Interviewing a Social Engineer or other noteworthy person - people are people

I've interviewed many famous people in my career now whether a political figure, CEO of a well known company, famous musician, professional athlete, etc. In my early professional days, I had this truly wonderful woman that gave me good advice. My first job in recruiting happened to be next to her office and about once a month I'd run into her in the bathroom or hallway - what a charming class act she was. I have to refer to the past because sadly, this ball of energy and class act lady is unfortunately no longer with us on earth, but in spirit still. I asked her point blank one day, "I'm young in my career, how would I get to meet people I want to meet just because I want to meet them in person? Why would they even entertain their time with me?"

She laughed in her Texan way and said, "Honey, people are people. I will always make time for people when they move me and have a compelling reason to meet me. If someone tells me or writes to me that they want to meet me for lunch just to have lunch, I can't really qualify their motive or my time because time is precious dear. But, when a young person like yourself tells me I want to meet you and here's why, I will go out of my way to find the time. " More importantly, what this amazing woman did for me was to also guide me. She told me, "Make a list of the 100 people you want to meet in your lifespan and go for it, but get on it as you never know if they'll be around." What a hoot she was for sure!! I did tell her once that she was only taller than me because of her Texas up-do (hairstyle) and she laughed and had a come back for that too. I still think she was wrong and I'm slightly taller than her at all but 5'3 1/2" but will let that go for sure. I'll let her be right because it was her and I really liked that woman despite her political party affiliation.

I took Ms. Ann Richards (Texas former governor) advice and never looked back. I have my list of 100 folks I want to meet and in all different areas - business leaders, historians, freedom fighters, famous and not famous folks - people I respect and just want to meet because I do. God rest her soul as she inspired me so much and will never forget the first conversation I ever had with her in a bathroom in good o'l Austin, TX. Ann - you done good lady and we miss you!

So, I'm about to meet 1 of my 100 people I've been wanting to meet tomorrow (technically today since it's early AM that I write this) - he is 14 on my list so yeah, I have a long way to go Ann and need to step this up. I usually don't get uptight or nervous when faced with a meeting, but I am a bit anxious I'll admit. The only thing I can think of really is because this guy's field (social engineering) is close to mine yet worlds apart - weird really. For once in my life, I'm unable to plan a meeting as I have no clue how this will flow. Though, I have no real plan and have no motive really except to meet this guy in person 1-1, it will be just fine. Remarkably, he changed his travel plans home as to meet me tomorrow so I'd better think this through a bit and will.

Social Engineering truly infatuates me and have studied this field for several years now. I have true concerns actually about the future with how advanced technology has become and moreso, how advanced the younger generation has become with technology. What is lagging though is social skills and in my opinion, our next generation is far weaker here because of technology. Interesting concept because I am a Competitive Intelligence type and strength is Human Intelligence and extremely advanced in social skills. This meeting with KM should be quite interesting and one I'll never forget for sure like meeting Ann Richards for the first time.