The Shrine Auditorium, LA
If you’ve been following me on socials you’ll most likely know that I’m fresh back from the States after making my annual trip across the pond! Mostly because of the daily updates but also because of the potentially slight over use of 2Pacs “California Love” on every instagram story. And maybe on a post or two 😅 I regret nothing!
For the past few years, every September, I pack a suitcase for one and head across to America for The Summit of Greatness conference. It’s not easy to describe such a transformative experience, it’s almost a “you gotta be there” kinda deal, but heres what I can say -
There’s something deeply powerful about being in a room full of people who are all invested in their growth and businesses, and on a journey to better themselves and or better the world they live in. The energy is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and hearing world class speakers deliver talks that are packed with moving stories of adversity and triumph alongside genuine advice from some of the most successful people in their industry, is nothing short of priceless.
This has become one of my most important and favourite investments, not only in myself but also in my businesses. To say that I come back from these trips feeling reenergised in life and business, with new friends, connections and ideas whizzing around my brain would be a huge understatement! And honestly, every year I return to the UK, fully intending to share the details but no sooner do I get back, life, family and businesses take over, time moves on and I (dare I say it) forget. The tragedy!
But not this year my friend!
This year I’m spilling all, because despite being busier than previous years (funny how that works, right?!) I'm determined to carve out time to share this with you, because this conference has literally changed my life. I’m not even exaggerating! And as someone who deeply desires to help others on their journey to create a life they love, beyond their current circumstances or regardless of where they’ve come from, it’s kind of a no brainier that if I was to create any content of value this week - it had to be this!!
A little back story…
2022 / Ohio - The view from my hotel room had me obsessed.
For those who are not familiar with The Summit of Greatness, it’s hosted by Lewis Howes, ex pro athlete / lifestyle entrepreneur / NY Times Best Selling Author and host of the podcast show The School of Greatness . I stumbled across the podcast around 2015 and like a gift from the universe it delivered inspiring messages from guest after guest, each with a unique story and a powerful message. From CEO’s to Artists, Scientists to Athletes, it gave me something I was craving deeply but didn't know until I found it - Community & Growth. I cite this discovery as playing a major role in my personal and professional development and I honestly couldn't be more grateful.
Well, one day, knowing what total fan girl I am for all things business, personal development and yes, Lewis Howes, my oh so supportive and ever loving partner says very casually as I’m cooking dinner, “You know that Lewis Howes guy has an event every year?” He’s on his phone, scrolling I assume. And the rest of the conversation went a little something like this:
Me “Yeah, I know, it looks amazing!”
Craig “Do you wanna go?”
Me “Errrr…. It’s in America!”
Craig “And?”
Me “You’re not serious…. We have 4 businesses and 3 kids…I’m supposed to make time for that how?? And it’s in AMERICA!!”
Craig “Yeah, but if I took care of everything here, would you go on your own to America?”
Me, pausing “Well….yeah…. I would love to but I don't know how we….”
Craig interrupting “Great, because I just bought you a ticket and I’m looking at flights now”
This is the story of not only how I began my traditional annual trip to the States but how Craig also simultaneously won partner of the year, and thus every year after!!
Fast forward to 2024 in LA
The incredible Elec doing his thing again at this years 2024 summit
So now you’ve got a little context around the event, what it’s done for me and what it means to me, I want to share some of the biggest takeaways I got specifically from this years summit, with the 2024 theme being “Live Your Dreams”. Firstly, the speaker line up was phenomenal, with Lewis Howes himself, Dr Joe Dispenza, Muniba Mazari, Codie Sanchez, Rory Vaden, Esther Perel and last but most definitely not least, David Goggins.
There were also performances from the super talented IN-Q, Harry Mack and the powerful Rachel Platten (you all remember Fight Song, right?!) My tickets had been booked well in advance, so I was blessed to have great seats, sitting in the second row and just soaking up all that high vibe energy
1. “I’m not crazy, I’m just not you” - David Goggins
When I took up strength & resistance training a few years ago, after a lifetime of loathing exercise, I would listen to David Goggins & Eric Thomas (ET The Hip Hop Preacher) on days when I felt like quitting. There’s nothing quite like a Navy Seal talking over motivational music Rocky style to keep you focused on your goals! So it’s safe to say, seeing David Goggins speak in person this year was a definite highlight. He spoke into resilience and discipline, values and fear, and the realities around challenging yourself to the peak of your potential. But there was one thing in particular that spoke deeply to me, when he talked about the concept of being misunderstood in the pursuit of your goals and dreams.
