The Empowerment Tour was set up at the Embarcadero YMCA . The location was perfect. The mission of the Y is all about personal development ; …”to enrich the lives of all people in spirit, mind and body” And the name Embarcadero is derived from the Spanish word embarcar, identifying it as the place to embark. Although it is named that due to its location close to the Port of San Francisco...
On the way to Sacramento , the Empowerment Tour stopped off at the Oregon House of Mystery . The house is supposed to be on an energy vortex, a vortex for those who don’t know, is a spinning, often turbulent spiral often made of wind or water in this case it‘s energy and magnetism. It can be a metaphor for what people feel when they are unexpectedly laid off from a job. In the midst of...
I was “ Moonstruck ” when the Empowerment Tour stopped in Portland, OR … not only by the chocolate store by that name, but also by the people who came for coaching. The tour was set up at a rotunda in the Pioneer Place Mall . We had the good (though dangerous for our waistline) fortune to be placed right across from this Portland based business that creates the most beautiful, unique...
When the Empowerment Tour was in Seattle’s Westlake Center , an exceptionally dapper man in a white suit and straw hat who carried a cane stopped by our booth. When I asked him if he was interested in going back to school, told me he was already in school studying law. Probing further, I discovered that in six months he was going to hit the century mark, one hundred years old. Active, curious...
The first thing one needs to learn when they visit Spokane is how to pronounce it. It is important to say SpoCAN. “I Can do it-I Can do it!” I loved my short time in this city. There were two very beautiful sites that I had sometime to explore: Riverfront Park in downtown is filled with fun sculptures, beautiful flowers and trees and stunning waterfalls. Even on a hot day, it felt refreshing...
This was the first time I had been to Boise. I had two experiences that stood out for me: inner Tubing down the Boise River and eating dinner at a Basque restaurant. I thoroughly enjoyed the Empowerment Tour's trip to the river. It was relaxing to allow the currents to move me along, though every so often I came upon more intense waves where I felt out of control, a bit scared and I ended up getting...
During our tour stop in Salt Lake , I became aware of several examples of unintended consequences. The area around Salt Lake is where the first Intercontinental Railroad was completed. Although this event was important for the development of our country, the process destroyed many trees, killed buffalo and as a result the lifestyle of the Native Americans was destroyed. The Empowerment Tour was set...
Rapid City, SD was an opportunity for the Empowerment Tour to experience classic Middle America. We were set up at the Central States Country Fair , surrounded by a full range of game booths, carnival rides and food. The pig racing was a highlight for me. I was surprised at how I actually got into rooting for “my pig” to win. She didn’t, and it was still OK. We gain some, we loose...
I got lost in the Mall of America. I expect that happens to lots of people. No wonder! It had five hundred specialty stores, fifty restaurants, seven nightclubs, fourteen movie theaters and an amusement park in the center. Many of the people we see for coaching are feeling lost; countless decisions to make: numerous careers, scores of majors, several possible schools to go to. Much like my eventually...
I am curious as to why in some places, people don’t seem curious to find out what the Empowerment Tour is about. We were set up at the Greater Des Moines YMCA downtown by the river, and less than a handful of people stopped by. A few blocks away, there were crowds of people at a Farmer’s Market. Several of our team went there to hand out flyers, and again found there was not as much interest...
I need to keep reminding myself the Kansas City where the Empowerment Tour was based, is in Missouri and not Kansas. Though, I did notice local news covered what is happening in Kansas, as well as Missouri. I was surprised at how much I loved out time in Kansas City . I think it had something to do with our hotel being situated at Country Club Plaza: an outdoor museum of romantic Spanish architecture...
St. Louis: The Gateway to the West. For many of the people we are coaching, the Empowerment Tour is a gateway to a new career. With the combination of coaching for people to clarify what they “REALLY” want to do and the opportunity to participate in on-line higher education, they are energized to move forward in their careers; a plant manager is thrilled to study to become a math teacher...
