I've got a story for you that'll make your Wednesday a little weirder (in the best possible way).

Newark Airport, March 7, 2025. A Pennsylvania man is making his way through security, probably doing that awkward shuffle we all do - shoes in one bin, laptop in another, dignity somewhere back at the check-in counter.

The body scanner beeps. There's something... unusual... in his pants.

Now, I've set off my fair share of metal detectors (the goggles contain more technology than most people suspect), but what happened next is a masterclass in unexpected revelations.

The TSA agent performs a pat-down and discovers... a LIVE TURTLE wrapped in a blue towel.

Y'all. A TURTLE. IN HIS PANTS.

The man casually identified it as a red-ear slider, as if carrying reptiles in your undergarments is a totally normal Tuesday activity.

*It's hard to know who was more surprised - the TSA agent or the turtle.*

I had a really great laugh when I read this, but then something clicked in my brain. This turtle smuggler wasn't just breaking TSA regulations - he was demonstrating one of the most fundamental truths about human nature.

He thought he had all the answers. He didn't need input from TSA, airport authorities, or even the turtle itself. He had his plan, and by golly, he was sticking to it - until a body scanner and an uncomfortable pat-down intervened.

How often do we do the exact same thing in our businesses?

We craft the perfect plan, design the perfect system, create the perfect offering... all without involving the very people we're supposedly serving.

Your people are your superpower. The real magic happens when you stop trying to smuggle your brilliant ideas past them and instead invite them into the creation process from the beginning.

And it's a sure way to go from feeling like you're shouting into a black hole to really connecting with your audience.

Think about it - what if our turtle enthusiast had simply researched proper pet transport methods? What if he'd checked with the airline about their animal policies? What if he'd considered the turtle's comfort and safety needs?

*Research scrolls: 3 copper pieces. Avoiding TSA interrogation: priceless.*

He might have discovered there are legitimate ways to travel with small pets. He certainly would have avoided missing his flight while being escorted away by Port Authority Police.

The same principle applies to your business:

When you involve your audience in creation processes, they become invested
When you listen to community input, you build something they actually want
When you amplify audience voices, you create ambassadors instead of just customers

So let me ask you this: Where in your business are you trying to smuggle turtles through security? What project or offering might benefit from bringing your audience into the creation process?

🐢 The TSA Agent, The Traveler, and The Turtle-Shaped Truth