When we think of all the experiences we have had during our lifetime, we can invariably remember a few times that had a very special, positive and lasting impact on our lives. Sometimes it is only a very brief incident, perhaps just a word or gesture from someone, but there was something about that particular event which we remember and carry forward with us. One such moment happened when I met Colin Powell 25 years ago.

Powell was the keynote speaker at an education conference attended by thousands of educators. The end of his talk he said he only had time for three questions. I immediately jumped up, took the microphone and said, “I am Bernard Percy, editor in chief of Converge, a national education magazine”. I then asked him the question I have waited to ask a well known public figure. “General Powell, what is the one question you have been waiting for someone to ask. What is the one question  you have been waiting for someone to ask that hasn’t been asked? WHAT IS THE QUESTION AND WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?”

Powell started laughing followed by thousands of conference attendees. After 20 seconds of laughter Powell responded, but did not really answer the question; he deflected to a question many people were asking him about the election that was taking place that year for President.

A few minutes after responding to other questions he left the stage. I quickly followed him into the hallway, there was a line of people waiting for a photo opportunity with him, this was by invitation only. I did not have an invitation but lined up anyway. I was tenth in line.

You have probably seen photos in a restaurant or other places where someone is standing next to a celebrity, somewhat implying there was a relationship between the two people. In reality you just stand next to each other with no or minimal conversation. As I was waiting my turn I was watching the  minimal interaction between Powell and the person standing next to him. I thought that will not happen with me.

I wanted to invite Powell to speak at a conference my magazine was organizing for the teaching staff of New York City Department of Education, to be attended by a couple of thousand educators. I knew Powell was an avid supporter of education in New York City where he grew up.

I finally made it to the platform for the photo shot and knew I had a few seconds to differentiate myself from everyone else. As I stood next to Powell, I said,“General Powell I am the person that asked you the question about the question” and he started laughing. I sthen invited him to speak at the conference we were organizing, and with a very sincere response, not a brush off, he responded, “Please contact my staff about how that could possibly happen”.

Then as I was walking away he stopped me and said with great sincerity, please be sure to contact my staff. With the hundreds of requests he gets to speak at various events, the fact he wanted to ensure I followed up told me  so much about this man.

I did follow up and ultimately he was not able to attend, BUT he did agree to do a cover story for the magazine, which was published in 2002.

Powell was an immensely effective leader, and among all the other accolades I could give him, it was his decency in treating others with dignity and genuine care and concern.

I never did get that photo I took with Powell, I got something far better – A genuine admiration and respect for a man, AND a cover story for my magazine!

When you speak about your career or educational path can you un-hypocritically speak about it with a true sense of joy and dedication, because you know you are truly following the right path for you. A path you where you have the talent, personality and purpose to achieve brilliant success.

The MOST COMMON question so many ask is what is my purpose and what is the right career path for me. I have personally helped thousands of people across the globe answer those questions with The Foundations of Brilliance consultation. I can help you or someone you know determine the career path that is right for you. You can contact me at bcpercy3@gmail.com, or go to m website at www.careersolutions.biz.

AND is there a question you have been waiting for someone to ask? 

Bernard