family and she lives her message! Again, that might sound almost cliche’ but she truly does it in such a powerful and authentic way, it makes an impact on you just to spend 5 minutes with her.

In a lot of ways, I’d betting that she’ll be as recognizable as Martha Stewart in the days to come, but she’ll do it in a way that’s uniquely Patricia! Check out Patrica by clicking here!

Okay… I could go on and on… but I have to wrap up for now.

I just wanted to feature these new friends and people that I was able to learn from!

Check into all of them. I guarantee you that you’ll be blessed! I know I was!

Thanks for being on the journey with us,

Mitch

10 Comments
  • Dr. Mollie
    Posted at 16:22h, 26 October Reply

    Your comment about our event rang true, Mitch. It was like a big family reunion — in the best sense 🙂

    I’m grateful for this opportunity to bring some of my favorite people together who I knew would not only impact the audience but also form strong and unique relationships with each other…it doesn’t get much better than that.

    Thanks for introducing these fabulous leaders and friends to your community!

    Mollie

  • Felicia Slattery
    Posted at 17:22h, 26 October Reply

    Mitch!
    You gave me goosebumps, more than once, my new friend!

    Your Big Dream Gathering was nothing short of one of the most inspirational evenings I’ve ever spent in my life.

    I feel so blessed that Mollie invited us both so I had the opportunity to experience meeting you & your beautiful family.

    I know for us, this is only the beginning of a very long friendship.

    Thank you for including me in your overview of the weekend and for the kind comments. My head is still reeling as well!

    Big hugs,
    Felicia

  • Bob Burg
    Posted at 17:51h, 26 October Reply

    Hi Mitch,

    What an honor to be mentioned in your post, and so kindly at that. Meanwhile, my new friend, you hit a grand slam while pitching a perfect game. Thank you for the awesome contribution you made to the event and to the many lives you touched (including mine)with your presentation.

    Best regards,

    Bob

  • John Morgan
    Posted at 23:00h, 26 October Reply

    Mitch, my mom couldn’t have said anything THAT nice about me! Thanks so much!

    It was a great event & it was kicked off in an awesome way thanks to you! You set the tone for the entire event.

    You are 2 scoops of awesome my friend.

  • Patricia Rossi
    Posted at 06:38h, 27 October Reply

    Many many thanks for all the things you shared about all the amazing folks in the above post. You caught the essence of each person and put on paper what was bouncing around in my heart.
    Dondi,
    Felicia,
    Bob,
    Frank,
    Josh,
    John,
    Dr.Mollie &
    You Mitch-are modern day super hero’s that roam the globe leaving deposits of hope, humor & possibility, into the lives of all that meet you…..
    I appreciate you putting me with this cast of amazing folks and will spend pockets of my day calling everyone I went to high school and college with to tell them what you shared about me :0)… Thanks once again and kindest regards to your bride & cubs..

  • mitchamatthews
    Posted at 07:58h, 27 October Reply

    Hey guys!

    Geeeesch. Thanks for the love! You guys are awesome.

    Based on the impact and the freakishly good time… I say we schedule a MAKE AN IMPACT LIVE once a month!

    Heck, what are you guys doing next weekend!?! Heh heh.

    So glad to be connected with you all!

    Thanks again for the kind words!

    Mitch

  • Mark
    Posted at 10:16h, 27 October Reply

    Sounds like a fantastic event- and I’m not surprised, given the line-up and what I know about Mollie.

  • Josh Hinds
    Posted at 13:38h, 08 November Reply

    Mitch, I can’t thank you enough for the kind words. They really do mean a lot. Especially coming from you. Your presentation and it’s powerful message grabbed me from the get go. I remember thinking to myself, “self, he is good — really good!” You’re a masterful story tell Mitch. I’m thankful to be able to call you a friend.

    Please give my best to your amazing family. Here’s hoping we catch up again soon!

  • mitchamatthews
    Posted at 13:54h, 08 November Reply

    Josh – The honor was mine buddy! Thanks for checking back in!

    But… I have to admit that I goofed. Somehow I forgot to include a link to your site when I did the original post! YIKES!

    BUT… I’ve rectified that.

    We’ll be pointing more peeps your way.

    You’re awesome buddy!

    I’ll look forward to our paths crossing again soon!

    Mitch

  • Pingback:Be my special guest at Make An Impact Live! « MitchMatthews.com
    Posted at 08:32h, 10 September Reply

    […] This is an annual conference that got it’s start last year. (If you’d like to read about last years amazing experience… click here.) […]

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