On a fine bright day and in the presence of an encouragingly large attendance (approximately half of whom were guests) we welcomed Michelle Ray as our guest speaker. Her topic was “Lead Yourself First! Indispensable Lessons in Business and in Life”. She made a dramatic entrance and then led a conversation about how each listener coped with the past COVID years, particularly their individual achievements during that time. One is unsure as to how many were able to enunciate their accomplishments: a number of quizzical silences occurred, especially between spouses! But, as she recounted, there were many businesses that were able to find not only ways to survive, but to thrive. How is this done? And how might we emulate their approach?
She offered encouragement and advice from her own experience overcoming career. She encouraged us to master our own personal destiny. She used revealing stories on how to turn self-doubt into self mastery.
How do we get the life we want? What stops us from taking chances, why do we often give up on ourselves and our dreams? These are all questions she helped us explore. In moments of truth and abrupt change, like those we experienced during the last few years, we could choose, consciously or unconsciously to be a victim, a survivor or a ‘thriver’. Is our comfort zone actually comfortable? Do we need a new perspective … a new direction? Do we need extra courage or do we just have to let go of fear? These are the questions Michelle asked us to ask ourselves.
Michelle’s presentation was both entertaining and enlightening as evidenced by the lively conversation and the many people who took away an autographed copy of Michelle’s book.
We thank Michelle’s generosity for speaking without a fee and as a favour to her friend and admirer, our Rotarian member: Elena Murguci.
We also thank the chef and staff of the Arbutus Private Members’ Club for the excellent dining experience and service.