One of the most exciting things to watch over the past year has been the incredible power of connections. My network now includes some people who I respect and admire and looked up to (from a distance) years ago. The funny thing is, it’s been a completely natural and organic process.

Under these circumstances (nice events, associating with quasi-celebrities, the opportunity to be seen and noticed by many), you start to seeing what people are made of. The ambitions that lie beneath the surface, and the lengths to which people will go to satisfy them.

Some people want to be famous. Some people want recognition and honor. Some people want their name in bright lights and the adoration of fans. Me? I’d like to earn the respect of the people I admire, to have enough money never to have to think about it, and to lead a life worth leading.