The WHY behind our project.
During the summer of 2013, as the Founder of Best People Business, I traveled to Spain to walk 790 kilometers on the Camino de Santiago. 

Everyday I would meet a new person from around the world.  I was fascinated by the stories I heard and decided to share them in my virtual journal (Instagram and Facebook). 

When I returned home, I realized there were a large number of people who were intrigued with the stories and the pictures.  Some of my friends told me they would wake up every morning with excitement and anticipation to see whom I had met that day.

I thought to myself, what would happen if I walked outside my front door in Laguna Beach, CA with my camera in hand, and met ONE Person A Day for 365 days. 

Thus, the journey began on January 1, 2014 when I committed to meeting ONE Person A Day.  I decided to ask the same four thought provoking questions to every person I met, then I took their photograph and created a movie poster featuring them as the star of their movie.

As I reflect on the people I met and the stories I heard, I am overwhelmed by what I've learned and I feel an enormous responsibility to share this information with the world.

My role in this project was to guide the person in drawing out their personal unique story and make them the "Hero" in their own personalized movie poster.

The Four Questions

Question #1: How would you describe your life today in one word?
The first question opened up as a good icebreaker.  Most people chose words that were reflective of where we were standing, whether on the beach, on the rocks overlooking the ocean or on the ocean on our stand up paddle boards.

The follow up question to the One Word was, “Why did you choose this word?”.  The obvious answer was because of the beauty of Laguna Beach.  Beyond the beauty, there was a sense of gratitude and thankfulness to be fortunate enough to be experiencing life in Laguna be it an hour, a day, on a vacation or as a permanent resident.

Some of the answers spoke to the reality that, no matter how beautiful your surroundings are, there are difficulties and challenges.  A few of the words that described these challenges were:

• Chaos
• Confused
• Ditching
• Hectic
• Lonely
• Searching
• Violent

The conversations when the words were less optimistic were heartfelt and at times difficult.  On a few occasions, I was in tears as the person shared their heart as if I had known them forever.

I quickly began to understand this project was less about me and all about the person I was interviewing.

Question #2: If you could change one thing in the world, what would you change?
When I asked this question, it caught people off guard.  They were not expecting to answer a question that exposed their personal and worldviews. 

I later learned that this question opened the door to some of the most engaging and meaningful conversation people have ever had with a complete stranger.  

There were conversations where people were in tears as they shared personal struggles about their family and friends. 

• One person shared with me that he wants kids to stop "bullying" him.
• A husband shared with me that he wished there was a cure for cancer so that his wife, who was sitting next to him, would be cured.
• Another person shared with me that she would like to change the way people are treated in their last stages of life so they could be more comfortable as they are taking their last breath on earth.

The most common answer I heard over and over again was:

• "I want to feel part of something bigger than myself and to work for an organization and a leader who values me personally and professionally."
• "I want to be connected to others in an authentic and transparent way where our thoughts and ideas can be shared respectfully and where each person is valued no matter what their race, religion, economic or social status."
• "I want to work for an organization and a leader who mentors me and draws out my gifts and talents so I can make a difference in the world and live a life of significance."

Ultimately, people are coming to the realization that even though social media has allowed us to meet hundreds and thousands of people around the world, there is something missing.

People shared with me that they miss face-to-face human interaction, the kind of interaction they were experiencing with me as we engaged in meaningful conversation.

Several people were inspired by our project and have said they would like to follow our example and meet new people in their own communities.

Question #3: What is one goal or dream you would like to accomplish one year from today?
The common thread between questions #2 and #3 intrigued me. People are hoping and dreaming of working a job and finding a career where they are fulfilled and are passionate about the vision and mission of the company.

Over half the people I met said they wanted to have deeper connections in their jobs and in their relationships.

It was interesting to hear from people who are in a successful career or own a successful business.  These people shared with me they felt valued in their jobs and they had meaningful relationships with their family, friends and co-workers.

These people are dreaming of traveling around the world to exotic locations to surf epic waves, climb the tallest mountains and swim long distances in the ocean.

