FRIENDSHIP IS FOREVER. 40 years strong.

One of the major highlights of this year's Atlanta Black Theatre Festival was catching up with Kevin Calhoun. We've known each other for over four decades, going all the way back to our days growing up in Roosevelt, New York.

Seeing Kevin got me thinking about the people who have known us since before the titles, the businesses, and the heavy responsibilities. I’m fortunate to have friends like Kevin, and guys like John C. Smith, who I shared those same Roosevelt streets with back in the 80s. When you talk to someone who knew you then, you don't have to explain yourself. The foundation is simply there.

In my work at Sauti Global, I focus heavily on the V.O.I.C.E. framework—helping leaders build Vision, Ownership, and Integration into their lives. True friendship is the ultimate form of Integration. It connects the person you were back in the day with the person you are right now. It keeps you grounded while you do the work to let your voice rise.

Life gets busy. Between family, consulting, and producing theatre, it’s easy to stay entirely heads-down in execution mode. But real connection requires us to intentionally pause and rejoice in the constants we have.

Take a minute today to reach out to someone who knew you when. You don't need an agenda. Just connect.