He articulated this concept better than anyone I’ve heard before, when he said that the more purpose driven your life is, the more misunderstood you will be and you have to be ok with that. That in order to succeed, you have to be ok with being misunderstood. To greater emphasis his point he said something I will never forget, when faced with doubters, disbelievers, haters and judgement, he would say “I’m not crazy, I’m just not you.”
Mind. Blown. Life. Changed
David Goggins & Lewis Howes
2. “We not Me” - Esther Perel & Muniba Mazari
As someone who is deeply allergic to asking for help, this one hit home. Whilst this maybe feels like quite a personal share, I know this is not an uncommon issue, and so I want to shine a little light onto this as to say, “Hey, me too! Lets do the work together!”
So what’s with the whole “We not me”? Well, my understanding of the power of community has always been routed in the idea that it’s about sharing. Sharing knowledge, stories, beliefs, being kind to one another and so on. But what I had never really taken into consideration before is the idea of community being there to help elevate and support you, and vice versa. Which might sound obvious to some, but I grew up in a very insular environment and learnt from a very young age that I had to be responsible for myself, to rely on myself. And so somewhere along the way, I also developed the belief that the only person I could truly depend on, was me.
Ask for help? Why? I can do everything myself!….No, that’s ok, seriously, I’ve got it.
I can’t tell you how many times Craig has seen me burn myself out in a heavy season of work, trying to manage everything on my own only to have his pleas of “How can I help you? What can I do?” continually rebuffed with “I’m fine, I don't need any help”
🫠🫠
Sound familiar?!
Well, after hearing wise words shared around this topic from both Esther Perel & Muniba Mazari, this is something I’m commited to working on. Both speakers highlighted the importance of community, both personally and professionally, for growth and wellbeing. I’m excited to work on this and see not only how I can grow by asking the questions and asking for support, but also by how I too can give in deeper ways within my own community and friendships.
Speaking of community, I couldn’t ask for better cheerleaders on this journey than friends & LA roomies Kelly Tamplin & Corinne Eckhart
3. “We believe, we behave, we become” Dr. Joe Dispenza
I had been so excited to see Dr Joe Dispenza since he was announced as a speaker this summer. And after following his work for the past couple of years, I can honestly say that hearing him speak into the mind body connection, quantum physics and the power of your thought, it was everything I had hope it would be and more.
As a coach, a lot of his concepts play heavily into I my own work when it comes to helping my clients step out side of the current circumstances (or realities as Joe would say!) and this truly begins with the mind. Self belief is the absolute key to taking aligned action in your life in order to get the results you want, you gotta believe it baby! If you don’t belive, you wont take the actions required, and therefore you don't get the results.
Whilst this wasn't a new insight for me, it was a perfectly timed reminder as I step into a new season of life and I expand my business and goals even further - to believe. I’m excited to dive deeper into his work not only to enhance my own my own reality but in turn also to help clients within theirs.
My question for you is, what do you need to believe in order to change your reality?
Sunset on Santa Monica Beach
Final thoughts….
Honestly, I could go on and on about the endless benefits of stepping outside your comfort zone, travelling half way across the world and immersing yourself into an event that will not only positively impact your personal growth but also see you making bigger moves in life an buisness. But, you probably get the idea by now!
So instead, I will leave you with this…. If you want something different, you must do something different.
And with the exception of working with a great coach (I happen to know a few!) I’m yet to find anything else that will upgrade your vision, possibilities and energy quicker than attending an event such as The Summit of Greatness. Not to mention to the friends and connections you’ll make with others who are in alignment with your values and your journey. Next years summit is being held in the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, and yes, my ticket is booked!!
Will I see you there?
Hayley x
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