Choosing "Uncomfortable"

This week, I attended my Maxwell Masterclass. I was one of 77 people personally chosen by John Maxwell to be part of a group he is leading in his 77th year of life. His vision was simple: to bring together people he believes in and connect us with others we may never meet without his introduction.

This year has been incredibly impactful. I have met some fantastic speakers, but more than that, I have connected deeply with others in the room, the 77. Each time I attend, I leave inspired but regretful, thinking "Wow, I didn't even get to talk to that person or that person." I realize I tend to sit with the people I already know and love - because it is comfortable.

This time, we were encouraged to find a table and sit by someone we didn't know. So, I did. I sat at a table surrounded by strangers and sat by the most amazing man, Carlos Ledezma. From the moment we started talking, there was an immediate connection. We exchanged contact information and agreed we should talk again soon. Then, it was time for lunch.

Lunch was arranged at small tables of two or four. When I arrived, most tables were already filled. Apparently, I had lingered too long in conversation! We were again encouraged to sit by someone we didn't know. Looking around, most of the open seats were next to people I knew, so I made a bold choice: I sat alone.

As I sat there for several minutes eating by myself, memories from middle school came flooding back. Back then, no one wanted to sit with me. If I wanted to sit with the "cool kids," I had to give them my lunch money just for the privilege of sitting with them. I did it, even though it meant I hadn't lunch that day.

But this time was different. Sitting alone, I realized I was okay. I was comfortable being uncomfortable, AND ALONE.

Just as I was beginning to enjoy that quiet space, Carlos appeared. "Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked. "I'd love to hear more about your story."

We spent the next 45 minutes sharing stories about our shared background in the automotive industry, our journeys, and what drives us. That moment of discomfort turned into a divine appointment. I have no doubt our friendship will continue.

That evening, we had dinner where, unusually, seats were assigned. I ended up beside two more incredible individuals, Collin Sewell and Dr. Wes Saade. We quickly realized how many of our passions and purposes aligned. These are people I probably would have left the event never getting to know if we weren't assigned these seats. If I wasn't forced out of my comfort zone!

There are only 77 of us. After attending events together over the past year, you'd think it would be easy to know everyone. But staying in familiar circles limits our growth.

At my recent Live2Lead event, I spoke about the power of a single connection—how one introduction can open doors you never imagined. I can trace many of the most meaningful moments in my life back to times when I was willing to step into the unknown—to sit somewhere uncomfortable, to talk to someone new, to listen and connect with authenticity.

When I think about The Prayer of Jabez, it begins with:

Lord, please bless me INDEED, and enlarge my territory...

But we can't just ask God to enlarge our territory - we must take steps allowing HIM to do it. We must be willing to be brave. To sit in the seat by ourselves. To overcome old insecurities. To trust that God's plan is greater than our comfort.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet Carlos, Sollin, and Wes. We share values, vision, and faith. I believe these connections will continue to shape each of our journeys.

All because we chose not to do the easy thing.

We chose to sit somewhere uncomfortable.

And in that discomfort, God enlarged our territory.

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