The last week of November was a big one here in the U.S.—Thanksgiving! We had 15 of us gathered around the table for a feast filled with fun, family, and football. It was everything Thanksgiving should be: laughs, great food, and some questionable calls on the field.
On Black Friday, Beth and I skipped the crowds and did some online shopping instead. We booked our summer vacation home to make sure we’ll have more fun with family in 2025, AND we got our 2026 Ireland vacation locked in. (Fun fact: saying you booked a vacation two years out sounds much less stressful when you call it “future fun with family.”)
Chicago Highlights
The week kept rolling with an incredible time at BA World in Chicago.
On day one, I opened the conference with my “Fry Your Chickens” keynote, complete with rubber chickens, laughs, and a crowd that brought amazing energy. Steve Jones even joined me for a chicken dance, which is always a highlight.
Day two brought more connections and learning. I delivered my AI presentation, “Generative vs. Degenerative AI: Taming the Communications Beast,” and had a chance to connect over lunch with the hilarious Dale Irvin, the professional meeting summarizer. Dale is one of the funniest humans on the planet, and our conversation was packed with laughs and insights I’ll be using in the months ahead.
Sometimes travel can be stressful—if you let it. My first time attending one of the PMBA conferences, I was on my own and out of my comfort zone. But frying that chicken helped me meet some incredible people who’ve become friends and colleagues. I look forward to reconnecting with them year after year. This time, I got to share meals, stories, and plenty of laughs with speakers from around the globe.
My time in Chicago was a reminder that every great event is really about the people—the conversations, connections, and ideas we take home.
Dad Joke Double Dose
Dad jokes will never be the same. I was working with ChatGPT to name a chicken, and this happened:
ChatGPT suggested a few names, but one stood out:
“Rock Star Roger feels like a solid pick, but let me know if any others strike a chord! 🎸🐔”
Naturally, I couldn’t resist:
Me: Oh, and GREAT DAD JOKE on the strike a chord.
ChatGPT: Thanks! I aim to rock every response. Let me know which name you’re riffing with, or if you’re ready to roll with the next chicken! 🎸🐔
Clearly, I’ve opened Pandora’s Box of dad jokes.
🐔 What’s Next?
- PMBA Virtual Global Conference: On December 14, I’ll be speaking on Generative AI, sharing insights and practical tips for leveraging this fast-evolving technology.
- Private Event: On December 15, I’ll be speaking at a private event. We’ll be frying some chickens!
- Coming in 2025: My new book, Fry Your Chickens! Seven Ways to Get Those Chickens Inside You to Shut the Cluck Up, is on its way. Keep an eye out for sneak peeks and maybe even some rubber chicken giveaways as we gear up for the launch.
Looking for a Speaker?
- Planning for 2025? If your organization needs laughter, insight, and practical strategies for stress management, generative AI, or team motivation, let’s fry some chickens together!
- Need a speaker now? Did your keynote speaker have to back out last minute? I’ve got a rubber chicken and a keynote ready to go! Whether it’s stress management, generative AI, or team motivation, I’m ready to step in and deliver.
That’s a wrap for now. Got a chicken you’re working on? Got a dad joke to share? Drop me a message—I’d love to hear from you!