It was to be my first time on-stage addressing my peers and senior leaders at a National Leadership Conference and, I don’t think it will be my last! I had my moment on stage where my unique passion, energy and delivery of material was so impactful, my peers were stopping me in hallways to share how I “woke them up” and how my energy just lit up the room. I’m a relatively new leader and hearing this from my very tenured colleagues has been inspiring because I know that it’s not “just me”, this is who I am. Thank you John Petz for inspiring me to be in the moment cause it’s “showtime”.

Attended a travel symposium and Jon was the guest speaker. His “It’s Showtime” story had such a deep impact on me. I have learned to realize that it is the simple moments & things in life that truly add up to make a difference. I lead with kindness and try to emit that to all around me. Thank you, Jon, for changing my life.

I got this from Jon who told us the story at a staff event for my school district

As a kid,I had an diagnosed ruptured appendix. The poision affected my eyes so badly that I ended up running into a glass in a basement door, cutting my wrists and arms severely. By grace of God, I did not bleed out, but I needed over 100 stitches to repair the damage. But that was the start of years of kids making fun of me, teasing me for not committing suicide properly, and other nasty comments, to a point where I wore long sleeves even during the hottest days of summer.
Thankfully years later I met the man I would later marry. He is kind and loving, and we have been married for over 50 years! He also reminded me of my self worth, and makes me see the joy in each day

Me and my family received this from a friend and her family that we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know this year. We loved reading this book and being reminded of our importance and significance in this world.

“You must not ever stop being whimsical. And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.”

Sisters of the soul, our bond so strong,
Together we face life’s journey, all day long.

We share our laughter, and our tears,
Our sisterhood, a bond so dear.

You comfort me, when I am in distress,
And understand me, better than the rest.

Our sisterhood, a treasure so rare,
A bond that will endure, beyond compare.

So here’s to you, my sister in soul,
A bond that will never grow old.

May our bond continue to shine so bright,
Sisters of the soul, forever entwine.

I was given this book by John at one of my annual awards Dinner for top Financial Advisors, where John was one of our motivational speakers. I have to admit I had not read the book until today 12/2/23 since he personally gave it to me years ago at an event. I was moved by him from the event and felt, I do a lot of the things he mentioned at the conference. which is why I kept the book on my office shelves with other books of 30 years from awards dinners. At least from speakers I really felt had a great message. But unfortunately I had not actually read the book. With more free time since we are no longer shortening our work week to go watch our two collegiate athletic children that have now graduated doing their own thing. So when I get up on weekends at 5 am sometimes I grab a booked to read to get inspired. Not much of book worm actually. Once again so inspired now to formally pass on John’s message, especially since I am not much of a book reader and very picky where I spend my time as I realize how short & valuable our time is. This was an excellent use of my time. I will be removing the words “just ….” from my vocabulary. Thank you John! I am a Financial Advisor and that it was I do to help individuals, families, & business become successful not for themselves but for those they touch. Who I am is Father, Husband, Spouse, & Son leading by example that we make a difference in the people we touch. It is great day knowing I woke up early and read this book to inspired & motivated to John’s message on. Wishing I wrote what city I got the book from John so I could remembered what event & how long ago he gave this book to me. But so happy I kept it and read it. Will be make sure my family read it as well.

I was curious when this book was given to me by a fellow credit union volunteer. After reading the book and re-reading it, I was moved and much appreciated that she thought that I would enjoy the book. It is interesting but not surprisingly that NAFCU “sponsored” the book because credit unions were created to make a difference in someone’s life.

I don’t have one