I am so fortunate to do what I do. This past month two more experiences reminded me again how wonderful it is to be a professional speaker.  The speaking is only a part of the job satisfaction. I love communicating with audiences, making them laugh, inviting them to reflect, and encouraging them to think. That’s half of the joy. The balance is the opportunity to meet such interesting and diverse people, and to learn about companies and organizations that I would otherwise not encounter.

The Deaf-Blind Coalition of Ontario and Cambrian College invited me to be a guest speaker at their respective events. My experiences are always positive. So, what was particularly special about these two?  Let me start with the Deaf-Blind Coalition.  Sharing the stage with me were two incredibly talented Sign Language Interpreters.  Signers tag-team, each sharing the stage for 10 minute intervals.  Not only were these phenomenal duo instantly interpreting my words – they were interpreting me! They were a reflection of my performance, capturing my style and messages perfectly. I was in awe.  Almost to the point where I wanted to stop speaking and watch them!  They embodied everything I try to encourage my audiences to embrace in their personal and professional lives: passion, focus, spontaneity, teamwork. There was a dinner prior to my presentation so we sat together to get to know each other. They were quick studies and demonstrated a wonderful sense of humour.

Cambrian College in Sudbury is a State of the Art institution.  While I was waiting to receive a tour of the facility, a music student graciously accepted my request for him to play his guitar.  Without hesitation or fanfare he played an emotionally charged classical piece.  The tour was another highlight.  From the training kitchens of the Chef School to the Wabode Aboriginal Centre and it’s with enchanting meditation centre.  I plan to return and enjoy a meal at the Fontaine Bleue operated by the Hotel and Restaurant Management Department, and take a meditation class with the remarkable Debbie Robertson.