Some of their dreams and goals are:

• Graduate from college
• Make one small difference in a person's life
• Swim the Strait of Gibraltar
• Get married
• Have children
• Become a U.S. citizen
• Become closer to God
• Write a book
• Make a documentary film
• Play music at the Ahmanson Theater
• Cured from cancer

As I looked back at all the goals and dreams, I learned that people are looking for significance and connection.  As much as people want to travel, live in their dream homes and pursue their hobbies, most desired to be connected in their relationships both at home and at work.

Question #4: If your life were a movie, what would the storyline be and what would the title be?
By the time I asked this question, I had helped to lay the foundation of their life story and it became a creative collaboration in writing an original screenplay about their life.

I had a lot of fun helping to draw out their stories and coming up with an original title for their movie.  Some of the titles were very creative:

• “Feet”
• “Tony”
• “Why Not?”
• “#No Ragrets”
• “Sicky Rolla”
• “Reckless Abandon”
• “Derping With 5SOS”
• “The Love Revolution”
• “A Passion For Fashion”
• “Rise Of The Warrior King”
• “I’m Singing In My Chains Like The Sea”
• “The Man Who Would Be Steve McQueen”

Their movie and their story became a moment in time that was captured for them to remember for the rest of their lives.  They have a movie poster and a memory that hopefully will inspire and encourage them to live the story they shared with me.

My hope was always to leave each person better than when I first met him or her and I believe I was able to do that on most occasions.

What Did I Learn?

1. People genuinely care about each other.
2. People want an opportunity to make a difference in the world.
3. People want to feel valued and want an opportunity to value others.
4. People are passionate about living a life of significance.
5. People want to be in an authentic connected community.

In Summary
The main message I learned from meeting and interviewing 365 people this year is, PEOPLE are all about PEOPLE.

I am committed to taking this message to leaders who are in the PEOPLE business and to leaders who have a desire to be in the PEOPLE business. I want to help them create a culture where PEOPLE (team members and customers) are valued.

Our project illuminates what many leadership experts are talking about in their messages to help companies become more successful.

The most popular TED talks of 2014 included:

• Simon Sinek “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe”
• Roselinde Torres “What It Takes To Be A Great Leader in the 21st Century”

Our One Person project gained media attention in Laguna Beach Magazine, Coastline Pilot and KX@OneLaguna.

In his book "The Advantage", Patrick Lencioni says, "Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business."

Most leaders will tell you that their people are their greatest asset.  This is partly true.  We believe when people feel valued, then they will become their greatest asset.

We are on a mission to be the catalyst to help businesses become the Best People Businesses to work for!

Meet Tommy from Laguna Beach, CA.

The one word that best describes Tommy's life today is "Nervous."  The reason why Tommy chose this word is because he has a lot of changes going on in his life and is anticipating a great year ahead.

If Tommy could change one thing in the world, he would "Want families to stay together thru thick and thin, good and bad, no matter the circumstances."  The way he would go about making this changes is by being honest 100% of the time.

One year from today, Tommy would like to find a female friend who could potentially become a long term relationship.

If Tommy's life were a movie, it would be about leading people who are selfless and outward focused giving back to their communities.  The title of Tommy's movie would be called "PURE" and the subtitle would be called "Mind Body Soul."

As we come to the end of the year interviewing and featuring one new person a day, we've been asked many times "who will be your day 365?"  Several people have come to mind, some people thought we should interview ourselves but that just wouldn't seem right for the last story of the year.

We wanted to end the year with the one person whom we think embodies and embraces what we've come to learn from the people we've met this past year.

What we heard over and over again this past year was "I want to be part of a connected community", "I want to be part of something bigger than myself", "I want people to be authentic and transparent", "I want to work for a leader who is selfless and who values people."

We asked ourselves "who do we know that has these characteristics?" 

The person that came to mind is someone we've seen around Laguna Beach for the last three years but didn't get a chance to know him until this year. 

