The Two Personal Questions That Will Escort You into Your Future

Many years back, my wife and I decided to leave Los Angeles and return to Omaha, Nebraska. I had been working for a large ad agency and was privileged to spearhead the launch and evolution of the very first Value Menu for Taco Bell.

My team organized a good-bye party at a restaurant near Manhattan Beach. After 30 minutes, two executives walked into the restaurant and strolled directly to me. “Let’s take a walk,” one of them said, pointing to the Pacific Ocean 100 yards away.

After a couple minutes of walking, they suddenly circled me. “Lynn, you made Pepsico one billion dollars the last 3.5 years,” one exec said. “Here’s our advice: When you return to Omaha, find companies that think they have their act together just as we did.” one exec said sternly. “Then, Lynn, do for them what only you could have done for us! Thank you!”

I realized then that I was hearing something I would probably not hear ever again. As they strode away across the beach, I realized this was a pivotal moment in my career. My knees almost buckled. My confidence soared.

What is the pivotal moment in your career? What do you “do” that no one else can do? These are the two questions around which you must build your identity and your future.

Contact me if you need help thinking this through. [email protected]