In the middle of the night, I woke up. I had arrived in Atlanta late yesterday and made the fatal mistake of going to sleep early. Mostly because I felt the need to be fresh today.
It’s so much easier sitting on the sideline and yelling out instructions or throwing out accolades or abuse when someone gets it right or wrong, but to be the main player, it has some significant hurdles.
An extraordinary thing happened yesterday. I saw someone through their eyes. Their vulnerability, insecurities, hopes and dreams - and their next move will define them more than they realise.
After being one of hundreds at a Jewish wedding yesterday, I couldn't help but think about life and the meaning of what I am doing now and in the future.
For 44 years, life has been remarkably smooth sailing. I have experienced a lot, none of which I would change, and I have accomplished more than I dreamed of doing. The experiences not only make you stronger, more resilient and grateful, they shape who you are and continue to become.
Don't let anyone tell you how you should live your life. Remember it's YOUR life. I just can't stop thinking about my life, where I am going, and what I want to be doing.
The first 30 days of any decision to make major changes in your life always comes with challenges. As habitual creatures, we tend to do the same things day-in, day-out, and that habit is hard to break.
Many of us make new years resolutions, and few follow them. Me included - well, kind of. I usually make one's that are easy to follow, and never add things like; be healthy, drink less, or go to the gym. In short, I rarely set myself up for failure.
I woke up this morning and hopped in my car with a colleague and my niece, and headed for the beach. I felt good. In fact, I felt great. The sun was already blistering hot and after a cold winter in Melbourne, I was soaking up every bit of warmth that Sydney has to offer.
With so much to do today, I decided that I would spend the morning changing things up. That meant the Bondi to Bronte walk, followed by breakfast at Indigo Double Bay and then a trip to the office. I wanted to pinch myself. A healthy start to the day, sunshine and my favourite city in the world, was making me deliriously happy.
I've had the month from hell - in a good way. Each morning I wake at 4am and I do social media for a client for the first hour, then connect with the US for the next hour - all before hopping in the shower.
Like many other's, I have been reading bits and pieces on the Harvey Weinstein scandal and I have to say, that it's great that things like this have come to light. However, he is by far not the only person, and not the last to use his power and influence to get what he wants.
When I grew up, my parents taught me wrong from right. They also empowered me to never put myself in a situation where I would be uncomfortable or in danger.
As I embarked on a career, there were times when men of power would 'hit onto me'. From sending me gifts, to outwardly touching my behind or leg. I was given a room key from a television station manager in front of others at a bar, and another time a celebrity from the station followed my taxi back to my apartment. At no stage did I feel like I was not in control or didn't have the ability to say no. The room key, went straight in the bin, never to be discussed again. In fact, I never thought about it again. Likewise, when the taxi stopped I ran up to my apartment and locked the door. He didn't know my apartment number (of course, because he had never been there), and I felt safe as I was at home.
There comes a turning point in life where you ask yourself: "Is this the best way to spend my life?"
If the answer to this question is "I don't know" or "I don't think so" then it's time to make a few changes.
Everybody dies, but not everybody truly lives is a statement that many of us should have posted everywhere around our offices and homes. Working is not living. While we may get a thrill out of the next deal or feel accomplished by achieving something we set out to achieve, it's not what defines us. It's not what is going to ultimately make us happy.
Sitting at my desk that overlooks the Sydney city skyline and harbour, I often look out and cannot appreciate more just how fortunate I am.
I work with immensely talented people, who put their heart and soul into their jobs. I mentor people that are not only appreciative, but really good people. I am mentored by what I consider the best of the best, although I don't always think so when I am 'wrapped over the knuckles' usually because my focus is on the 'new shiny toy' and they don't want me taking my eye off the ball.
The Liberal Party has firmly lost my vote. The fact that they think it is ok to throw away $122 million on a plebiscite postal ABS vote is attrocious. We voted you in to make decisions, not sit on the fence and waste our tax payer money.