We shared the same street in the Village for several years.  We share a love for one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Laguna.  We share a love for one of the fastest growing sports in the world and the safety of this sport.  We share a love for the ocean and the cleanliness of our coastal community.  We share a love for the purity of people and relationships.  We share a love for family and friends.

When our passions and purposes came together with Tommy this past year, we could have never imagined how much love and respect we would have for this man who is as PURE as they come.

Tommy has experienced more life than most 80 year old's. He grew up living and surfing at one of the hidden treasured surf sports that only a few know about.  His creativity and vision for the future is inspiring and altruistic. 

Growing up in a small beach side community has it's benefits and drawbacks.  We've been fortunate to meet people who know OF Tommy and people who really KNOW Tommy.  He is the kind of person people are drawn to because of his colorful personality and colorful tattoo's. 

Underneath it all, Tommy is one of the most PURE, PASSIONATE, AUTHENTIC, CARING, COMPASSIONATE, LOVING human beings you'll ever meet.

Thank you Tommy for your friendship and for allowing us to feature your story on Day 365 of 365.  It is with great honor that we have the privilege of sharing our friend Tommy's story with you. 

Meet Pancho and Peggy from Laguna Beach, CA.

The one word that best describes Pancho's life today is "Surprised."  The reason Pancho chose this word is because he wasn't expecting us to interview him and take his picture.
The one word that best describes Peggy's life today is "Happy."  The reason Peggy chose this word is because she loves her life.

If Pancho could change one thing in the world, he would want there to be more clothe for himself and for others.  The way he would go about making this change is to look for clothes wherever he goes.
If Peggy could change one thing in the world, she would "Want lost children to be reunited with their families." 

One year from today, Pancho would like for his relationships to be strengthened and remain happy and healthy.
One year from today, Peggy would like for her family to stay connected and less stressed.

If Pancho and Peggy's lives were a movie, it would be about their friends and families appreciating each other and appreciating every day.  The title of their movie would be called "It's A Wonderful Life" and the subtitle would be called "Appreciating Every Day."

Pancho and Peggy work at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Laguna Beach "Adolfo's."  We eat dinner on Taco Tuesday almost every week and Pancho and Peggy are always so "Happy" and friendly.

The owner "Senor Adolfo" has an amazing family of workers who are all about their amigo's and making sure their customers are enjoying their meals.  It's a great place to practice our Spanish as we interact with the staff.

The local family atmosphere is warm and inviting.  Often times, you'll run into neighbors bellying up to the bar or sitting in one of the few booths or outdoor patio.  We knew that we wanted to feature Pancho and Peggy as our one person and we're so glad they agreed to share a little of their story on the second to last day of the year.

Muchos gracias Pancho and Peggy for serving us amazing food and for sharing a small part of your stories with our community.

Meet Erik from Temecula, CA.
The one word that best describes Erik's life today is "Adventurous."  The reason why he chose this word is because he is always looking for something new.
If Erik could change one thing in the world, he would "Want to help people who are homeless."  The way he would go about making this change is by paying attention to the needs around him and helping one person at a time.
One year from today, Erik would like to be more well rounded as a person and as a photographer.
If Erik's life were a movie, it would be about his crazy adventures with his friends and all the memories they create getting in and out of trouble.  The title of Erik's movie would be called "Midnight Memories."
I met Erik and his friends on the beach while they were having fun taking pictures of each other and the sunset.
I couldn't help to notice Erik and his friends especially Erik with his nice camera.  There is a common bond us photographers share, especially us Canon users.  We talked about our gear and settings to capture the smooth surface of the ocean.
Erik is just getting started as a photographer and has a nice camera and lens to capture high quality images.  I loved hearing Erik share that he wants to become a well rounded photographer and human being.
I laughed when I heard the title of his movie and asked if he is a One Direction fan, he said they are alright.  It's not too often you hear of teenage 1D fans.  I can appreciate anyone young or old who are fans like me and my family.  Who knows, maybe Erik will use his new camera to create the "Story Of His Life."