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Published: March 9th 2015
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And another beautiful, sunny morning in Johannesburg – hello, everyone!
Today is a special day and one that is so near and dear to my heart. It is International Women’s Day and I am participating in the Global Mentoring Walk. What an honor. What a thrill – and, again, another activity so in alignment with my WHY!
Let me share the story of how this came about – because I want my clients and other entrepreneurs to understand the power of relationships, networking and asking for what you want – skills I have mastered and which I use for the greater good.
When I was invited to join Suzanne Evans and Sandy Salle on the Give Movement Journey 2015, I was more than happy to return for the 2
nd time. I know that one of the core values of this project is commitment and follow up – so, count me in! I also knew, however, that since I have been to Africa 5x already, I didn’t want to come all this way for just 5 days nor did I want to plan for another safari or two. So, I asked Sandy (who
is from Zimbabwe, now living in Charlotte, USA) to make some email introductions for me to other business people in Zimbabwe so I could arrange some speaking and networking opportunities. (Biz Tip #1: ask for what you want!)
Sandy is such a dear that she quickly said yes and began the email introductions. I told her I would take it from there and I did. (Biz tip #2: do your follow up!) There was a flurry of emails and, before long, I ended up connected with Naomi who then connected me with Hema Vallabh (
http://www.thepassionateprofessional.com) – and that’s where it all started to come together.
Hema has organized the Global Mentoring Walk on International Women’s Day for 3 years now and she invited me, first of all, to participate in that event- young women actually apply to participate in this event and be matched with business mentors. I was invited to participate as a business mentor and am so very happy that I did. The day was fantastic – there were _____________ women in the room yesterday morning. You could feel the energy in the air! Powerful! I was paired with 2 young women
– and the expectation then was to go for a walk, connect, communicate and decide whether or not ‘this pairing’ would be a success for all parties. I walked with my 2 young mentees and we were soon approached by the TV reporter on site – and were interviewed for South African TV. Hema also incorporated a speed mentoring activity in the morning so that each mentee would have an opportunity to move from table to table to have 5 minutes with the other mentors in the room. Brilliant, and very well received by all. Some of the other mentors included:
Alta McMaster, Founder, EPIC Foundation
Deborah Dugan, CEO, (RED) (formerly President of Disney Publishing Worldwide)
Cathy Steen, Senior Vice-President for Business Development, Belvedere Vodka
Gina Mostert, Founder, Inovizion
Sneha Shah, Head of Financial and Risk – Africa, Thomson Reuters
Kathleen Matthews, Executive Vice President, Marriot International Inc.
Mireille Karera, Founder and Managing Director, KORA Associates (Dubai)
Naomi Estment, Co-owner, Outdoor video and Photographic
Sipho Moyo, Executive for Africa, ONE
Vanessa Perumal, Owner, JT Communications Solutions
And so many more! (Biz tip #3: You become the average
of the 5 people you spend time with! Take a look at your circle – some of those people need to go!) – too many to list here. Very impressive. Very committed. Very passionate individuals! I was honored and humbled to be part of this impressive group of Mentors. (Thank you, Hema!)
Now to really bring on home the key point that it is a small world, and we are more alike than different – I had women approach me at that event saying they were looking forward to meeting me because of our common bond – Lou Tice, and the Pacific Institute. Like, really???? Oh my goodness – my heart skipped a beat.....and more tears! For those of you who know me at all know that I was involved with the Pacific Institute, worked with and mentored by Lou Tice, directly for 10 years in the ‘90’s and then indirectly for the following 5 years. The connections and relationships continue to this day with JoLove Beach, Jeanne Underwood, Sheila Cloyd………. I was so excited to meet these women (Deshun Deysel and Gina Mostert) and share experiences. The curriculum of the Pacific Institute changes lives – it did mine,
and their stories were similar.
There was a lot of sharing going on in that room, a lot of great conversations happening out and around the grounds as mentors/mentees went walking – and that continued back into the room as we had lunch. It takes a certain special kind of woman to pull this together – to hold the vision – to ask for what she wants and needs to make it happen. Hema is that kind of young woman.
At that event, I also met one of Hema’s mentors – Eugenie Drakes. She offered to take me on a driving tour of Johannesburg since she has lived here all her life. With a mini detour to stop and pay a quick visit to her young grand-child, we enjoyed the drive and the conversation. (and it’s always fun to have an opportunity to get inside the home of local residents – I love that!)
Then it was back to the hotel for me because I was running out of steam. The Peech Boutique Hotel is amazing – comfortable, first class, quality, peaceful, and safe (for a female professional travelling on her own) –
http://www.ThePeech.co.za)
And then there's the story of my craving for some really good chocolate - to end the day. I asked Oscar, at reception, if they had any really good, dark, solid chocolate on the property - anywhere, of any kind. He said no, but he knew where he could get some. The young gal at reception explained he runs errands for guests all the time - and he knew where to find the chocolate. So I handed over some money - and he was off and running. He came back, proud as could be and handed me ..........chocolate .........see photo below for what they 'dub' the good, South African, dark chocolate. I couldn't help but laugh. His heart was certainly in the right place. And I ate it with gratitude anyway, LOL.
I have taken lots of photos of the grounds, the food, the room, etc – and will most definitely be posting on Trip Advisor. This place is a gem. Thank you, Sandy, for taking such great care of me.
I enjoyed the quiet time back in my room and ended the evening with Skype chats with two of my very best friends – Louann in Edmonton
and Wanda in London (ON). Technology is amazing when it works! And I appreciated the connection.
Bottom line is that we are all connected – and, through this blog, I have felt the connection to you. Please keep posting your notes, comments, messages and emails. I love to hear what is impacting you from the stories and photos.
Thanks for being here – time for bed, sweet dreams and another special day ahead tomorrow.
Happy Pat J
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Lorraine
non-member comment
Following with Interest
Hi Pat: Really enjoying following along on your adventures. Sounds like you are having a great time, meeting great people and doing great work. Proud of you and of being one of your friends in your long list of great friends.