Every interaction—whether at a carwash, a restaurant, or during a quiet moment in line for coffee—holds the potential for connection. This realization, drawn from years of my experience as a leader, parent, and storyteller, drove me to write Everyone Has a Story. Though it’s written for children, its lessons on kindness, empathy, and connection transcend age and audience. My hope is that it serves not just as a bedtime favorite but as a guide for fostering deeper human connections—whether at home, school, or work.
The Spark: Life Happens, and So Do Stories
The inspiration for Everyone Has a Story came from a training series I created for frontline workers in one of my portfolio companies. The video series aimed to redefine how employees approached customer interactions by helping them see beyond the surface. The people they encountered weren’t just customers—they were individuals navigating life’s complexities.
The examples we shared in the training were simple yet powerful: a student struggling with grades, someone mourning the loss of a pet, a couple experiencing the joy of their first home offer being accepted, or a stranger buying coffee for the next person in line. These were snapshots of real life—moments of struggle, triumph, loss, and kindness that illustrated a universal truth: behind every face is a story.
Seeing the impact this perspective shift had on adults was eye-opening. It wasn’t just about improving customer service; it was about transforming how we see and engage with others. And it made me think: if this lesson can change how adults view the world, what might it do for children?
A Family Project with Heart
Everyone Has a Story is more than a book—it’s a deeply personal project. It’s no coincidence that the book is being released on November 30, my oldest son’s fifth birthday. He played a pivotal role in shaping it. Together, we brainstormed which jungle animals would fill Milo Monkey’s vibrant world. My son helped narrow down the names and even chose Milo as the focal point. His favorite stuffed animals became the inspiration for Perry Parrot, Henry Hippo, and Gina Giraffe.
This collaboration made the book all the more special. My son wasn’t just my muse—he was my co-creator. Sharing this journey with him was a reminder of why I wanted to write this story in the first place: to instill the values of empathy and kindness in my children and, by extension, the next generation.
The Message for Grown-Ups
While Everyone Has a Story is a children’s book, its lessons aren’t reserved for kids. Adults, too, need reminders to pause and consider the stories behind the faces they encounter. In corporate environments, this message has profound implications.
Organizations thrive when employees and leaders approach interactions with empathy. The ability to see the humanity in coworkers, clients, and customers creates a foundation for meaningful relationships and long-term success. For example, think about an executive working late to close a deal who might not notice their colleague silently carrying the burden of a sick parent at home. Or a sales representative who assumes a customer’s frustration is about price, when it’s really about their fear of making a wrong financial decision.
Everyone Has a Story lends itself perfectly to corporate training. Its simplicity makes it memorable, and its principles are universally applicable. Through Milo’s journey, readers are encouraged to look beyond the surface, whether it’s a child on a playground, a teammate in the office, or a customer across the counter.
Small Moments, Big Impact
The stories that inspired Everyone Has a Story weren’t grand gestures or life-altering events—they were small, intentional moments. At a Brazilian restaurant, my sons used a few words of Portuguese to thank our waitress, sparking a beaming smile. At our local carwash, their habit of waving to the staff turned into friendships. When a hotel clerk greeted them in Spanish, they responded in kind, creating an instant connection.
It’s these small acts—an encouraging word, a smile, or a simple wave—that make a difference. That’s the heart of Everyone Has a Story. Milo’s small gestures of kindness, like inviting Henry Hippo to play or helping Gina Giraffe retrieve her pen, remind readers that even seemingly insignificant actions can create meaningful connections.
The Broader Vision
As a speaker and leader, I’ve long emphasized the importance of empathy in building meaningful relationships. Whether addressing Fortune 500 executives or training small teams, I’ve seen how this principle can transform interactions. Everyone Has a Story is an extension of that mission—a way to teach the same lessons in a form that resonates with children and adults alike.
For families, it’s a tool to spark conversations about kindness and respect. For educators, it’s a way to instill empathy in students. And for corporate leaders, it’s a reminder that connection, not process, is at the heart of great leadership.
An Invitation
Everyone Has a Story is more than a bedtime read; it’s a call to action. It’s a chance to pause, see the humanity in others, and teach the next generation that kindness isn’t just a virtue—it’s a strength. My hope is that this book inspires children, parents, and professionals alike to see the world through the lens of empathy and take intentional steps to connect with those around them.
As Milo reminds us:
“Everyone has a story, we might not always see,
Be kind and caring—it’s how we should be.”
On November 30, as Everyone Has a Story makes its way into the world, I hope you’ll join me in sharing its message. Together, let’s create a ripple effect of kindness that starts with us and stretches far beyond what we can imagine.