Over the past two years, I have been to places that never previously would have been on my priority list, due to busy business and personal schedules. In doing so, I met the most extraordinary people from all over the world, coming together in Portugal, Germany, Israel, and Peru. I would love to share the latest story, which was the icing on the cake for me.
I was going through tough personal and business times last year. Even though my forum helped me a lot to stay sane and objective, I was on the verge of leaving it all behind (family, business, EO board, country), and going to some deserted island to just put my head in the sand. But, when you put your head in the sand, your rear-end sticks out! That is clearly not a solution for people like us.
Reach the peak
Instead, after a long time of convincing myself to let go of full control in my already struggling business and personal life, I decided to take a sabbatical. I registered for the EO Leadership Academy in Peru – a new chapter just being launched. Why not climb Machu Picchu and see Latin America, maybe stay and travel for a year?
What happened next was that, without planning, I ended up emerging into the EO culture of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. I lived together with amazing local EO families, attended local events, visited cocoa and flower plantations, and more. I learned how the people live and think, how businesses strive and struggle, brainstormed new business ideas, discussed issues and realized that we all share similar life and business challenges.
“I also learned that, within EO, you can talk about absolutely anything, no matter where in the world you are. The moment you land, you are welcomed as part of the chapter and family”
I also learned that, within EO, you can talk about absolutely anything, no matter where in the world you are. The moment you land, you are welcomed as part of the chapter and family. Unconditional love and acceptance, no questions asked. It is so enriching and valuable. Every person I met can count on my eternal support and friendship. We all share the same values and language, the intention to learn and grow, to be better and do better.
The high point was the Regional Leadership Academy, held in Peru by Warren Rustand and George Gan from EO Malaysia. Words can’t describe what we experienced together in the group of 30 people, from Mexico, Brazil, the US, Russia, Indonesia, South Africa, Malaysia and elsewhere, that became my extended family. It was intense on all levels – physical, spiritual, intellectual. We cried, we laughed, we challenged each other’s and our own conceptions of life, relationships, business, leadership, and future. We thought about our true potential, our contribution, our lasting legacy, to be a better version of ourselves.
Difference by designI
came back a new me, wanting to make a bigger difference, because I can. I got so inspired that I decided to bring the same experience beyond the EO leadership team, to motivate leaders in Europe to be as open as we are at EO and maybe join our great EO community. With this in mind, I am launching a new venture, Life by Design Academy, with the aim of helping people achieve better versions of themselves and making a greater difference, because they can.
And so can you! I urge you to join EO’s international community, go to the next regional or global event, call a member in the next country you travel to, just because you can. I promise you, it will enrich your life and your business!
