Are You Even in the Right Room?

Last week, I was reminded of something powerful—something simple but incredibly impactful: the importance of getting in the right room and surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better. We just hosted an event with over 500 entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals from all walks of life. The event was a success in its own right, with agenda items, keynotes, and breakout sessions, all filled with valuable, technical takeaways. But sometimes, the real magic isn't on the agenda.

What I saw, and what nearly every attendee felt, was that this event wasn't just about gaining skills—it was a shot in the arm of energy, motivation, and drive. A reignition of that fire in the belly. Even though we were the ones putting on the event, it gave me the same jolt of motivation. It wasn’t about the technical skills learned. It was about the energy in the room.

But here’s the real question: are you in the right room? And even more importantly, are you building the right team that brings that same level of energy and motivation every day?

It’s easy to get comfortable. We show up to work, follow our routines, and assume we’re progressing. But the real growth, the real breakthroughs, come from those moments of discomfort and inspiration—when you’re pushed beyond what you think you’re capable of because of the people you’re surrounded by. The event we just had was full of people who reminded me of that. They pushed me, motivated me, and left me determined to be better.

Now, imagine having that kind of energy every single day. Imagine building a team that doesn’t just show up but motivates and inspires you, pushing each other toward greatness. That’s what happens when you consistently put yourself in the right room—and build the right room around you.

Here are five tips to make sure you’re in the right room and building a team that brings that same energy daily:

1. Surround Yourself with People Who Challenge You

If you're the smartest or most successful person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Growth happens when you’re surrounded by people who challenge your thinking, push you beyond your comfort zone, and force you to level up. Seek out those people—they will elevate you.

2. Prioritize Energy Over Technical Skills

Technical skills are important, but they’re not the secret to long-term success. What sets you apart is the energy and drive you bring every day. Look for teams and environments that fuel your motivation. Surround yourself with people who reignite your passion and help you rediscover your "why."

3. Create a Culture of Motivation

Whether you’re leading a team or part of one, be intentional about creating a culture where motivation thrives. Recognize wins, no matter how small. Foster an environment where everyone feels energized and invested in pushing each other to be better.

4. Hold Yourself and Others Accountable

It’s easy to get complacent. But accountability is the fuel for growth. Are you holding your team accountable for showing up with energy, motivation, and drive? Are you holding yourself accountable? When everyone takes responsibility for their own fire, it spreads.

5. Stay Open to Inspiration from Unlikely Places

Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs aren’t on the agenda. They’re in the conversations, the unexpected connections, and the small moments where you least expect it. Stay open to learning and growing, not just from the “big moments,” but from every person you encounter. Inspiration is everywhere if you’re willing to see it.

The right room is where magic happens. It’s where you walk away with more than just skills—it’s where you walk away motivated, with a fire in your belly that drives you forward. Take a moment to reflect: are you in the right room? And are you building a team that brings that energy to the table every day? Because when you are, that's when the real transformation happens.