Why You Should Come Hear Dan Seaborn This Thursday

This morning, I had the honor of joining Dan Seaborn on The Shelley Irwin Show to promote our StockBridge Business Association event happening this Thursday from 12–1 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

And honestly, I am still pinching myself a little.

If you do not already know Dan Seaborn, let me just say this: he has a way of speaking that stays with you.

I first heard Dan speak at City Church around 2017, and my life has never quite been the same. The only way I can explain it is that it felt similar to when I first discovered John Maxwell in my early 20’s. Just a sense of urgency to soak up as much wisdom as you can. I love learning from kind leaders, but Dan takes it a step further. His approach is real, honest and so practical you’re like, why didn’t I think of it that way before?

He does not speak from some polished pedestal. He speaks like someone walking alongside you.

That is what makes him so impactful.

Dan shares wisdom through stories. He is open about his own life, his marriage, his leadership, his decision-making, and his faith. His “tell-all” style is not about shock value. It is about connection. He shares enough of himself that you feel like you know him, even if you have only heard him speak a few times.

During our radio spot, I did my best to play it cool. But on the inside, I could not quite believe that little Jessica Slaydon was sitting there doing an interview with Dan Seaborn.

I have spent very little time with Dan personally, but his messages have made a lasting impact on my life. That is the power of a speaker who is willing to be honest. He gives people something to carry with them. I really look up to him and hope one day I can be as amazing at public speaking as he is.

On air, Dan shared with Shelley and me that he is slow to make decisions. He said he will sometimes go to a graveyard and think about a choice from the perspective of the end of his life. How will this decision feel someday? What will matter then? What will not?

That made me pause, because I feel like right now in my life I can’t make decisions fast enough.

It is the kind of perspective we all need more of, especially as leaders, business owners, parents, spouses, and community members. (Yes, dad, I realize you’ve been telling me that for my whole life!)

Dan also seems to be one of those people who can sense what is happening beneath the surface. I swear he can tell what is going on with you even when you are trying to hide it. At one point, he shared a story about his wife and their marriage, and it felt like he somehow knew I needed to hear that exact advice.

As a woman deep in my faith, moments like that fill me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Sometimes it feels like God gives someone else the words you need, exactly when you need them.

That said, the event Dan is speaking at on Thursday is a community and business event, and his message will resonate with people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Faith is part of Dan’s story, but his wisdom reaches far beyond one audience. Whether you are Christian, part of another faith tradition, unsure what you believe, or simply looking for practical encouragement, I believe you will walk away with something meaningful.

My goal through the StockBridge Business Association has always been to find common ground, build relationships, and create opportunities for people to grow together. Business is not just about transactions. It is about people. It is about leadership. It is about how we show up at work, at home, and in our community.

That is why I am so excited to have Dan with us.

No matter where you are in life or business, I hope you will consider joining us this Thursday.

Come with an open mind. Bring a friend. Invite a colleague. Take an hour in the middle of your day to be encouraged, challenged, and reminded of what really matters.

The StockBridge Business Association will host Dan Seaborn this Thursday from 12–1 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

I would love to see you there. Kindly RSVP here

And Thank you Shelley Irwin Show for the coverage

Pictured is Dan Seaborn, Shelley Irwin & Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon up close and personal ;)