Black suits

I was giving a speech at a hotel in Philly this week and found myself completely engulfed in a sea of black suits. Literally hundreds of eager beaver college kids, all milling about preparing themselves for a competition. Sife.org runs a nationwide tournament, where students compete with business and community projects.

The thing is: there's no rule that says you have to wear a black suit when you present.

Everyone is so focused on not messing up, on not blowing it, on not standing out that they all blend together instead. I talked to a few of the competitors. Amazing kids. Focused, smart, dedicated. I wish, though, that they could realize (before it's too late) that standing out is better than being invisible.