Coming up this week 22 August 2011

Sometimes I even surprise myself at they variety and quantity of things I get up to in a week. Last week was no exception. I started the week in Melbourne. Then I visited the careers advisor to support my daughter in her subject selection for her final years of school. I shared a cooking experience at ‘Our Big Kitchen’ for the launch of our Best Buddies citizens program in Bondi. Sophia was my buddy – we had a good giggle as we tried to keep the pumpkin inside the pastry – and prepare a magnificent lunch – for us all to share. Given that I am all about ‘shared experiences’ volunteering to me is such an extension to what I believe in.

Wednesday I signed the certificates for the Dream Employer winners… and then it was a day of meeting amazing entrepreneurs. One guy with a great concept was looking for a chairman for his board… I was fascinated but I believe that someone with a stronger technology background would be of greater service. Then I attended Head over Heels – and was blown away with the professionalism of the three women ‘pitching’ their start ups – all of them technology plays in the area of retail services. I sat next to another ‘start up’ female – who is about to launch a customized jewelry service.

I left the evening completely inspired by the ingenuity and tenacity of these women – and I felt great because I was able to assist in small ways by connecting them to other people that I know.

Thursday was a RedBalloon board meeting… and then Dexter and I attended as judges of this year’s Voiceless Grants. It is one of the few external meetings that he is able to attend. A delight to review the 50 or more passionate pitches for funding of projects that will improve the well-being of animals. In the evening I attended a RedBalloon directors meeting dinner.

Friday morning (very early) I visited Randwick Racetrack as the guest of Gai Waterhouse – to see her in action with her vast team train the horses. Back at her stables I met her goats (and managed to have myself head butted in the shin by one – now that was an experience.) in addition to the 60 or so horses stabled their – I love learning about other business models. Even as famous as Gai is – you can see how involved she is with her team.

Friday afternoon saw me in Port Douglas presenting to the Telco In A Box franchise conference on ‘a growth story’… I really enjoyed the presentation and participation of the delegates. It’s always wonderful to meet like minded people.

I did also manage to work on new content for presentations, do several press interviews, complete a project in preparation for our 10^th year birthday – and get my emails down to 16.

Life definitely is not boring.

Coming up this week:

Monday: Speaking engagement on the Sunshine Coast at the Raine & Horne  conference

Tuesday: Finalize brief to work with editor on the new book

Wednesday: School concert

Thursday: Melbourne Small Business Victoria speaking engagement

Friday: Sunshine Coast speaking at the Ashdown Ingram conference