The Power Behind Unexpected Connections
Robb Holman
Global Speaker & Best-Selling Author who inspires leaders to lead from the inside out.
I was en route to be a featured keynote speaker in Fort Worth, Texas. I arrived at the Philadelphia airport, looking forward to the exciting trip ahead.
After getting through security, I went about my usual travel routine of grabbing a newspaper and some snacks. I found an open seat at the departing gate terminal and settled in, anticipating the boarding of my flight in approximately 45 minutes. At that moment, all you need to understand is that I was completely focused on my job—delivering my Inside Out Leadership principles to a group that was very open to it. I was feeling confident and ready for what was about to happen, until . . .
That’s when I heard a man shout, “Hey Robb, I can’t believe I’m seeing you here!” The man was about 50 feet away from me and appeared very happy to see me.
Initially, I struggled to recall who he was, but as he approached with open arms for a big hug, I remembered him as a friend from my local church community from several years ago.
After we embraced and expressed gratitude for seeing each other, he shared with me that he was traveling from Philadelphia to Dallas for the memorial service of his eight-month-old niece. He and his family were devastated by the loss and planned to spend a week in the area to mourn.
When he told me this surprising news, I was completely caught off guard because I was so focused on what I was doing. It was a sudden interruption that reminded me of my identity and the values I hold dear. In other words, even though the situation was unexpected and involved someone very different from me and in a very different situation, I was able to adapt quickly and accept the new and spontaneous circumstances, which led me to em- brace my friend.
As he shared his story, he explained how he felt that seeing me was a sign from God that he wasn’t alone. I listened attentively and expressed empathy and compassion for his loss. As we spoke, both of us shed tears.
As we boarded the plane together, we took a selfie to capture the moment and hugged again before taking our seats. I reflected on our conversation and how meaningful it was to me. At the baggage claim after the plane landed, I saw my friend again and briefly met some of his family members. I gave them all hugs and offered prayers for their difficult time.
Reflecting on this encounter, I realized that I was surprised to see my friend at the airport but not surprised at how I responded. I aim to lead with purpose, authentici- ty, and compassion, and was able to offer my friend the support he needed in that moment.
A few months later, my friend sent me a touching text expressing gratitude for my compassion, encouragement, and kindness during a time when he needed it most. He thanked me for being a vessel of God’s love and helping him navigate that difficult week.
That exchange wasn’t about what I did but about who we were together at that moment. It reminded me of the importance of knowing ourselves and operating freely from that place to serve others with compassion and authenticity.
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(**Excerpt from my upcoming book, "Lessons from Abdul: The Hidden Power of Receiving from Anyone, Anytime")
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To check out the trailer, go to:
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Robb's passionate and practical keynote talks lead the way from burnout and emptiness to fulfillment and success, exploring how an individual’s innate purpose is worth so much more than the money they earn or the business results they achieve. To book Robb, click here .
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About Robb Holman
Robb Holman is a sought-after Global Keynote Speaker and Author of four transformational leadership books, Lead the Way , All In , Move the Needle , and his upcoming book, Lessons from Abdul . In recognition of his expertise, Robb was named one of the world's top 30 leadership speakers by Global Gurus for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024). His innovative Inside Out Leadership philosophy has gained significant recognition and has been featured in publications like Inc, Forbes, and Fast Company. You can visit Robb by going here .