Whenever I meet someone from Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana , I enjoy letting them know that I know they are a Hoosier – the nickname for people from Indiana. But what exactly is a Hoosier? I went to Google to find out and discovered many possibilities: A short way of saying “Who’s here?” “Huzzha!” A cry of victory, “Hoosa” an Indian word for corn...
A lot of the cities we have gone to lately the people who visit the booth are looking solely for jobs, and not as much furthering their education. I can’t blame them, the economy is hard and feeding one's family is a significantly more immediate concern than education, especially when you don’t have a steady, well-paying job. Circumstances like this are hard for us when the Empowerment...
Chicago – the Windy City. I assumed it had the nickname since it was known for being particularly windy. After a few moments of "googling," I discovered a reference suggesting that Chicago isn’t any windier than other cities and there is some popular thought that the term windy refers to the long, winded and boastful speech of Chicago politicians. The history books point to time...
The Empowerment Tour 's visit to the Greater Grace Temple was a visceral experience showing the extent of the economic crisis in the city and in our country. When the charismatic Bishop invited those who were unemployed to stand up and come to be blessed, there must have been at east 500 people who lined up. It felt like the line was never ending. It must have been half of the congregation who were...
When the Empowerment Tour stopped off in Cleveland, spokesperson Stephanie Clark was featured on NBC's Good Company Cleveland. Thanks Good Company we appreciate the support! Check us out....
Cleveland: I was surprised at how much I enjoyed our stop in this city. I loved the contrasts of old industrial buildings with beautiful architecture and elegant bridges, and of course, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . I was intrigued by the stories shared by the Savvy Cabbie , a wonderful example of someone bringing his unique perspective, talents and enthusiasm to his work. It was neat he added a...
We were delighted despite the rain, several people who watched, Michael and I, on Good Morning Pittsburgh were inspired to stop in for coaching. There was a good flow of people for both coaches to chat with. Among them was a engineer, a nurse, a systems analyst, a retail manager, a dispatcher and a women in technical sales, all looking for a change in direction. Some with a clear vision, most not completely...
Scranton, the Electric City! Coal Mining-Trolley Cars–Steam Trains. As a “Metaphor Junkie” I see Scranton filled with wonderful symbols for thinking about careers ... We go MINING for the clues within ourselves and in the current world, to determine the best direction for ourselves. We hope to find work that is ELECTRIC and provides the spark that unleashes our energy and lights us...
I was delighted to return to Boston where I spent two years in graduate school. It is a beautiful city with magnificent buildings and gardens. I always enjoyed walking on the paths along the Charles River and through the charming neighborhoods. The Tour set up the tour at Downtown Crossing , the center of vibrant life in the city. A confluence of apartments, stores, colorful street vendors, restaurants...
New York , New York ! This is where I was born and grew up. It felt good to be back among other people that sound like me. We were pleased by the flow of people at both Tour locations at the YMCA in Manhattan and Brooklyn. I think that it is wise for us to set up at a place where people go for self development. I noticed the majority of people I meet were interested in developing themselves to help...
Being at City Hall was made possible by our colleague, Stephanie Clark, who was gracious in welcoming the crowd and moderating the event. It was a special treat to have her daughter Daphne open the event, singing the Star Spangled Banner in her unique style. In addition to the New Jersey locations being diverse, we met with a broad range of people from all walks of life: A gentleman in his fifties...
When visiting Philadelphia, Pa. the Tour stopped off at the Plaza at City Hall, where a statue of William Penn stands proud on the top of the magnificent structure. Penn wrote many of the democratic principles inspiring the U.S. Constitution, it’s amazing how one person can really make an impact on society. The tour was fortunate to experience the singing and confident presence of 15-year-old...
