One particular encounter at the University of Michigan stands out in my memory. As my event was wrapping up, the very last student approached me with tears streaming down his face. When I asked if he was alright, he confessed that he had been battling depression and anxiety. He explained that he had simply walked by a sign with my name on it, and something inexplicably called him to attend.
That tearful conversation marked the beginning of a friendship that has now spanned eleven years. Today, he lives a life filled with happiness, passion, purpose, and prosperity. This transformation wasn’t because of any special advice I gave him, but because he followed his intuition in a moment of need.
The Power of Unexplained Connections
I’ve often reflected on why these seemingly random encounters occur. In my experience, there’s something magical about being open to the unexpected guidance that sometimes steers us toward exactly what we need.
When people tell me they don’t know why they showed up to hear me speak, I recognize it as a powerful moment of vulnerability and intuition. They’ve followed an internal compass without logical explanation, and that openness often precedes significant personal breakthroughs.
These moments remind me that our most important connections aren’t always planned or logical. Sometimes the most transformative relationships begin with nothing more than a feeling or a hunch that pulls us in a certain direction.
Why I Continue Hosting Meetups
After decades in business and sports management, I could easily focus solely on high-profile clients and major corporate events. But these personal meetups, where I can connect one-on-one with individuals, remain central to my purpose.
I continue organizing these gatherings because:
- They create space for authentic, unplanned human connection
- They remind me that impact often happens in quiet, unexpected moments
- They allow me to witness personal transformations firsthand
The truth is, we never know when a simple conversation might change someone’s life trajectory. That Michigan student didn’t realize his spontaneous decision to attend my talk would mark the beginning of his healing journey.
You just never know.
Those four words capture why I remain committed to creating spaces where these connections can happen. In business and in life, I’ve found that the most meaningful impacts often come from moments we couldn’t have planned.
Finding Your Own Unexpected Connections
My experience has taught me that we should all remain open to those unexplained pulls toward certain people, events, or opportunities. When something calls to you without clear reason, it might be worth following that instinct.
I encourage you to:
- Pay attention when you feel drawn to an event or person without obvious reason
- Create space in your life for unplanned connections
- Trust that meaningful relationships often begin in unexpected ways
The student who approached me at Michigan had no idea that following a strange impulse would connect him with someone who would become a long-term friend and supporter. His willingness to follow that intuition, even while struggling with depression, changed the course of his life.
My work has taken me from sports management to business coaching, but these human moments of connection remain the most rewarding aspect of my journey. When someone approaches me with tears in their eyes, having followed some unexplained calling to be there, I’m reminded of why I do what I do.
We all have the opportunity to create spaces where these connections can happen. Whether through formal meetups or simply being present and available to those around us, we can facilitate the magic that happens when people follow their intuition toward healing and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I recognize when I should follow an unexplained intuition?
Pay attention to persistent thoughts or feelings that draw you toward certain events or people, especially when they don’t have an obvious logical explanation. These subtle pulls often lead to meaningful connections or opportunities that your conscious mind hasn’t yet recognized as valuable.
Q: What makes personal meetups more valuable than larger speaking engagements?
While larger events can reach more people, personal meetups create space for authentic one-on-one connections that often lead to deeper transformation. The intimate setting allows for vulnerability and personal sharing that might not happen in a crowded auditorium, creating opportunities for life-changing moments.
Q: How did you maintain a friendship with the student from Michigan for over a decade?
Our connection began with authenticity and vulnerability, which formed a strong foundation. Over the years, we’ve maintained regular communication, celebrated each other’s successes, and supported each other through challenges. Long-lasting relationships require consistent investment of time and genuine care.
Q: What signs indicate that someone might be experiencing depression or anxiety like the student you mentioned?
Common signs include withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep or appetite, persistent sadness, excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. If you notice these signs in yourself or others, professional support from therapists or counselors can make a tremendous difference.
Q: How can business leaders create more opportunities for meaningful connections?
Leaders can create space for authentic connection by hosting smaller, more intimate gatherings alongside larger events, making themselves accessible for one-on-one conversations, practicing active listening without rushing to solutions, and modeling vulnerability. The most impactful business relationships often begin with human connection rather than transactional networking.