Every year at PopTech I find myself smitten with someone. Sometimes a few people. I meet people at a conference and they're surrounded by a swirl of excitement and energy and interest. I'm learning and thinking and I see everyone as someone who can teach me a lot, who is ready to have a big conversation. And we're in this quaint and picturesque little village, blue sky and yellow leaves drifting down onto the green town square. I feel smitten just being here. The only question each year is who will personify that for me. Last year it was Howard Fishman's onstage confidence and offstage thoughtfulness that made the biggest impression on me. I sought him out.
This year's crush is very smart, but that doesn't distinguish him from most folks here. He had my attention immediately, though, and I started trying to figure out why. The answer is boring. He looks like an old flame, and like a strong crush I had before that. Something about eyes, head shape, hair, work with a subconscious crush trigger I have. I guess we can't help these things. Still, I'd like to believe I were more discerning and enlightened than that. Apparently not.
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