Robert Fripp says “Never be afraid to let go of a good thing”

My brother, the legendary guitarist Robert Fripp, wisely says, “Never be afraid to let go of a good thing.”

Celebrating GGBC: A Gem of San Francisco History

Since its founding in 1946, the Golden Gate Breakfast Club (GGBC) has been a vibrant part of San Francisco’s history. It was born post-World War II, when communities were eager to rebuild, reconnect, and find purpose. Over the decades, GGBC became a unique space for camaraderie, creativity, and fellowship.

For decades, membership was highly coveted—only one professional from each industry could join, and many members spent years on the waiting list. The club quickly evolved beyond a club for business professionals and civic leaders. It became a place where friendships flourished, stories inspired, and laughter echoed.

In 1976, my hairstyling client Al Stanton invited me to speak to GGBC. He knew I was travelling around the country delivering seminars for hairstylists and was the star of my Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course. This was my first non-hairstyling group. Who knew this type of activity would become the best marketing for my salon? In 2000, I was invited to be their first female member, and in January of 2024, I accepted the role as president, as nobody else wanted to.

Naturally, I accepted the challenge and followed my usual course of action, putting as much energy and passion into the job as possible.

Challenges and Change

By 2019, we began noticing a decline in membership, and interest started to wane. Then came January 20, 2020, and our world changed. Again, it became a time when we were eager to reconnect. Craig Stuart Adams and Tony Woodall stepped up, and we began holding weekly GGBC meetings on Zoom. Long-time member and keeper of traditions, Peter Ratto had the idea to have a meeting manager, and Carl Walsh, Gary McKinsey, and I stepped up. We had incredibly well-run meetings.

This transition brought unexpected benefits. We welcomed exceptional speakers worldwide, including our first virtual speaker, a boat maker from Japan. Many speakers enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed them, and our membership grew. We all enjoy Hugh Coppen, Randall Reader, Tim Durkin, Paul Coleman, Janice Litvin, Derek Arden, Tracy Hooper, Gary McKinsey, Douglas Bowers, and Janelle Barlow.

Yet, as life returned to normal, long-time members expressed nostalgia for “the good old days” that no longer exist and were tired of Zoom. Despite offering the best lineup of speakers in our history and outstanding meeting management, increased membership growth proved challenging after the pandemic.

Despite our fantastic enthusiasm, great publicity through LinkedIn, and interested guests, as with many volunteer organizations, nobody wants to step into leadership, and certainly not be President.

A Bold and Thoughtful Decision

After heartfelt discussions, the dedicated Board of Directors decided to close GGBC. We go out on a high note, celebrating nearly 80 years of success.

On April 16, we have a special celebration lunch to honor our legacy. Members, past members, spouses, and friends of GGBC will enjoy a celebration lunch and program at the Marines Memorial Club. They have always looked after us superbly well.

Closing with Gratitude

Am I sad? Absolutely. GGBC has been a significant part of my life since 1976, when I was first invited to speak. However, this is the right time to conclude this incredible journey.

It has been my honor to be part of our remarkable history.

As my brother would say, “GGBC has not stopped. It has completed its mission. This opens the space for what is next.”

Is this the time for you to give up something good? Once you make the decision, everything falls into place.

“To watch how our veteran group of salespeople became involved in your Storytelling to Increase Sales was impressive. We are excited to continue your training with FrippVT Sales.” Jeff Walters, Vice President, North American Sales, Peak-Ryzex

“For my most important speeches, I call Patricia Fripp.” Wanda Hope, Chief Diversity Officer, Johnson & Johnson Worldwide

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Your First Thirty Seconds: Arouse Interest in Your Subject

Imagine you have just thirty seconds to transform a room of strangers into a captivated audience that will hold on to your every word.

This is your moment to make a powerful first impression in any presentation—whether it’s a high-stakes sales presentation to win a training contract, an educational seminar, or a keynote speech to your ideal audience.

I believe your presentation’s opening needs to arouse interest in your subject.

At the beginning of a speech, presentation, seminar, client meeting, report to senior management, sales presentation, or any presentation you deliver, you need to arouse interest in the subject. After all, we stand in the rain to watch a movie. Would you stand in the rain to listen to your presentation?  You have thirty seconds to command the attention of your audience immediately. Please don’t waste it.

Specific speech openings captivate, mystify, and create an emotional bond that keeps an audience riveted to the speaker’s words. 

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Your Actions Speak Loudly

Recently, I received a call from a 90-year-old woman who said, “I bought Chicken Soup for the Soul when it first came out. My children and grandchildren still read it. I wanted you to know that three generations like your story.” Like many of the stories that Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield collected from their friends, these were profound in their simplicity.

My short, simple story was told to me decades ago while jogging with my friend Bobby Lewis in Oklahoma City. I would list it under Honesty, Ethics, and Parenting.

My friend and proud father, Bobby Lewis, took his two little boys to play miniature golf. He asked the attendant, “How much is it to get in?” He replied, “It’s three dollars for you and any kid over six. They get in free if they’re six or younger.”

