100 Great People: Start from the Start

I had no intention of starting with my husband. Up until this morning, I had three business leaders in mind to start my 100 people list with. But sometimes the clouds shift and the way becomes clear.

I often get inspiration for the day from a morning hike on the mountain preserve. This morning, I was able to take that desert walk with my husband, Joe. This is a rare event. Work or children usually prevent us from hiking alone together. As we were hiking and talking it occurred to me that Tagali happened out of my marriage to Joe.

You see, Joe and I met and married in our 30s, which to our families, co-workers, and some friends, seemed really old. I remember hearing too many times a statement that is hopefully more rare today, "Why aren't you married?" So finally, after not finding the right person for years and years, I got very clear about what the right person looked like, made a list, and stopped worrying about it. Not long after that, Joe appeared. Not only did he hit all of the high points of my list, he is a great person and perfect for me.

As we were living happily ever after, it occurred to me that other areas of my life could use the same treatment: most of all, my work. If I did not have to settle for a life partner--if I could have exactly who I wanted--I reasoned, I should not have to settle for my life's work. The seed for Tagali was planted, and my real work began.