There was something particularly moving about the Empowerment Tour’s stop at the National Mall . It was a grand feeling to be surrounded by the Capitol Building , the National Monument and several magnificent museums. It is inspiring to realize the rich opportunities available in our country for anyone who desires to enrich their mind. We are fortunate to have the freedom to pursue education...
The Pentagon Mall , in Arlington VA, is a congruence of serious government business’s focused on defending and protecting our country. Amongst the seriousness is a luxurious mall, filled with high end shops and numerous places to indulge. During this tough time in our economy, the tour is meeting with many people concerned about loosing the opportunity to indulge in life’s pleasures, and...
As we travel between cities and states, the crew continues to enjoy experiencing some of Americana’s unusual sites, both natural and man-made. Heading north towards Baltimore, on our way through Virginia, we passed by several signs advertising underground mines open to the public. We stopped at the Endless Caverns , and for several of us it was actually the first time in a cave. Imagining it...
Nashville: The home of Country Music. I took the opportunity to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, an invigorating experience. One could walk thru the history of the evolution of this genre thru displays, films and recordings depicting the lives, clothes, instruments and of course the music of the stars. I felt like dancing! Several times I found myself moving and snapping my fingers to the beat...
During our tour stop in Atlanta, we visited venues that demonstrated several principles applicable to those of us on a career journey. After our trip from Jacksonville to Miami, we decided to make a stop at The World of Coca- Cola, where we could experience everything about the history, branding, new products related to this famous beverage. I thought about how important it is for a product to create...
Setting up our tour at the Bethel Baptist Institutional Church was inspirational and energizing. It was a grand structure – a “mega church”. Whether you are a believer of not, the gospel music and the warmth of the large congregation, created a moving experience. It became memorable for us when our crew was asked to come up to the pulpit where we were blessed by the Pastor. It was...
On the way from Miami to Jacksonville, we decided to stop at Cape Canaveral. Several of us decided that we wanted to experience a simulation of a Rocket Launch. We heard that astronauts that have been to space several times, felt that the actual experience was captured in this simulation. In preparation, we were cautioned that it would be extreme and not to take part if one had any health issues, back...
Another magnificent location; we were surrounded by tall palm trees on a plaza overlooking the bay. Though not much foot traffic, there were plenty of spontaneous rains storms to bring drama to our tour. It was heart warming to see our crew working as a team, holding down the tents so the wind wouldn’t blow them away. Although we got soaked, and some of our materials were damaged, I felt a sense...
“Oh Susanna Oh don’t you cry for me. For I come from Alabama With my banjo on my knee” Lyrics written by Stephen Foster in 1847 Whenever I think about Alabama , I recall a man that I met years ago who wanted to prove to me that he was from Alabama ; he rolled up his pant leg to show me the tattoo of a banjo on his knee. Although we didn’t come across anyone playing the banjo...
Driving into New Orleans, one can't help but think about Katrina, recalling all of the pictures and stories of the flood, wondering what it must have felt like. Several years later, it is still part of the consciousness in most conversations: " I was going to school for my AA but since Katrina, I haven't continued.", " I am writing a book about my experience during Katrina and the stories...
Two days, two very different experiences. Monday we started out the day an interview on Good Morning Texas. The cameras caught site of myself and Michael coaching. Waiting in the "green" room we met a young man who was demonstrating a new fitness technique called body rolling: a series of progressive moves on a large exercise ball. It looked like fun! Turns out he grew up in the circus.....
I had never traveled in an RV. Being someone who typically does not enjoy traveling by car, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience. I think it had something to do with the interesting, congenial people on our crew. It already feels like a team, though since we are in an RV, perhaps more like a rock band. This was a long trip – 1000 miles in one day; leaving at 6AM , driving through...
Skyline Park: a grassy knoll set among the tall buildings of downtown Denver. Wondering who would show up, what would happen, would we be able to make a difference. The day demonstrated that the changes happening in the world of work has an impact on the broad range of humanity: From the highly successful executives and professionals who have lost their jobs and wondering what to do next, to people...
