Graham Weaver's Keynote Address Summary

Jul 25, 2024

Graham Weaver's Keynote Address to the Class of 2024

Introduction

  • Speaker's background: Graduate of Stanford GSB.
  • Initial corporate job was unsatisfying and uninspiring.
  • Shared a story about escaping a tedious offsite meeting.

Escape Plan from the Offsite

  • During three days of presentations, speaker felt trapped.
  • Created an escape plan during a break:
    • Hid in the bathroom.
    • Changed into running clothes to go for a run.
  • Experienced a runner's high, prompting self-reflection.

The Inner Voice

  • Two conflicting voices:
    1. Survival instinct (voice of fear):
      • Causes anxiety, fear, doubt.
      • Encourages a life that feels too small.
    2. Inner wisdom (true self):
      • Quieter, speaks through feelings in the body.
      • Represents dreams and full potential.
  • Importance of recognizing which voice to follow for true fulfillment.

Three Promises to Graduates

  • To access one's true inner voice and potential, the speaker invites students to make three promises:

Promise 1: Take the Nail Out of Your Head (Unstuck Promise)

  • Explanation of "the nail" - metaphor for what keeps us stuck:
    1. Bad habits.
    2. Unresolved past experiences.
    3. Rules or assumptions limiting potential.
    4. Fear of change.
  • Importance of acknowledging the nail and speaking your truth to begin the healing process.

Promise 2: Follow Your Energy

  • Distinction between "passion" and "energy":
    • Passion implies a singular focus, while energy encompasses a broader range of interests.
  • Exercise: Nine Lives
    • Visualize nine parallel lives starting from current point, each representing exciting possibilities.
    • Evaluate which choice you’d pursue if you knew you wouldn’t fail.
    • Connect energy levels to actions; pursue what excites you.

Promise 3: Go All In

  • Many people are hesitating or "hedged" in their commitments.
  • Commitment to your passion leads to greater personal power and less internal conflict.
  • Importance of fully committing to your values and goals.

Closing Thoughts

  • Life's meaning is individual; the purpose is to live with intention and energy.
  • Call to action: You must decide which voice to listen to - follow your authentic self over your fears.
  • Encouragement to engage fully with life and choose paths that resonate deeply.

Conclusion

  • Emphasized significance of listening to the inner voice and living with full energy.
  • Thanked audience for their attention.