“How a Cheap Brush Taught Me to Deliver My Best Work”

 “How a Cheap Brush Taught Me to Deliver My Best Work”

 As a keynote speaker and artist, I often tell the story of how I began with a 59-cent tray of watercolors—because it's more than a memory; it's a message. Early success led me to believe that better tools equaled better outcomes. I chased the finest materials, even purchasing a $250 Winsor & Newton Series 7 brush while visiting their factory in London. Ironically, decades later, it was a pack of torn, inexpensive acrylic brushes that helped me create some of my most impactful work. The lesson? The value isn’t in the tool—it’s in how you use it. And that principle doesn’t just apply to painting. It applies to the way we lead, plan, and inspire.

Three Reframed Takeaways for Meeting Planners and Associations:

Start with What You’ve Got — and Make It Matter.
In the world of events and leadership, it’s easy to believe you need bigger budgets or flashier names to make an impact. But what truly resonates with audiences is substance. A keynote speaker who can bring relatable stories, resourceful thinking, and lived experience can often connect deeper than someone with a polished pitch and a big stage résumé.

Excellence is More About Engagement than Equipment.
Just as an expensive brush doesn’t guarantee a masterpiece, high-tech AV setups and perfect venues don’t guarantee memorable takeaways. What makes a session unforgettable is the speaker’s ability to connect, inspire, and deliver practical value—no matter the setting.

Resourcefulness Over Perfection.
We’re all working within constraints—time, budget, or bandwidth. But as this story shows, innovation comes not from having everything, but from making the most of anything. Choose speakers who’ve lived that truth, and they’ll inspire your audience to do the same in their own work.

Call to Action:

When selecting your next keynote speaker, don’t just ask what tools they use. Ask what stories they can tell, what lessons they’ve lived, and how they’ll help your audience grow. If you're looking for someone who can blend artistry with authenticity—and spark fresh thinking right where your people are—I’d love to be part of your event.