What else to do on a Wednesday around 7PM but attend an event hosted by The Holocaust Memorial Center and NEXTGen Detroit  – Adam Braun says alternatively We could have been eating snacks and sitting on the couch … But those who are people of integrity have chosen to delay the couch potato time a bit to attend the First Annual Stories That Inspire event. 

Maybe you’ve heard of Scooter Braun – Adams brother who manages and discovered Justin Beiber – but let me tell you … Adam holds his own.  Inspired by a backpacking trip around third world countries, Adam founded Pencils of Promise.  He took a break from his job at Bain Management & Consulting to feel a sense of purpose in life and travel the globe. Upon interacting with a cute little beggar boy – Adam asked him if you could have anything in the world what would it be?  The boy responded  a pencil.  This struck Adam hard as he realized this boy has never had any formal education, doesn’t have a school to attend and will probably never be exposed to education in the same way he was.  Adam wanted to feel a sense of purpose in this world and found it in the answer of this one kid.

Pencils of Promise, also known as PoP for short, is a non-profit organization that builds schools and increases educational opportunities in the developing world. Pencils of Promise was founded by Adam Braun in October 2008.  PoP is guided by our revolutionary “for-purpose” approach. Blending the head of a for-profit business with the heart of a humanitarian nonprofit, we rigorously measure the return on investment of every donor dollar we spend. Joy and passion are great, but results are what we’re all about.

With over 300+ School in 4 countries – their model has proven to be a success.   If you’d like to learn more info check out the website https://pencilsofpromise.org/about/

Adam’s mentioned a quote that resonated with me – this is a bit paraphrased but along the lines of  ” its better to listen intently rather than talk immensely ” – I am someone who typically has a lot to say and tend to blabber with details on details in my storytelling.  Some people like to hear all the details, others really prefer not to & cut me off or ask for a shortened version.

I do have a newer friend in my life who is always listening intently and its taught me that you don’t really need to share every detail or story every time you interact with someone. Sometimes living a little mystery can make the conversation more engaging.  But I do have to say when this one friend and I chat its rather fun !!

To demonstrate this Adam shared this video 

 Even I gotta say – this French Bulldog is pretty cute !

The photo on the right is with the Fabulous Host of the Evening Jacob Smith – my homie from the West Maple Elementary School Days – and Hilary “Hildawg” Gorosh !  It is the BEST to catch up with friends & be inspired all at the same time !

New on the Reading is Fundamental List :  Adam Brauns’ ” The Promise of  A Pencil ”

Ta Ta for Now,

LT Shaw