I was thrilled to join the ACE group in Saint Augustine, Florida, in the spring of 2026. Julie Roberts, Dave Barnes, and their team at the Adult & Community Educators group put on an amazing conference for CTE and adult educators in Florida. I was honored to be their speaker at the event, inspiring, motivating, and pushing them to take action in their role serving this very important school community.
When I arrived at my room, there was a beautiful tray of fruit and cheese as well as a handwritten note. I thought it was from the hotel staff, but when I looked further, I saw it was from Julie Roberts herself. Julie Roberts is incredible, genuine, and authentic.
Think about all of the things that an Executive Director and their team have to do to get ready for a conference, but she took five minutes to write a personal note to me and have it brought to my room. I thought it was just incredible—so thoughtful, so kind, and really more than expected.
She’s there to help serve her members, yet she was going out of her way to make me, the speaker for the event, feel comfortable. This reminded me of the power of the handwritten note and going out of your way to make people feel welcome, appreciated, and supported.
3 Leadership takeaways for you from this great handwritten note from Julie Roberts:
#1. It was intentional. She was focused on positively impacting me and did so through this note.
#2. It is NOT a lot of heavy lifting—No AI, NO big, deep, writing time–just an authentic, heartfelt note written from the heart.
#3. It is more than expected. When you consistently do more than expected, you are going to make MORE of an impact and reach MORE people, so make it a goal. She didn’t write a 10-page essay, just a short note that made a great impression and impact on me!
Thank you, Julie Roberts, for this act of kindness. I wish you the best in your retirement and on your journey of leadership.
You can learn more about ACE Florida here: https://www.aceofflorida.org/
Keep surviving and thriving, friends!
