3 things I learnt at TEDxPerth

W hat comes to mind when you hear the word philanthropy? Who do you think of? Bill Gates, Oprah or even Andrew Forrest? What do all these people have in common? Yes they are all very wealthy, very well known business leaders. Without a doubt, their giving is inspiring…but it can also make you feel that only certain people can be a philanthropist. What if I told you that you didn’t have to be rich and famous to be a philanthropist?

This was the beginning of my TEDxPerth talk on the 11th November in front of 1500 people at the Perth Concert Hall. I spoke about the power that everyone has to be a philanthropist. If you want to hear more about philanthropy, network with some exceptional leaders and enjoy a fabulous night, I really encourage you to attend the 100 Women Gala night on this Wednesday. Come discover a different way to be a philanthropist!

The process of presenting at TEDxPerth reminded me of three very important ideas about leadership.

1. Feel the fear and do it anyway

Everyone feels fear, nerves and anxiety and it takes courage to put yourself out there and try new things. How often do we truly put ourselves in the position to stretch, be challenged and grow? Get comfort with the uncomfortable and watch your learning skyrocket. What unfamiliar situations can you put yourself in to broaden your knowledge and skills? For me it’s about moving out of my own ego about what others might think of me and into a mindset of service – how can I serve this audience in the best way possible.

Situations: What are you challenging yourself to do next?

2. It takes a village

Leadership is not an individual sport. The support I received from a whole range of people to help me present for 11 – 12 minutes was massive. Quite simply, I couldn’t have done it without them. From the TEDxPerth team to my own family, friends and colleagues, the people you surround yourself with make a huge difference. It makes me utterly grateful for the support networks that I have and a reminder to keep fostering the relationships around you.

Support: Who is your support network?

3. Ideas and Action

The process of distilling an idea into 11 – 12 minutes is a challenging yet rewarding journey. What is the essence of this idea? How will I communicate this? What are my strengths in communicating this? What is absolutely necessary to the message and what can I cut? Communication of ideas is a key part of the role of a leader.

For me personally, it’s not just about the ideas but the action too. An idea is just a dream until you put it into action. The revolutionaries are those who put ideas into action.

Significance: How are you acting on your ideas?

Thank you for all your support!

Are you investing in you? What are you doing week in, week out to demonstrate it?

Those who invest in themselves believe they are worth the investment and most often see the return on investment. In my experience I often see a snowball effect happen too when you put yourself out there, more opportunities and connections present themselves.

It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.
Leonardo da Vinci

Yes, you’ve got to go out and make it happen! Here are 5 key investments leaders make to step up.

1. Goals, aspirations and reflection

What do you want to do, see, achieve or contribute to? Setting meaningful goals takes time and reflection. So when are you doing this on a regular basis? What are you doing to inspire yourself on a regular basis? Take yourself out of your comfort zone, be bold and aspire to be better. What do you do to get the creative juices flowing so you feel energetic as well as feeling centred, calm and in flow?

2. Relationships

Are you developing key relationships with those who inspire, support and challenge you? I always think of my relationships on three levels – mentors, masterminds and mates. Who are the mentors pushing and challenging my thinking? Who are my masterminds who are inspiring and supporting me on a regular basis? And who are my mates who keep me sane, make me laugh and help me be the best I can be?

3. Education and experiences

What courses or programs are you investing in to stretching and challenging you? What books are you reading to broaden your perspective and understanding? There is a whole world out there! Explore the myriad of learning opportunities including courses like Board Ignition!

4. Health and happiness

Are you eating right? Or do you let convenience win? Do you put aside time for exercise, mindfulness and play? This all contributes to you being your best. W[hat can you do to level up? Who can you surround yourself with to help you level up with your health and happiness? What goal could you set to motivate you to improve your health?

5. Confidence and courage

Do have confidence in yourself? Do you lead with courage? What times do you feel invincible and how can you cultivate these feelings? Investing in mindsets that lead to achievement is integral. Do you regularly stretch with mini challenges to build your courage and confidence?

How will you put this into action this week?

Archives for November 2017