Happy Halloween! With this holiday, it feels only fitting to talk about vampires—particularly the ones that don’t just suck your blood but your energy.
A few weeks ago, during my West Coast BlindSighted book tour, I had a management metaphor experience that truly brought this concept to life. While enjoying a pleasant lunch with a dear friend, an older gentleman, likely in his 80s, sat on a nearby planter box, inserting himself right in the middle of our conversation.
At first glance, we thought he might be experiencing homelessness, but as we talked briefly, we discovered he was far from it. He owned real estate all over the country, had founded a major company, and has a wife in her 30s and six-year-old twins.
Though at first his presence seemed harmless, I quickly realized something darker was going on. This man wasn’t just interrupting us—he was draining the very energy from our souls. It felt surreal, almost like a dream, watching this “energy vampire” at work. He dominated the conversation, leeching our energy just like a vampire would suck blood.
Even the waitstaff, while politely accommodating his presence (likely because of his wealth), sensed the same drain. Just like I avoid and tiptoe around the creepy crawlers at Halloween, so were the waitstaff in the restaurant, careful not to be caught in his energy-draining web.
I politely suggested to my companion that it was time for us to leave.
Just like vampires suck blood, there are people who will completely drain your energy if you’re not careful. My dear friend and Legado Family co-founder, Scott Ford, has a powerful mantra: “Batteries included.” It means we all bring our own energy to the table.
I won’t suck on or drain your batteries, and I won’t fritz or short-circuit them either—and you’re not allowed to do so to mine. This isn’t just an idea—it’s part of the culture we’ve built. We respect each other’s energy and protect our own.
It’s a profound lesson: just as you wouldn’t let someone pickpocket your money, don’t let anyone steal your life force. Watch for it, guard your energy, and I promise, your life will be richer, more joyful, and full of the energy you want to share with the people who matter most.
All my best,
Rich
P.S. If your family dynamics feel a little frightening, check out the Legado Family program!
