On a recent trip, I had time and reason to reflect upon the last few years of The Impact Exchange, and working to make a difference through business. As strange as it sounds, I re-realized that the entire reason for these initiatives has often been lost in the details, strategies, and discussions.

A great quote highlighting the importance of personal motivation:

"My biggest personal milestones - and consequently the things that have most furthered my career - are activities that I undertook on my own initiative. Organizations are extraordinarily risk-averse. Even Walt Disney had to pay for the drawings of his theme parks with his own money."

- Ben Arment - Experience & Innovation Director at Catalyst in Atlanta

All of human endeavor can be summarized as a search for individual significance. No matter the role or position in society, in however small a way, we all want to be good at something, better at this or that, more educated, more successful, more influential, and more liked and respected. Without this, nothing would ever be accomplished.