I love Ted Talks. If you have heard of Shonda Rhimes ted talk about “My year of saying yes to everything”. Well there is a lesson a number of lessons in that talk. But I’m talking about the essence of the talk. One morning, approx. 6 weeks ago, sitting unassuming at my desk I take a call from an unknown number. Its employee comms and I’m caught off guard as they mention I’ve been nominated to host the annual awards black tie gala for the company. Wait, what am I meant to do? “Oh, entertain the crowd, bring your best. It’s a production, something like last year, so you’ll do it? It’s a big secret so don’t tell anyone”. Uhh, wait – I didn’t go last year…. Ummm ok. And so it began. I’ve spoken about the event in previous blogs but this was the day of the reckoning. The culmination of 6 weeks of keeping a secret (which proved very awkward towards the end), and choreographing a dance and song routine as well as practicing lines.
It’s the day of, and my excitement abounds. I’m writing meeting agendas and hosting meetings with a diminished enthusiasm as I start to stress about the looming sound check and dress rehearsal at Vic Park in a few hours (of course which I also have to sneak out for and keep secret). Hair – check. Makeup – check. Ball gown – check. My self-doubt kicks in and starts driving. Until I realise it’s me who has control. A few moments overwhelm me, but then it’s back to business as usual to be in control.
The night arrives and for all the preparation I’m still nervous. Though I take it as a notch in my belt and own the experience. I mingle with the crowd at pre dinner drinks, wondering with them who the illustrious host will be. I peel away from the crowd as everyone is being seated and then on cue, I enter the room to applause. I know then – it’s about being present and taking control. And that I did. The formalities were just that – and the after party – well, that’s a different blog all together.
The Board Mum 