“It’s not the strongest species that survives, but those best equipped to evolve”, Charles Darwin

“The only true disability is a crushed spirit”, Amiee Mullins

Preparing to meet adversity rather than avoiding it is a powerful distinction Aimee Mullins made in a recent speech for the renowned TED Conference. Being born without shin bones she gives a very inspiring talk that I hope you will watch and reflect upon. Her message: Adversity is a shadow that’s always with us, and its ability to embrace adversity that that helps shape who we are. Certainly this is a message that can resonate with all of us in these challenging times.

My mother always told me, “It’s the fire that tempers the steel.” I have to say I whole-heartedly agree with this sentiment. Truth is, the most challenging and difficult times of my life have turned out to be the ones that best helped shape me and instill in me characteristics and values that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

For those of you that have been through The Landmark Forum, you understand the power of language. The language we use is about more than a spoken word and communicating a need or emotion. The language we use is a capsule that encases our values, perceptions and outlook. Our unconscious choice of words can define our conscious beliefs of our own abilities, worth, contribution and most certainly our mood and emotion. This short 20-minute speech gives new depth to the influence of language to shape how we see ourselves in the world and the potential we use or lose.

Aimee’s message is also about the power of opening doors for others. This is a critical concept for the restaurant industry as we consider our approaches to recruiting and retention of the best talent.