Brett Bartholomew

Man this was a long time coming.

After a week of reflecting on our first-ever Non-Superficial BS Conference, I’m still not sure I have the words for it. But I do know that the most fulfilling thing was seeing it all finally come together.

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I never claim that my work, or anything we do at Art of Coaching, is “perfect.” And to be frank, that’s not the goal.

But I’ll be damned if we don’t bring people together, make them think, make them laugh, make them confront things they otherwise wouldn’t, and help them grow and adapt—all while they help us do the same in return.

There’s no way I could capture that entire weekend in a set of photos or fully express the appreciation I have for everyone who was part of it.

But I know this: This was two years of trying to get this building done.

Ten years of a dream coming together. And in a couple of months, it all culminates with the official release of my new book, #TheAntiheroAdvantage

None of it came easily. There were more fights, setbacks, and moments of doubt along the way than I could ever adequately explain.

The lyrics of the song in this post was on repeat in my brain during the hardest months…”Not done fighting…I don’t feel I’ve lost…”

It was one battle after another.

But getting to bring all these people together, learn from some incredible speakers, and have my son there to experience even a small part of it made the whole thing that much more meaningful. And worth it.

‼️😈This weekend embodied what it means to be an antihero and a misfit. Someone who wants to do good but has a little chaos in them. Someone who wants to learn how to leverage their flaws, doubts, fears, and demons—all in the service of good.😈🏴‍☠️

What higher calling is there?

We’re all going to go through shit in life, and we need more pragmatic people and resources to help us overcome it.

That’s what our work is about.

When you read the final chapter of my book you’ll have a new definition of the word “RISE.”

Like the lyrics say- “is there more like us?” I hope so.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this dream. And even to those who were part of the nightmare.