In-between issues: Blue Cab Confessions

Blue Cab Confessions
connecting at Michigan's Ross School of Business 2004 Women in Leadership Conference

The popular cab company in Detroit, Blue Cab, picked me up from the Detroit Metro Airport the day before the conference. I was greeted by Tyree, a personable driver, who was a self-proclaimed expert on the differences between Ann Arbor- a college town, and Detroit- a city fossilizing in the shadows of the Motown era. Sitting in the backseat disheveled from the flight, I relaxed and chatted with Tyree during the 45 minute drive to the Sheraton hotel. Time whizzed by.

Yup. I talked to the cab driver.

The interesting concept of the taxi cab confession. For those of you who have seen some of the episodes a few years ago on HBO, you know what I'm talking about, right? People shun the facade for a while and reveal their stories to a complete stranger. Why? Because there is a human need to connect and be accepted unconditionally. So, Taxi Cab Confessions personified the cab experience: people reveal their thoughts, opinions, struggles while the meter runs. And then *click* they turn off and resume their robotic-like nature as soon as the driver receives the tip.

"thanks for the ride" is really "thanks for allowing me to be me".

...and so the value of connecting on a human level in business scenarios was the theme of Michigan's conference.

The actual conference was nothing short of amazing. MBS distributed courtesy copies of Terrie Williams' book The Personal Touch to all who came. MBA Diversity was a proud sponsor of the event by providing the lead for Terrie to be the keynote speaker at the event. She set the tone for the entire conference, touching on the principles of relationships, giving, and respect.

I hugged Terrie right before it was time for me to go in with the other panelists to talk with our audience on how to "Bring Your A-Game".

My panelist team :
Jennifer Hollingsworth-Sony Pictures Entertainment
Kelly Major-Brogan & Partners
Sarah Hutton-AT Kearney

...I had personal conversations with each of them before we began, picking up on their unique styles/energies as we connected on various topics. What a relief to have instant chemistry with these phenomenal ladies right before our panel began.

To all of the students, faculty, and guests that participated in the panel with us... I want to thank you all for being so gracious and warm. And, it was good to see men at the event, too... supporting, participating, smiling.

In hindsight, stepping from behind the computer to meet people in person and hear their stories has been another humbling experience. I was initially apprehensive because of my ambivert nature. Ofcourse, there will always be a few that "playerhate" on people trying to do something positive and impactful... but I don't give energy to that. Being able to discuss topics with people from so many backgrounds, talents, and goals on a personal level allowed me to absorb their energies and grow from the experience.

I don't know how long I will be able to write about my journey, and I believe that some of it should be kept close to the heart. However, I wanted to share my first public speaking engagement with our fantastic readers because it symbolizes how we are all growing in this initiative together. There is no condescending voice, no self-righteous leader, no dogma. It feels good to be real.

Speaking of being real, it's ironic how chatting with a cab driver can inspire you just as much as speakers at a conference.

Tyree- thanks for the Blue Cab Confessions.

K.D.

Thank you to everyone at Michigan!
Extra special thanks to the following people-

*Terrie Williams
*Sandra Genovese
*Angela Adams
*Danielle Tomassini
*Robin Chae
*Ann Schwartz
*Suzanne Hardy
*Jae Junkunc
*Toria Crichlow
*Tyree the Cab Driver