I walked into a room full of strangers who were visiting from out-of-town. I had sixty seconds to tell a story that was relatable and relevant to this group, then I was out. I tried to leave them with a nugget of confidence on how good Corus360 was and how we strive to help customers like them. My story is set, emotions are in control, and I’m ready to go.

The next few minutes go something like this:

Me: “Welcome to our office and thanks for traveling in from North Carolina. I love Wilmington. My parents grew up there, and my family immigrated there in the mid-1700s.”

Other guy: “Allow me to interrupt. You must be Greek.”

Me: “I am.”

Other guy: “Most Greeks that came to America that early went to North Carolina. They thought it was Wilmington, Delaware. Our city is full of Greek culture and influences.”

What followed was maybe three or four minutes filled with the best history lesson on Wilmington I’ve probably ever heard. Prior to today, Wilmington, North Carolina was simply a little beach town where my distant relatives started a chocolate store, where my Grandmother and Grandfather met on the pier in the 1930’s, where everyone in my family is laid to rest, and where I learned to shuck an oyster and catch a wave on a surfboard.

There is so much more to learn from others.