Since we began in business many years ago we had a mantra. Well, we have a few, but one of them being - run to the fire!
The need to take on life's challenges instead of doing what our brain wants us to, withdraw to remain safe.
Our brainstem is where our hardwiring sits, it is programmed for simpler times, to look for danger to avoid it.
I'm a big fan of Richard Branson’s quote - “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”
Three years ago I was fortunate enough to provide a keynote to the United Fire Brigade's Association (volunteer firefighters) conference in Wellington. 600 firefighters in the auditorium and double that online.
Was I nervous, you bet. Standing in the middle of a massive stage looking out into a sea of faces all of whom are staring directly at you waiting to see what you have to say.
I do not remember much of the presentation however, I'm told it went very well and I was invited back for a second year.
That also went well and I was excited and humbled to be asked back for a third year. 2024 was to be different; this year was scarier than any other year - three workshops on Hidden Barriers to Inclusion!
Unconscious bias can be a touchy subject for some. In the back of my mind I knew I could do it yet also in the back of my mind was what could happen if it didn't go well.
How could I cover a difficult topic in a non-confrontational way that would resonate?
A few sleepless nights, a lot of research and relying on personal experiences, the programme began to come together.
The night before delivery was surprisingly relaxing, unlike other nights before a challenging delivery I slept comfortably. That was until 6 am when I had our mild panic attack - are you ready?
Out of bed I get, look through the programme, and make a lot of adjustments. The presentation slides were already loaded so they could not be changed, I will have to introduce the changes from memory.
A few more notes, and a quick final run-through, and there I was standing in front of an auditorium full of firefighters - the photos do not do it justice!
Firefighters are a great bunch of people, volunteering their personal time to help their communities, representatives from each brigade are now at the conference on a weekend when they could be at home.
Following the presentation, many of the audience took time to come up and shake my hand; to tell me how much they enjoyed it - with some asking if I could cover the same topic in their workplace. You bet!
We must all learn to take on challenges for this is where we learn and grow. Yes, it is nerve-racking. Yes, it might go wrong. Yes, you might not achieve what you want to. Yet we should do it nonetheless.
Take that risk in life, take on that challenge, step into the void of uncomfortable.
The greater the challenge, the greater the planning, the greater the preparation, the greater the reward.
Let's talk!
Run To The Fire!