Curiosity Over Caution

I want to share a story with you all about the power of choosing curiosity over caution, abundance over insecurity, and connection over self-protection.

Back in January, I attended a leadership conference through TMHRA. Like most conferences, I expected to walk away with a few notes, a few ideas, and maybe a couple of new professional connections. What I did not expect was that a single conversation would become such a meaningful reminder of what is possible when fear and scarcity are not in control.

During one of the sessions, I listened to Chad Wright speak. His passion was undeniable. His message was clear. Here was someone who had dedicated his life to helping organizations build better leaders, and it showed in every word he spoke. I was deeply impacted by his session.

At that time, I had just made my book available on Amazon. It was technically live, but my official launch hadn’t happened yet. I remember standing there after his session, debating with myself.

Should I introduce myself? Should I tell him about the book? Should I risk sounding overly eager, overly ambitious, or overly proud?

That familiar voice of hesitation that many of us know so well was there whispering in my ear. What if he doesn’t care? What if you’re bothering them? Stay in your lane.

But something in me chose differently that day. So, I introduced myself. I told him about the book. I even sent him the link to it on Amazon. And to my surprise, he downloaded it on his Kindle that very same day.

A few days later, I received a message from him that I’ll never forget:

"Why haven’t you launched this yet? I’m a very critical reader when it comes to leadership books. This. Book. Is. Good. Tell the world it exists."

I smiled when I read it. I explained that the official launch date was only a day or two away, and I thanked him for his encouragement.

What I did not know at the time was that Chad also hosted a podcast. Not long after, he invited me to be a guest on his show. I was genuinely caught off guard… and honestly, incredibly honored.

Then he told me something that made it even better. He did not want one episode. He wanted two. One focused on Don't Be a DUMB Smartphone. Another focused on my role as an HR Director in municipal government.

That moment hit me deeply. Sure, the exposure and the opportunity was amazing. But more impactful than that was the fact this felt like living proof of something I talk about often:

Fear builds walls. Scarcity builds competition. But courage builds connection.

If I had been operating from fear that day, I would have stayed in my seat and walked away with nothing more than conference notes.

If Chad had been operating from scarcity, he might have viewed me as competition or as just another person wanting something from him.

Instead, he chose to share his platform. And I chose to share my voice. That is what abundance looks like. That is what leadership looks like. And that is what gives me hope.

Because if one brave conversation can create this kind of connection, how many more life-changing relationships are waiting on the other side of a simple introduction, a bold conversation, or a willingness to be seen?

Today, I am feeling grateful.

Grateful for Chad.

Grateful for courage.

Grateful for the reminder that when fear and scarcity stop driving, possibility finally gets a chance to lead.

And maybe that is the reflection I needed today.

You never know what door might open when you decide to knock.