From the Latin subvenre, this word has come to be know as something you buy at the airport. The Latin translation, though, means to come to mind. And isn’t that what a souvenir is supposed to be: a memory?

Do you have a memory so visceral that when it comes to mind all your senses remember? I have one of those memories, swimming in the Caribbean Ocean during a downpour. Heavy raindrops splash and overpower all voices around me. Ocean water dense with salt floats my body at zero gravity. Saltwater gets in my mouth. Liquid becomes a scent. And, I experience a green-blue illusion of light as if the ocean itself is filling the sky. This is my souvenir from a recent retreat to the Caribbean.

This retreat was special in that it was, among all things, a study of innovation. A small group of us gathered to research and study nature and culture. We painted in journals, read inspired books, and wrote about our observations. We got to know the culture of the place and became friends with locals who were, in their own way, innovating in their environment. We shared our thoughts on the future of business and refilled our spirits with energy. We boarded the plane with enough ideas to fill a cargo ship. I am grateful for this annual event. It is what propels me forward.