After watching Dave Wilkin’s TedTalk, I reached out and invited Dave to be part of my #FuelPersistence interview series. Dave is the Founder of TenThousandCoffees.com- the world’s first movement democratizing opportunity by connecting industry leaders with the next generation, over coffee. Being a Millennial myself, I really resonated with his message; mentorship and authentic conversations over coffee have influenced my personal and professional growth as well. Fitting that today, Sept. 29th, is National Coffee Day.

As I often mention on Arianna’s Random Thoughts, life lessons can be learned from anyone, and any situation, at random times. While watching television recently, I was taught a valuable lesson about loving the skin you are in.

The show was a recording of Live with Kelly and Michael.  The co-hosts had made an on-air bet about the SuperBowl. If the team Kelly chose (Denver Broncos) lost, she would appear makeup-free for the upcoming episode with superstar George Clooney. If the team Michael chose (Seattle Seahawks) lost, he wouldn’t cut his hair until after Oscar week, meaning he would have long hair for his Oscar appearance as he has twice-weekly haircuts to maintain his clean-shaven look. The makeup and hair cut are shields for personal insecurities, no different than a mask or a uniform.

What have I spent 10+ years practising?

Sometimes it takes awhile to see the most obvious thing that has been there throughout our whole journey. We focus so much on the details and not on the bigger picture; hence why I had been stumped on my friend's question. I reflected, dug deeper, and after some serious thought, discovered what the common element was.

I am an expert in coping with transition.  Not only had I experienced a lot of transition personally, I counsel individuals and organizations on how to improve (change is a huge element of this).