We are all born with a unique genetic blueprint which lays out the basic characteristics of our personality as well as our physical health and appearance... And yet we all know that life experiences do change us.

There are people in the public sector with a range of experiences that have no equivalent in business but are essential to governing like keeping a kid in school or helping someone get and hold a job. The value of those skills can't easily be measured against a bottom line.

Rest assured that whatever station of life we are placed princely or lowly it contains the lessons and experiences necessary at the moment for our evolution and gives us the best advantage for the development of ourselves.

My father always taught by telling stories about his experiences. His lessons were about morality and art and what insects and birds and human beings had in common. He told me what it meant to be a man and to be a Black man. He taught me about love and responsibility about beauty and how to make gumbo.

Bracketing has turned all my experiences remembered and present into a gallery of miracles where I wander around dazzled by the beauty of events I cannot explain.

Every creator painfully experiences the chasm between his inner vision and its ultimate expression.

My therapist says I still haven't got in touch with my anger. Maybe one day I'm going to explode. But I'm still really happy. I know it looks like a strange and painful upbringing - all those experiences led me to the paths that I'm on now.

Stories are amazing and powerful because they can resonate with people depending on their needs and experiences and speak truths we need to hear in that moment in time.

Trophies and medals have never meant much to me. I've had amazing experiences which let you feel like you've accomplished something.

So you know parenting is a very intimate and amazing experience and one of the best experiences of my life.