If you had one hour to pack your home, your office and head out – could you do it?

Mount Rushmore, Nov 2008

What if you had three months? Six months?

Most of us answer this question with a series of questions along the lines of what, when, for how long, and why? A simple question with many dimensions and contexts for certain; a question I asked myself on a regular basis over the last five or so years.

When I worked for Accenture (back when it was Anderson Consulting; when it first developed a security practice) I witnessed something I vowed I would never repeat: managers literally watching their children grow up in pictures. This was before video conferencing was available on laptops (and is no judgement on those who choose this path), yet it ingrained in me a sense that when it came to my family (which I didn’t have at the time), I would choose a different path.

And we did.

Never alone, Tricia, my wife (and quite frankly, my soulmate, best friend and partner in this journey), decided with me that we would do things differently. It started before we had children, and evolved when we did. The simple path made sense initially – travel by car, loaded with stuff, and time in hotels. By the time we actually understood the phrase “curtain climbers,” we realized it was time for a change. I’ll share the story of how we got started with our RV in the future, but it evolved into a 40′ RV that allows us to travel in style — as a family.

Here is an article from October 2008 that captures some of the benefits: Family man (By KRISTI L. GUSTAFSON, Staff writer)

We’ve been going out for “trips” that started at one week and progressively built up to a few months. As much as we enjoy living near family, we always felt a bit sad to return to our ‘stick house.” Even the kids would ask if we could stop short and stay over in a rest area, for one more night on the road. When we got home, the house felt too big, distant and we pined to get back on the road.

Lumbering home from the Talladega Super Speedway along the scenic byways of the East Coast, we engaged in the questions again – but this time we asked deeper questions and instead of dismissing the answers, we researched the answers to uncover our truth: it was time to go.

We flipped the switch. The mental one that says, “Let’s do this.”

And now after six months of final planning and execution, I’m excited to share that we are leaving our things behind and traveling the country as a family. We’ve dubbed the journey as being ‘onTour’ as it dovetails with my professional speaking, seminars and a new program we’re making available around implementation guidance.

We recently were interviewed on the NBC Today Show – and are currently on the website as a counterbalance (note: while some have sold their houses to weather the recession, we have chosen to divest our “stuff” in search of a simpler life and the ability to realize our mission):

Web only: Another family’s decision to hit the road. Nov. 4: Michael Santarcangelo explains his family’s decision to sell their house and hit the road full time. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/33534656

Sharing Our Journey

There is more to the story – and we intend to share and inspire others to join us. In fact, we’re in the process of setting up a blog to chronicle our travels, but also to explain life on the road, running a business, “road school” (imagine learning for the whole family, as a family) and whatever else we come across. But this realization of our desire to hit the road is the outward sign of over two years of planning, thinking and preparation.

We are embarking on a journey to share a positive and needed message to the individuals, teams, organizations and communities in which we travel. We will meet people where they are – literally and figuratively – and demonstrate that it’s possible — and rewarding — to manage people, information and risk (calling it security is misleading and limited).

Put Up or Shut Up

Here’s the thing – we practice what we preach.

We have sold, donated or otherwise recycled a lot of stuff (a lot of lessons learned in that process that I hope to relate to information protection in the future) and focused on living simply. The process has been amazing – more focus on connection and moments, less focus on material things.

We are liberated.

We will chase our passions, engage with friends and make new friends, connect, learn and share. This journey is about passion, about people, about life.

Writing this, I cannot wait until the diesel is rumbling and we’re heading out — hopefully to meet you.

What does this mean for you?

It means a lot of things:

• As we travel (we have “goalposts and destination dates” but the journey is fluid), we hope to meet and engage with as many people as we can – through a variety of mechanisms. In the meantime, engage with me through twitter, skype, email, by a campfire, in classrooms, where ever and whenever.
• A renewed focus on speaking, seminars and implementation for organizations and communities (we’re mobile and able to go anywhere)
• More time to focus on the TSC online experience, including writing, podcasting and other elements to engage and influence positive change

I have more planned – and in the coming weeks and months, I will share, ask for feedback and work as a catalyst for change, an advocate for the power of people, connecting individuals to the consequences of their actions, helping to turn insiders into allies who reduce business risk.

The Freedom of the Road, the Power of The Catalyst

As we prepare to head out, we are flexible for January with plans to head West in February and March in California — and mapping our travels between the two (which oddly may make a turn toward Baltimore/DC in early February . We have a lot of opportunity, and total flexibility. And while we have limited availability to engage – we’re actively seeking organizations that realize people are the answer, and need the guidance of the catalyst to get them results.

I can offer amazing incentives and opportunities for the right organizations…

Not sure what I do – or how I can help?

Check out the website, or flat out give me a call (the first call is on me). I have a rare blend of skills, passions and abilities, and I enjoy creating custom solutions built on proven frameworks and principles. Sometimes it’s a powerful keynote, seminar or free-form “catalyst session”

My focus is the human ecology of the organization – harnessing the power of people to turn insiders into allies who reduce business risk. Not sure how that works – call. We’ll talk. I’ll explain.

I work with companies of all sizes – and selectively support solution providers who want to differentiate and leverage the power of the approaches we have developed for their prospects and clients.

Need a boost turning insiders into allies?

Good first step is to read or listen to Into the Breach. I spent a few years researching, writing and ultimately distilling it to be an easy, powerful read. I just announced a “team inspiration” holiday pack – and it’s the perfect way to figure out if I’m a fit for your needs (if you read the book, nod your head and say – I want that – then you’re a fit).

If that’s you – give me a call, send me an email or reach out in some other way — and you just might get a chance to see the RV and spend some time with me and my family. And since we’re mobile – if you have an event where you know my approach and vision would get the results you need – call me, and we’ll find a way to make it work.

Related posts:

1. Into the Breach – Audio Series – Chapter 3 (Breaking the Security Diet)
2. Into the Breach – Audio Series – Chapter 5 (The Strategy to Protect Information)

With more details to come soon, we launch the next Catalyst onTour Adventure on Tuesday. After a quick stop at Hershey Park, we’re heading through Ohio to pick up some books and then into KC for the weekend. We’ll arrive in Vegas on Monday.

Since my Tuesday event got cancelled, I am looking at hosting people at our location on Tuesday, 4-7p. This allows time for BH and the evening parties – but also a chance to unwind and meet new people, make some friends, unwind. Depending on when people come in, I’d be happy to consider Wednesday or Thursday, too. (note: if you cannot make it Tuesday but want to meet/speak – shoot me a note and we’ll connect).

I know there are a lot of parties, events with booze and such. I see this as a chance to pull together, meet each other and have some time to kick back. There are no sponsors for the tailgate (though I wouldn’t refuse ‘em); instead, this is a self-supported event where everyone brings something and makes new friends. 

Details

Companies Coming to Vegas

I am working on publishing a criteria list for pitches. I like learning about different solutions – but I want to make it easier to pitch me and explain the value. Look for something in the next 10 days. Meantime, if you’re going to be at BH and want to share your vision – shoot me a note and we’ll connect. I’ve already declared where I’m staying – and happy to meet anyone at the “rolling office.”

No related posts.