-James Clear

Please do share your results with me!

-Joel Houston

Event Producing

The request was to find a way to show appreciation to >900 volunteers. I was offered the support of the other directors on the staff and a budget of $10,000. At first glance that sounds like a lot of money, but I had to use that for catering for dinner and desert, decorations, entertainment, awards...as well as invitations, childcare, photography, table hosting, setup, strike, dishwashing; also what presenters and MCs would be responsible for what communication...

I took survey of all the stakeholders - directors and key leaders. I learned what worked well with similar events in the past. I assembled a team of key partners whom I could brainstorm with and develop concepts. We did research to figure out what our ideas might cost. We met again and leaned into what had good value and scrapped what didn’t. We surveyed and used statistics to determine how many we thought would actually show up; and how many might. We put it on the calendar and after figuring out a brand for the night we sent out invitations. We worked through details with the caterer and the band. We made certain sacrifices from our ideal hopes, but ended up with remarkably clever innovations to our plan. We created a signup sheet for directors to own delegated chores and presented the vision to the staff with the request for ownership… In addition to my team of co-leaders, our whole staff stepped up and helped make a really special evening. The video above shows a few of the highlights.Download PDFDownload PDF

I made my salsa for Jessica to take to work for a staff party they were having. It was a big hit! Her coworkers were asking how I made it. Well, here’s the recipe. It’s super quick and easy. I don’t know why anyone would ever buy salsa when this costs less and gives you 4x the quantity of a typical container; and tastes WAY better!

6-8 Tomatoes

2 Poblano Peppers

1 Onion (white or yellow)

4-5 cloves of Garlic

1 Lime

Bunch of Cilantro

Salt

Char the peppers (on a burner of a stove, under the broiler, or with a butane torch)

Remove skin from onion and garlic

Remove stems from peppers

Toss tomatoes, onion, garlic, peppers all into VitaMix with a few pinches of salt and pulse until chunky liquid

Add leaves of cilantro, and the juice of the lime and blend until they mix in

Taste and add more salt if necessary (but remember that chips typically have salt so you don’t need too much)

Chill for 30min (if you can restrain yourself from digging in with chips immediately!)

My friend sent me this screenshot. I don’t know where he got it from, but I think it’s great! The first thought I had was about some of my favorite films, TV shows, and plays as I'm a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin’s dialogue. Contemplating further, I aspire to put such thought into my writing...

Authenticity and rapport with the team. Connection of each team member to the bigger picture of the organization. Caring for and growing the individual infusing purpose beyond the temporary.

We’re thinking about next calendar year and what series topics we might schedule. One of our thoughts is the Sermon on the Mount. I really like the idea. I have had this card at my desk for years. It’s a great reminder of what is worth upholding

Gratitude soaked, Spirit filled life

Arrange my my life with such perspective. Contentment and joy.

That is eternal life.