Big Change Starts Small

When I wrote this piece for The Pulse, I wanted to show how much is possible with just a few people around a table. With Cook the Book, I kept coming back to that spark: the power of small groups.

So often, people think, Sure, I’d like to help, but what can a couple of us really do? But I’ve been self-employed since I was 25, and one thing entrepreneurs learn early is to lean into an idea and go for it. I’ve always been more shoot, ready, aim than wait-and-plan—a style that’s probably driven more than a few people crazy.

I remember taking the DISC profile years ago with a consultant. It’s a personality assessment that breaks behavior into four areas:

• D – Dominance: how you approach challenges

• I – Influence: how you connect and inspire

• S – Steadiness: how you respond to pace and change

• C – Conscientiousness: how you approach rules and accuracy

My “I” (Influence) score came in at 98%, one of the highest the consultant had ever seen. I laughed and thought, Well, maybe I really am a crazy maker. But what it really means is I thrive on ideas, energy, and rallying people together. That’s the role I naturally play.

But here’s the important part: if everyone in the room had a 98% “I,” nothing would get done. The magic of small groups is in the variation. The “D” drives things forward, the “C” makes sure the details are solid, the “S” steadies the pace, and the “I” brings the energy. Add in differences in age, life stage, and experiences, and the group becomes even richer.

That’s why I believe in small gatherings. You don’t need a big committee or endless red tape to make a difference. A handful of people, varied in strengths and united by purpose, can create real change.

And maybe that’s the invitation for you: What would it look like to gather a few people you trust—friends, neighbors, co-workers—and start something small? Maybe it’s cooking together, maybe it’s brainstorming ways to serve the community, or maybe it’s just sharing stories around a table. Whatever it is, don’t underestimate the power of a few voices saying yes together. That’s how movements begin.

If you’re looking for a simple, fun way to start, that’s exactly what Cook the Book was designed for. It’s a ready-made format that brings people together around food, conversation, and purpose. One recipe at a time, one gathering at a time, you’ll find yourself cooking, laughing, and building the kind of connections that spark something bigger.

👉 Read the full story in The Pulse: How Small Gatherings Spark Big Change