How I Met Les Brown

One of my favorite coaching stories was the time I met Les Brown. I had a coaching client named Dr. Walter Sims and I said to him you know you remind me of Les Brown. He laughed and said I know right? You see Walter is the huge lively spirit of a human being. We met on Twitter and he said I think I need you as a coach because I have a dream! Walter was working in corporate America at the time, was a pretty good poker player, and a pastor at his church but wanted to be a motivational speaker and life coach. I said let’s do it! We decided that he would become the Minister of Motivation and he is with several books, a loaded coaching schedule, and a huge following on social media. His other dream was to meet Les Brown.

I was at a conference in Los Angeles with Powerteam International and we had the opportunity to sit down and have lunch with a Powerteam Coach. My coach was James Dentley and we were talking about my coaching program and how I have this amazing client and his dream is to meet Les Brown. James said oh I know Les, and I was like you do not. He said yes I do let me see if I can get a hold of him and he called Les right there at lunch and he answered! James told Les my story and then handed me the phone. Les was the most incredibly kind person, and said I would love to give your coaching client a call. WOW! Talk about customer service for my client! Walter got to talk to Les a few hours later.

A few months went by and I was at another event and my husband Rob and I decided to bug out early and go have brunch in Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles. Rob gets us a table and I run to the ladies room. When I walk out guess who is there talking with a friend, yes Les Brown! I was like OMG and just stood there in shock. Composing myself I waited patiently to meet him. He saw that I was waiting and told his friend that he would catch up with him and then said hello dear, were you waiting for me? Yes sir I said, I am Tammy Burnell and I spoke with you on the phone a few months ago and you were so kind to speak with my coaching client. Yes I do remember Les said and gave me a big hug and said you must come have brunch with me and my friends! Excited is an understatement how I felt. So excited that I forgot Rob was waiting for me across the restaurant! 15–20 minutes went by and Rob is getting worried, goes to look for me and on his way to the restroom finds me brunching it up with Les and his friends.

I then had the pleasure of reuniting with Les at yet another seminar. I will never forget that beautiful day in LA.