A few years ago I was flying back to Phoenix after a speaking engagement in Toronto. The gentleman setting next to me asked me what I did for a living. I told him I was a motivational/inspirational speaker who used music to teach individuals and organizations the power of change. He looked at me and said he was a motivational speaker who helps individuals and organizations become more successful by changing the way they think.

At this point I'm wondering who is this guy, and I'm thinking he's probably somebody I'd like to get to know. Turns out sitting next to Bob Proctor, one of the most sought after speakers in the world. Immediately the flight became a learning opportunity, and I took full advantage of it. Bob reviewed my content and made suggestions that propelled my confidence and ability to connect with my audiences. Bob, who has become even more famous as one of the speakers and narrators of the movie "The Secret," downloaded all of his presentations on a zip drive and handed it to me. I've often said that opportunity is always around us, but are we prepared to receive it. In my case, I was.

Every year I help organizations learn how to change their culture by changing how team members think about their roles in the organization. If you are not passionate about your product line, for example, why should anyone buy what you or your organization is selling. I love asking people what do they say when they're asked what do they do for a living. Typically, people tend to cite their job title or primary responsibility. Who cares what your title is and how good you might be at your job. What matters most is what you are passionately impacting. In my experience, transformative change occurs when individuals begin to focus on the impact of their role instead of the job title they may hold. What am I passionately impacting?

Recently, I spoke to a university audience filled with academic professionals. I had each individual ask the person sitting next to them what they did in their careers. After they finished, I asked if anyone was inspired by the response they heard. Only one individual was willing to admit the response made her want to learn more. Later, I had everyone write what they believed they were passionately impacting and share their thoughts with the group. The energy in the room changed immediately. They were wowing each other and left with the understanding that we have only 15 seconds to state our claim to fame - and every second counts!

So what are you passionately impacting?

Please feel free to share with a friend, because you have the power to Ignite!