Picture it. It’s Friday and you’re at work. The next day is Cinco de Mayo and sombreros and the macarena are on the forefront of your mind. Then a staff meeting is called. You think maybe you’re going to talk about what’s in store for the coming weeks, or discuss progress on lobby meetings in D.C., or hear Jedidiah say something witty. But, no. Instead, your world changes. And by world changes, I mean Dan Pallotta walks into the room and you wonder how you ever lived without hearing him speak in person. Dramatic? Yes, it was.

Welcome to our Friday.

For those who don’t know, here’s the rundown on Dan Pallota (he would never list off all his accomplishments, he’s too humble for that, so I’m going to do it for him):

Dan Pallotta is a builder of movements. He is a philanthropist, the author of “Uncharitable“, contributor to the Harvard Business Review, president of Advertising for Humanity, and founder of Pallotta Teamworks which invented the multi-day AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Days. He altered the landscape of options for the ordinary individual yearning to make an extraordinary difference in history. He is a huge inspiration and, dare I say, legendary among the people in our office. Read: we were totally freaking out.

We are humbled that he took time out of his travel schedule to come by and speak with our staff. His knowledge and insight into the world of charity, business, and logistics is much appreciated within these walls. Among other things, he taught us that sometimes all you need is a little perspective. And a killer PowerPoint presentation. And a sharp suit will never hurt anyone.

I can practically guarantee that after he spoke, no one thought twice about their sombreros.

-Krista