How many people can say they have the best job in the world … and really mean it? These were the opening remarks from Dr. Ben Danielson who spoke at an intimate gathering of Emerging Leaders as part of our Speaker Series last night.

Dr. Danielson has been the medical director of the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic since 1999 and also works at Seattle Children’s Hospital. He serves on the boards of several organizations including United Way of King County, the King County Board of Health, the state’s health exchange board and other philanthropic organizations.

In his talk, Dr. Danielson touched on the themes of imbibing humility as a strength and practicing mindfulness in our everyday lives. “I’ve spent most of my career learning how to be more humble… Listening and asking questions is very hard—especially in the medical profession—but it’s amazing how much you can learn when you ask questions. And sometimes you need to ask eight questions instead of two.”

He also spoke about mindfulness and intentionally being present in our own lives. “We are so caught up planning and worrying about what’s going to happen next and what has already happened that we lose sight of what is happening in the current moment around us.”

Dr. Danielson left the young professionals with a call to action encouraging them to “coach up.” Young people have an incredible responsibility on their shoulders to not just engage in meaningful work themselves but influence and motivate people above and around them who may not be as socially conscious or passionate about the world as they are.

And the Emerging Leaders program is a great way to start that journey by getting more involved with your community and connecting with like-minded individuals and local leaders who share your passion for social good. Find out more about the program and sign up today!

 “We are all connected. Anyone’s success is shared by the people who helped him along the way. By the same token, when people are suffering that hardship is also shared responsibility.”