Some weeks ago I shared my challenges in preparing for a presentation for the TEDx Darling Harbor event. I ended up delivering what was on my mind – what drives my, that is what I want to change. The presentation could be no more than 18 minutes, (which is a challenge in itself) and also needed to be the first time presented (so if you have ever seen me speak – this content you have not seen before). Effectively the…
Category Archives: Gift Experiences
An Amazing Experience
This is my ninth RedBalloon Christmas… And so far it has been the most exhilarating. The numbers are way up on last year. All the planning, preparation and investment means that things seem to be going smoothly. No chaos. The team has it all in hand. We are so much bigger now that there are people to do all the right things at all the right times. Our retail locations, at Myer, Target, Dymocks and Westfield Bondi and Chatswood are…
Slow down and listen
I recently was looking at an article from Ichak Adizes who commented on the speed of life: ‘I am discovering new addictions as technology advances to “serve” me, and I became aware that I am increasingly losing control over my life. There is a Zen story that illuminates this point: A peasant walks down the road holding a rope in his hand. At the other end of the rope a cow is tied. “Why do you allow the cow to…
So close yet you think you are so far away…
I took a few days out to practice what I preach. It is okay to have a good time in business. In fact I think it is essential to have time to think and be creative. I thought I would share the three experiences that I did this week. ——– I love the Australian Bush – and to have such a wilderness so close to Sydney is simply amazing. Both my teenage daughter and I love to ride. It is…
Looking after the ‘lucky country’
I have been visiting a number of the RedBalloon experience suppliers (many of whom are small enterprises)– meeting with them first hand to get a good understanding of how business is tracking and what is going on in their businesses. I’ve discovered unanimously that they are all of one mind, that is, as times look increasingly uncertain, more than ever businesses need to reinforce the great relationships that they have. Whether that is with employees, customers, distributors, suppliers or other…
What Jungle Surfing really is..
I’ve taken some time off during school holidays. To be with the family… but of course I cannot help being the ‘chief experience officer’ even on holidays… So I tried some of our more unique experiences in Far North Queensland. Some of the most delightful experiences is those that are unexpected. Jungle Surfing is one of those RedBalloon only offers Jungle Surfing in one location… Cape Tribulation – Infact it might be the only place it is offered in the…
Research results on source of happiness
Embedded video from CNN Video
And the winner is….
This is the winning entry for the movie category of the Sneaky Awards – See complete story on Employer Branding blog post below.
Imagine running a business based on fun - that's what I decided to try when I left a very serious corporate career in marketing to set up RedBalloon...
Bucket List review time
Some years ago I wrote my first dream catcher list (bucket list) – A place to note all the things I wanted to do, be or even have during my life time. (Each RedBallooner is encouraged to share their dream catcher list with us too). Some of my dreams are more attainable than others (like belly laugh with my kids every day – this is very possible versus trek the Inca Trail – will take far more preparation). One of…