Average Is Over: Thomas Friedman Inspires Sacramento Speakers Series Audience

New York Times Columnist, Thomas Friedman spoke at the Community Center Theater on Tuesday, January 8^th as part of our 2012-2013 series.  We received great interest prior to Friedman’s appearance and we are happy to report a sold out series.  

Thomas Friedman emphasized that we, America, are not what we used to be and that “average…is over.”  Friedman discussed the idea that Americans have slipped into a state of complacency and no longer strive for “that little extra,” which we were once known for.  He also affirmed that Americans can no longer live by the words of Woody Allen stating “90% of life is just showing up.”  Friedman focuses on a need to “think like an immigrant, think like an artisan, think like a waitress at Perkins Pancake House on Highway 100 in Minneapolis” in that nothing will be handed to us and that we must take pride in the work that we do.

Friedman concluded his talk with the idea that a person’s curiosity and passion quotient are more valuable than ones’ IQ in a hyper-connected world.  People need to be passionate about what they do and strive to invent, re-invent and re-engineer their job while doing it.  No longer, can you expect promotions and new positions based upon length of service, but rather you need to create the situation where you have to be promoted or offered positions.  Many walked away with a new look on their everyday lives and  are calling Friedman the “best speaker yet.”

Next up for the Sacramento Speakers Series will be education reform advocate, Michelle Rhee.  She will speak on Tuesday, January 29^th at the Community Center Theater.

The event will be held at the Community Center Theater in Downtown Sacramento at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 29^th.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

For more information about the Sacramento Speakers Series and the 2012-2013 Season visit them online at sacramentospeakers.com