In today's world, it is harder than ever to be present. With a perpetual distraction in our pocket, we glide through life paying less and less attention to what is going on around us. We look for this distraction at the first hint of boredom. Whether social media or silly games, these devices steal every free moment of our daily life. And too often what is supposed to be product times are sacrifices to these mind-numbing activities. By getting caught up in this virtual vortex, we miss out on so much. SO much we don’t even realize. I am just as guilty as anyone of spending way too many hours lost in my own little digital jail cell. But when I do take a step back from my phone and put away my electronic devices, I am constantly in awe of things and people around me. Simply looking up and paying attention to my surroundings changes my perspective and my attitude. My overall disposition.
Living in the present is something Melinda Livingston learned at a very early age. With parents who opened their hearts and their home to transients and strangers finding their way, Melinda found out most people just want to be heard. To be listened to. To be present. As a teenager, Melinda learned what many adults still struggle to understand. You don’t have to feed someone a meal or help them with a task like moving. Often serving can be just showing up. Just being there to listen.
This skill has also served Melinda well in her professional career. Diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, Melinda had unknowingly adapted this sense of presence to also help her business partners. Specifically, entrepreneurs. Those struggling to visualize their dream. Melinda helps developers clarify their vision and bring their ideas to market. Using her perceived disability to her advantage, Melinda is able to present concepts in a way everyone can understand. This unique skill led her to Head of Growth Strategy at Colonial First State and Head of Product Development for Bridges. It also led her to start her own consulting firm Income Connection in 2017. Hear how she is providing meals for the hungry and providing products for the hungry entrepreneur in my recent conversation with Melinda Livingston.
https://www.incomeconnection.com/
Background Track – Savannah Sunshine by Dan Henig
