Here at Michelle Joyce Speakers, we practice an attitude of gratitude every day. Which isn’t incredibly difficult…considering that we’re a fun, cohesive team, blessed to work with some of the most inspirational speakers, and our jobs are to help them share their messages, impact audiences, and change lives all over the world. It’s a pretty fulfilling gig.
Gratitude is a conscious effort, though, and we practice it regularly.
A recent article in Entrepreneur claims that cultivating gratitude and happiness can actually boost your business – and the more you can train your brain to seek out the good, the more fulfilled you’ll become, and the more positivity starts to build around you. (Hey, this is great news for everyone.)
It’s been an incredibly positive year for us, as we’ve grown our team and our roster of speakers. We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from friends and partners – and we’re excited for what’s next. And in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, we asked our speakers to sit around our virtual dinner table and share some of their own gratitude (and more) with us:
What are you most thankful for this year?
Alan Stein, Jr.: I’m most thankful for my children, my health, and the opportunity to pursue meaningful work I truly enjoy.
Cara Brookins: I’m most thankful for watching the final touches on my dad’s house. He lost everything in a fire a year ago, and having MS has made rebuilding a heartbreaking challenge.
Colette Carlson: My combination platter of reasons to be thankful includes having a healthy, loving family; a career that brings me joy; and friends that make me laugh out loud!
Jay Baer: The strength and resilience of my team, my friends, and my family
Mark Schaefer: Personal peace, family health, and a fortunate time of grand adventures
Melissa Agnes: The incredible humans I’m so very blessed to have in my life and call dear friends
Scott Shellstrom: To be connected to family – some may not have my DNA, but they have my heart
Steve Gutzler: Without a doubt, I’m most thankful for my inner faith that provides me with daily strength and perspective. A close second is my family that loves me unconditionally and allows me to be a privileged husband, father, and grandfather.
Ted Wright: My sister, as she seems to have beaten a stage-three cancer diagnosis
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Alan Stein, Jr.: Mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and baked marshmallows on top. I choose to eat a fairly clean diet 90% of the time – so this is a nice treat!
Cara Brookins: My grandma’s dressing is my favorite holiday food… but the endless attempts to get the recipe right with my daughters are as much fun as eating it!
Colette Carlson: Mashed potatoes
Jay Baer: Tequila. (That counts, right?)
Mark Schaefer: There is a 15-way tie… but maybe an edge to mashed potatoes and gravy.
Melissa Agnes: Apple… anything!
Scott Shellstrom: If I was threatened with a turkey baster filled with boiling, hot gravy for an answer, I would say the marshmallows on top of baked sweet potatoes. (Just the marshmallows… NOT the sweet potatoes.)
Steve Gutzler: You can’t possibly have one favorite on Thanksgiving! My trifecta is turkey, stuffing, and gravy – and a lot of all three!
Ted Wright: My wife’s mushroom dressing
Which Thanksgiving dish should be banned from our table?
Alan Stein, Jr.: Ugh – cranberry sauce – BARF!
Cara Brookins: The worst holiday food is whatever my youngest kid is currently (and thoughtfully) determined to make all by himself.
Colette Carlson: Cranberry sauce
Jay Baer: Cranberries. What’s all the fuss about?
Mark Schaefer: I like about everything, but please don’t serve me beets!
Melissa Agnes: Giblets. My grandfather always ate these and it always grossed me out as a kid. Haven’t been inclined to try one ever since!
Scott Shellstrom: Stuffing… it just loses me with its name.
Steve Gutzler: My least favorite is a roll with butter because it’s a nonessential that keeps my focus away from my aforementioned top three.
Ted Wright: Yams
Happy Thanksgiving from our families to yours! To bring our speakers (with or without cranberries) to your next event, contact Michelle Joyce.