Bobby said, “Well, Mikey’s three and Jimmy’s seven, so I owe you $6.00.” The attendant looked surprised. “Hey, mister, do you like throwing your money away? You could have told me the big one was only six and saved three bucks. I wouldn’t have known the difference.”

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Hollywood Movie Stars Show Us Lessons in Kindness and Authenticity

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward…as I remember them.

Navigating the glittering world of Hollywood, it’s easy to be dazzled by the spotlight. Yet, some stars shine brightly on and off the screen, teaching us invaluable life lessons. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were such luminaries, exemplifying kindness, authenticity, and the importance of setting one’s values.

A Magnetic Presence

At 23, I entered the pioneering world of men’s hairstyling, working for Jay Sebring, a stylist to the stars. I vividly recall answering the phone to hear Steve McQueen’s voice asking, “Can Jay come race with me tomorrow?”

During the grand opening of our salon, the star-studded event included Jay’s friends and clients Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. When Paul walked in the door, it appeared as if he shone. Paul Newman had a presence so captivating it seemed to light up the room—his charisma was palpable, a true lesson in personal magnetism.

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This is the Perfect Time to Rewrite the Screenplay of Your Life

Lessons from Hollywood  (The first in a series)

Sir Michael Caine, a fellow Brit and iconic movie star, spoke a profound truth: “To be a movie star, you must invent yourself.” This statement echoes through the halls of Hollywood and beyond, demonstrated by legendary figures like Cher, Madonna, and Cary Grant. They crafted personas that captivated audiences worldwide—much like you and I strive to script our lives. I feel I have reinvented the early me. This proves the concept is not reserved for celebrities.

The Act of Creation

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Do You Realize You Can Make Every Conversation an Education?

From a young girl who loved to work in my father’s office during school holidays, I have always been fascinated with business.

The first day I went to work as an apprentice hairdresser, Dad said, “In your career, do not concentrate on making a lot of money. Rather, concentrate on becoming the type of person others WANT to do business with. Then, most likely, you will do very well.”

As I transitioned from men’s hairstyling for ambitious professionals and the movers and shakers in San Francisco’s Financial District, my education increased with each conversation.

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How to Earn Business from Influential People (Without Selling to Them)

As I transitioned from cutting the hair of ambitious professionals and the movers and shakers in San Francisco’s Financial District, I always asked about their business. Their advice helped me, and many stories gave me great content for my earlier presentations on Getting, Keeping and Deserving Your Customers.

Here is one example from long before we had LinkedIn, YouTube, and email. I am sure you agree; the PRINCIPLE is still sound.

John, a successful young financial planner, told me a compelling story demonstrating a powerful approach to building credibility and trust with high-value clients, especially when you are the new contender in a competitive field.

The Journey Begins

John told me, “When I was thirty-three, I transitioned from another industry into my father’s established financial planning firm. Although my father was well-respected, I started from scratch—no personal reputation and no clients.”

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From Styling Hair to Shaping Words: What’s Your Origin Story

My journey into professional speaking and coaching began in an unlikely setting — a bustling salon on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands.

At 18, I worked with experienced stylists from the West End of London, masters of their craft who could whip up hairstyles I had never seen before. However, they thought lunch hours were for eating lunch. Many of our clients were affluent or on vacation and were flexible with their schedules. For me, lunch hours were opportunities to welcome five more clients who worked in the banks and office and did not have other options.

I still remember a pivotal moment when my boss, Mr. Steele, told me, “Patricia, you bring in 30% more income to the salon than the other stylists.”

These colleagues were more seasoned and talented, earning three times my base pay. I asked myself, “Where can tenacity and relentless effort pay off?” The answer seemed clear: the colonies. Every January, I celebrate arriving in America.

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How to Be a Wild Success When You Walk off Stage to Applause

If you want your speech to resonate profoundly and earn enthusiastic applause, remember that success depends on what you say and how confidently and naturally you deliver your message. This means beginning your preparations earlier than you think necessary—the French call this “répétition,” emphasizing the importance of rehearsal.

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Want Expert Advice to Improve Your Public Speaking and Writing?

As an executive speech coach, I often stress to my clients that specificity is the cornerstone of credibility. To communicate effectively, every word must serve a purpose. One common misstep in public speaking and writing is the overuse of conjunctions like “and” or “but” to begin sentences. My English teacher told the class, “Originally intended as a verbal flourish, these conjunctions can overwhelm your message if not used judiciously.” Here’s how a few changes will help you deliver more compelling content. After all, we do not change what we are not aware of.

Better Ways to Begin Sentences

Conjunction Misuse: A Childlike Voice The tendency to start sentences with “and” or “but” can reduce sophisticated discourse to the simplicity of a child’s recount of a day trip: “We visited a dairy farm. And we saw cows. And they milked one of the cows. And we saw an old-fashioned butter churn. And…”

This approach may seem endearing in informal settings, but it lacks professional polish.

Strategic Alternatives to Starting with And/But Here are five refined strategies to replace starting sentences with “and” or “but,” enhancing the flow and impact of your writing:

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