When Purpose, People, and Timing Come Together

My time at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro had left a lasting impression on me, and one symbol in particular had always stayed close: Minerva, the quiet embodiment of wisdom that watches over the campus.

Years later, that inspiration found its way into my own life and work. I even placed a sculpture inspired by Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom statue at UNCG, originally created by my friend Sculptor Jim Barnhill in my backyard, where she stands over a koi pond, pouring forward. To me, it’s always represented something simple, yet powerful: wisdom isn’t meant to be held, it’s meant to be shared.

That night, I shared that thought with the audience for a benefit to raise funds for Student Scholarships.

Then the bidding began.

What started quietly quickly turned into something far more energized. Hands lifted, voices followed, the room leaned in and within minutes, the painting had taken on a life of its own until the final bid landed and the gavel came down.

Afterward, I made my way to thank the woman who had placed the winning bid. That’s when I met Glenda Schillinger. As we spoke, it became clear that her life’s work of serving others through healthcare, education, and advocacy reflected the very essence of what Minerva represents.

In that moment, it struck me, this wasn’t just an auction, it was alignment.

What This Moment Reveals About Leadership and Impact

The most meaningful opportunities are rarely about the moment—they’re about what you bring into it
That evening wasn’t just about a fundraiser or a painting. It was about the intention behind it. Every room you walk into every meeting, every conference, every opportunity holds potential. But the real difference is made by what you carry with you: your story, your perspective, your willingness to connect something meaningful to the moment.

People don’t connect to information—they connect to meaning
The painting alone didn’t create the energy in that room. The story did. The symbolism did. The connection did. As leaders, planners, and decision-makers, it’s easy to focus on content, logistics, and outcomes. But what people remember, what moves them is meaning. When you give people something to feel, you give them something to act on.

Impact happens when purpose meets the right people at the right time
You can plan for excellence. You can prepare for success. But the moments that truly matter, the ones that ripple outward, happen when purpose, timing, and people align. That’s what happened that night. And it’s a reminder that when you lead with intention, you create space for those moments to occur.

A Thought to Carry Into Your Next Event

Every gathering has the potential to be more than just an agenda. It can become a moment that connects people to something larger than themselves—something that inspires action, generosity, and lasting impact.

The question isn’t just what you’re planning… It’s what kind of meaning you’re creating within it.