When I Give a Talk to An Empty Room, It's Frustrating, and Even Embarrassing. But Here's What It Means If Your Career Isn't 'There Yet.' The real problem isn't the empty rooms.

You're trying to get somewhere. But you're not there yet.

That is frustrating. And worse, it's embarrassing. You've worked hard. You've traveled far. And you think: I should be there by now — so why am I not?