I first met Dave Ramsey in the early 1990s. At the time, he was the co-host of a local radio show called, The Money Game. He had also self-published a book called Financial Peace, which was later picked up by Viking and became a New York Times bestseller.

I had the privilege of working with Dave on the launch of his book, The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness. It become a mega-bestseller, selling over four million copies since it first came out in 2003. In fact, month after month, it is still one of Thomas Nelson’s top ten bestsellers. It is the first book that I recommend to couple’s wanting to get control of their finances and improve their marriage.

If you have read my blog for more than a few months, you know I love the Catalyst Conferences. I have spoken at the last six in a row. I’ll be speaking again at the Atlanta conference, which will be held on October 5–7, 2011.

The Atlanta conference is Catalyst’s biggest one. More than 13,000 next generation leaders will attend. It always sells out. (If you have ever been, you know why.) If you haven’t registered, you can do so between now and Friday, June 17th and get 38% off the regular ticket price. I’ll tell you how at the end of this post.

Admittedly, I am a conference junkie. Thankfully, attending conferences, discovering new speakers, and raising the visibility of my company is part of my job as CEO of a book publishing and live events business.

But that doesn’t mean I’m not selective. I pass on nine conferences for every one I attend. I can’t attend all of them, but I want to make sure I attend the best, most stimulating ones. That’s why The Chick-fil-A Leadercast is on my short list of can’t-miss events.

Yesterday was another incredible day at a The Catalyst Conference in Atlanta. We heard from Priscilla Shirer, Dave Ramsey, Chuck Swindoll, Louie Giglio, Margaret Feinberg, and Andy Stanley. I also spoke at Backstage Leadership’s luncheon event. Greg Darley, the CEO, interviewed me and then we took questions from the audience on life and leadership.

If there is one thing great leaders know, it is how to lead themselves. This is especially important in turbulent times. If you can’t lead yourself—and keep your own batteries charged—you can’t lead others.

That’s why I am attending The Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, October 7–9. In a moment, I’ll tell you how you can attend too and get an exclusive 28% discount—but only for the next 48 hours.