Last night was the Gala Dinner for JCI UK National Convention – a flagship event for young leaders and entrepreneurs. Hosted here in London, we were treated to a superb banquet on the Thames, aboard HMS President. Emotions ran high … Continue reading
So, that’s that – World Congress went out with a bang last night. Osaka’s Kyocera Dome is an indoor arena that’s large enough to stage a BASEBALL game. Last night, it was filled instead with white table cloths, the sound … Continue reading
Today, I sat down for a chat with Per Stilling, a super-experienced Trainer from JCI Norway. We discussed issues relating to international training – Per has experience working in 28 countries, all over the world. Just a few hours after … Continue reading
Two people in the professional speaking business for whom I have huge admiration include: Graham Jones (2011 President of the UK Professional Speakers Association) and Darren LaCroix (2001 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking). When it comes to business development, … Continue reading
Well, of all the places I anticipated winding up in during my visit, I never expected this… Our JCI Osaka Conference Organising Committee have clearly got some serious clout. Whether it’s negotiation skills, sponsorship capital or a good ol’ platinum-embossed … Continue reading
Have had the most fantastic day here in Osaka. In the morning, spent some time with Solveig Malvik, President of JCI London and representative for Europe in the JCI World Championship of Public Speaking this afternoon. Unfortunately, due to a … Continue reading
Wow – so, I’ve never seen an entire tuna carved on stage before. Until now. Today marked the official opening ceremony of the 2010 World Congress, complete with: Japanese tap, a first-class cellist, intense traditional drummers plus a health dose … Continue reading
‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’ or so they say. Well today, I ventured into the world of the gourmet sea urchin. Orange. Slithery. And… well, different. Discovering somewhere fabulous that’s off-the-beaten-track is the pot of gold at the end of the … Continue reading
20.15h Osaka. My first ever visit to Japan. Super! Day 1 is just coming to a close, having flown in last night from London, via a brief stopever in Dubai. The purpose of my visit is to attend the 2010 … Continue reading
Saturday 5a.m. – dragged myself out of bed to catch the 6.15am train to Leeds. 9.25a.m. – my cab screeches to a halt outside the Leeds Garforth Holiday Inn. Just in time! I’ve been meaning to visit my Professional Speaking … Continue reading