Earlier this spring I was invited to speak at a beautiful business and community event in Santiago, Chile. The host was CMPC, a Chilean packaging and paper company, and the event was emceed by Rodrigo Jordan, the first Chilean to summit Everest and a friend of friends.
It was a spectacular venue and a packed house (800, maybe 1000 folks) and afterward I got to meet with all these stellar organizations that serve kids and adults with disabilities, as well as many of those served. I heard tons of incredible personal stories. For example, one guy had climbed a nearby volcano using a handcycle and the next year he wanted to do it by walking, so he trained with friends and they completed his goal together.
No matter where I go or how far I travel, I love being surrounded by the universal power of “No Barriers’’. It’s so energizing, being with folks from all walks of life who share a belief and a mindset that bonds us: We are bigger than our barriers and we will not let ourselves or others be swept to the sidelines. Our strength knows no borders or bounds because we are committed to blazing a brighter path forward for all.
Thank you to everyone at CMPC for providing this opportunity and for your generous hospitality. CEO Francisco Ruiz-Tagle, our translator Natalie Depassier, and event organizer Guido Cornejo and World Centric Group.
Event Photos
What’s in these photos? 1. Me and my teammate Skyler sitting in front of an iconic red “C-h-i-l-e” sign high above Santiago. 2-7. Me speaking, meeting, and taking photos with folks at the event and pre-event festivities. 8-10. A view of Santiago nestled in the valley, surrounded by Andean foothills, a colorful city street, and another of me and Skyler exploring the local area.
