Earlier this year, I threw a retirement party for my mentor, Dr. David A. Thomas. For many years,

he was the president of Morehouse College. While there were many official gatherings to commemorate

his time there, I wanted to do something that felt a little more personal, a little more intimate,

just a roomful of people whose lives he touched, letting him know how much we appreciate him.

I knew this event would be special for me and those of us who love him, but I didn't realize

how special it was going to be for him. He sent a beautiful thank you note the next day,

letting me know how much it meant to him. This underscored something I've always known, but that's important to be

reminded of from time to time. It's not the fancy job that makes us feel like we matter. It's the

affirmation we get from people around us. I'm Madupacanola. This is Ted Business, a podcast

from TED. Our speaker today, Jennifer Wallace,

takes the TED stage to remind us that whether you're a caregiver, a mentor to many, or just

anyone in the workplace, it matters to hear you matter. And that recognition comes from all of us.

Then after the talk, I have an ask of you. But first, a quick break.

And now Jennifer Wallace takes the TED stage.

When we think about the most meaningful jobs in the world, firefighters are among the top of the

list, right?

While most of us run from danger, they run straight into it, risking their lives to save

ours.

The impact of their work is undeniable. At least that's what I had always assumed, until I met a firefighter

named Greg, who told me that even firefighters can struggle to see the impact of their work.

Really? How? How can that be? I remember asking Greg. And he explained with a story.

When he was a rookie, he and his crew were called to a horrific car wreck. A woman was trapped inside.

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