In the Presence

Toronto around 2004

She entered the crowded room using a walker. She made her way to the front slowly and with everyone watching. There was good energy.

She was interviewed for about 45 minutes by an old friend. Her history would have been captivating, but her focus was the present and what she was working on. More captivating.

I went up to her at the end and asked if she ever worked with clients as a consultant. She said, "No, I'm too busy right now writing my current book."

Later, I remember thinking how cool it was that she was present by just being there, doing what she did really well. The best example of presence I've ever encountered. No magic, no mystery, no weird stuff; just showing up and doing what you do.

I was in the presence of that on that day.

And it's probably why I'm still doing what I do!

A couple of years later, Jane Jacobs died, age 89. I was lucky to have been in her presence that day.