WEEK 33
OPEN UP THE GARAGE DOOR …!
This morning I was out in our garage studio running through my talk for this year’s Global Leadership Summit (GLS), August 2025 (Wahoo!)
I get very animated and passionate during these run-thru’s and go all out envisioning the venue as I tell my story. People walking by our closed garage door must wonder what all the ruckus is about.
In the past, this was as about as far as I went in preparation. I would run things until I felt the flow was right and then repeat that version until the day. Early on I did this with other creative areas as well. There was little input from others.
This method gave results, but thankfully through my experience in the CIRCLE, I came to see how shortsighted that approach was.
Staying alone on the outside of the Circle where it was “safe”, reflected a misunderstanding I had on the power of engagement, and gave cover for personal insecurities I was dealing with on self-worth.
Being clear on our specific vision is important, but choosing to avoid the collaborative exchange available in the Circle is extremely limiting.
We miss out on an incredible opportunity for growth, AND we miss out on inspiring perspectives that may be just what we’ve been looking for.
It can be uncomfortable…
Allowing others to see what we’re developing will likely invite criticism.
We may face challenges against what we stand for, why and how.
We may feel unqualified to explain certain points we’ve been glossing over.
BUT!
This journey is worth every uncomfortable moment.
Through each exchange we gain a better understanding of what we are actually trying to say. AND, we begin to peel back layers to share more of ourselves, which is what others are waiting for.
Leave the garage door open!
Shift your perspective and allow healthy criticism to be seen as feedback.
When I run through talks now I leave the garage door wide open. Many of my neighbors think they’re watching some mad scientist at work but I love it. It starts conversations, builds new relationships and leads to new circles.
Remember, in the CIRCLE…
“You have nothing to prove, but you ALWAYS have something to Offer”
Beyond garage run-thru’s, I invite friends and colleagues over and give them the full presentation. I step in with boldness, excited for questions and conversations where we can engage.
Question: Are you still staging ideas alone in your “garage”?
Lead with Curiosity and Step in the Circle!
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Build relationships
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Step closer to who you are designed to be
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Get to the core of what you are communicating
Curiosity leads to EXPLORATION which results in more discovery. Invite others in and you will DISCOVER what actually connects and what doesn’t!
There have been an endless number of overlapping circles that have led to GLS. Each one represents an invitation for us. An invitation to stop going through the motions, step further into who we are designed to be, and to discover our authentic voice as leaders.
Make your plans and set your goals, but above all, Step in the Circle!
As I craft this talk my desire is to invite the audience into an experience that allows my story to resonate and my perspective to connect. I am more energized than ever for the opportunity. I hope to see you there!
If you would like to learn more about breaking through into thriving engagement and our Step in the Circle Framework, I would love to bring an interactive keynote or workshop to your organization or group!
Let’s talk about reactivating leaders and teams through keynotes, team building & trainings!
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​If you’re social, let’s connect! - Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for insights, clips and quotes, as we continue to activate and guide others into the Circle!
P.S. We’re always looking to improve our newsletters as we share our message and grow this movement. If you have feedback or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you!
Keep Groovin'
Bradley
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© BRADLEY RAPIER