The value of a penny   
YLCC has just celebrated our annual holiday party with most of the YLCC full-time team. It’s hard to believe that we work with close to 200,000 students, educators and families every year! 
I am often asked how I got started in my leadership journey. It really began when as a grade 10 student I was asked to attend a leadership conference. It was magical and I fell in love with the entire energy of students working together to reach their goals. I went on to become the organizer of that same conference a few years later.
When I was that young student leader I used to share the story of the penny.
Side note - *For all of my young readers, the penny is a form of Canadian currency no longer used.*
We used to give each delegate at the conference a single penny, often on a string so they could wear it around their neck.
The lesson was that EVERY penny was worth the same. No matter how shiny, battered, dirty, weathered, old, new, etc. they all were worth the same exact amount. 
The analogy being that you as a human being, no matter where you were in life, were worth the same as anyone else. You had the ability to be whatever you wanted to be regardless of your conditions.
I realize that now in 2020 (almost) we no longer have pennies. So perhaps the fable has lost some of its “shine”.
However, I think now more then ever, as entrepreneurs, aspiring leaders, speakers, solo-preneurs and social media influencers compete to be the next shiny star, maybe we ought to realize that perhaps it may be better to rise together as equals then climb over each other on some ladder racing to “the top”.
I found this penny today and I’ve decided I’m going to keep it on my desk to remind myself of the lessons I learned as a 15-year-old student leader, when I thought I was alone on a small island of leadership.
Maybe as we enter the holiday season it’s a good reminder to treat each other a little better! 

In leadership and gratitude, 
PS - If you didn’t know, I have a great podcast with my friend and fellow speaker, Nick Foley and this past week we have an incredible interview with Todd Herman the author of “The Alter Ego”. I recommend it for everyone here’s the link and if you like it consider subscribing. 

PPS - Book a speaker for the new year now! Start the year off right with one of our STUpendous Canadian storytellers. 
Youth Leadership Camps Canada (YLCC) inspires and empowers today’s youth to leave a positive impact on our world. With our innovative leadership programs and dynamic staff, we instil in students a greater understanding of the short and long term impacts of their words, choices and actions.