Why Intentionality Begins With Clarity 💡

I used to host massive poker tournaments—like 40 or 50 players. But after COVID and a shift to more public speaking, it became too difficult to schedule.

Then I started learning about how we break through to the extraordinary, which starts with clarifying what we really want.

What do I want out of poker? Why do I host home games?

The answer was simple: I wanted more than just competitive poker. I wanted camaraderie, kindness, and positivity.

So, I completely changed my model. My new games are smaller and more selective. 

This means intentionally inviting new people into the circle and, sometimes, letting others go—not because they’re bad people, but because they’re not a good fit for the journey I want to be on.

It’s a powerful lesson: sometimes, to create something extraordinary, you have to be willing to let go of what’s simply “good.” 

Intentionality is key, and it often takes courage. But it all starts with clarity on what we truly want.

Here’s to your courage and clarity!

Do me a favor to earn extra cash?

What groups are you connected with that may hire speakers for their events? Maybe it’s the company you work for? Networking groups? Nonprofits? Associations? 

My request is for you to send an email introduction to them (copying me), and I will take it from there… and if they hire me to speak, I will give you 15% of the fee. 

Yep, that’s right— easy peasy, lemon squeezy, bring home the bacon! 🥓

Speaking Adventures

This past month, the road has taken me to several very different places, but each stop was a powerful reminder of how many unsung heroes there are in our world.

First, I had the honor of speaking to Nurse Aide Instructors in Iowa. These are the dedicated people who train our CNAs—the frontline heroes in healthcare. They don’t just teach care skills; they instill empathy, bedside manner, and professionalism, all while knowing their work has a direct, downstream impact on patients and their families.

It was truly humbling to be with a group so passionate about what they do. Hats off to the Nurse Aid Instructors of Iowa for the impact they are having, and for allowing me to be a part of their big day.

My next stop took me to northern Minnesota to speak with a gathering of Human Resources professionals hosted by Leech Lake Gaming Div of Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in the beautiful Cedar Lakes Casino & Hotel.

I was asked to fill in at the last minute, and I’m so glad it worked out. Watching these HR leaders interact, network, and learn together was an incredible experience and reminded me of an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Summer in northern Minnesota (Cass Lake) is so beautiful—about as beautiful as the collaboration happening inside!

Finally, I had the opportunity to spend three days in Round Rock, Texas, with 600 public housing professionals. These are true heroes who serve our communities, often without the recognition or pay they deserve.

I was blown away by their passion and professionalism as we talked about achieving breakthrough and navigating the challenges of their work. What added to the fun was that the convention was at the Kalahari resort, so the Safari Dude fit right in!

Thank you to housing professionals in Texas, across the country and around the world. I see you and appreciate you.

Connecting with the Community

I literally love being around hungry, ambitious, and intentional people who are eager to learn from others, apply it to their life & business, and challenge each other to get better—which is why I love the community of speakers I have the honor of assembling and facilitating.

In August, we had the incomparable Pat Dwyer join us to provide insights and answer questions about stagecraft; how do we improve our stage presence and ability to engage & connect with the audience? 

It was absolutely wonderful.

So two encouragements for you:

1) Surround yourself with the people you need. Or in my words, “get the right peeps in the Jeep.”

2) Find the experts to help you reach the next level (hint: Pat Dwyer is one of those peeps, if you are a speaker.)

If any of my upcoming speaking events are in your neck of the woods, maybe we can get together! Or if you want to be part of my presentation or have someone who needs to hear it, feel free to ask and I’ll see if I can get you in.

If you’re not already following me on LinkedIn, let’s connect. You might also enjoy subscribing to my YouTube channel, becoming friends on Facebook, or connecting on TikTok or Instagram. Join the conversation, and let’s keep this adventure going together.

Whether you’re leading a team, building a community, or navigating your own personal journey, remember that the most rewarding adventures are not about going fast alone, but about going far together. Creating that kind of community begins with two things: clarity and courage. It takes clarity to define the adventure you want to be on, and courage to build it with intention.

So, as you go on your journey, remember that life is an adventure, and you should always embrace your own Safari Way!

Until next time,

Maisha ni safari
(Swahili… Life is a Safari)

Sincerely,
Steve Fredlund,
The Safari Dude
Life is an adventure. Make it epic.

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