At lunchtime on the 1st of December 2022, Mark Littlepage and I had the absolute pleasure of joining 20 ladies at Upper Reach Winery for the District32 December Ladies Lunch. We heard from Kirsty Graham as she spoke on how to create better photographic outcomes in social media – maximising the technology in our phones.
Our little stunt started as a joke but quickly turned into a broader discussion around the three areas of business (and personal growth) affected by our mindset and influence our personal brands. In the lead-up to the event, and during the event itself, we spoke about what we need to do to get access to areas that we find hard to access, how we need to change the parameters to access those areas, and how to overcome our limitations along the way.
Having a Ladies’ Day is a great idea, and (in the interest of full disclosure, I’m a little disappointed that there aren’t similar men’s events) – but to the point. The discussion about the ladies’ day became one of ‘What constitutes being a lady in this situation? Humourous side note from the gallery that a lady is graceful and calm and that we would never qualify … cue canned laughter. In this situation, Lorraine Garvie, CEO of District32 said that Ladies had to wear a skirt/dress. Cue canned laughter as the boys in the room almost universally replied, “challenge accepted”! What followed in the days and months after was a commitment NOT to go in Drag. Instead we decided to go respectfully, with business attire – but not in trousers.
So what to wear … the photos show you – my Fijian pocket Sulu and Marks Balinese sarong. And although not entirely successful in looking as good as they do, it serves to remind us how much work the women of this group put into their appearance – they all looked fabulous! Side note: Do we judge on appearance no matter how wrong it may be? Certainly, we do – but I’m glad I was able to be the ugly duckling in a lake of graceful swans.
So the initial band of brothers numbered 5, but in the end it was the 2 of us to challenge our own limitations and stand up to be counted to the delight of the ladies. And what a relief – prior, there was some talk of us perhaps being criticised and unwelcome, yet there was none of that. Several conversations centred around people allowing others to see you a little vulnerable – meaning they had permission to do so themselves, which means more honest relationships.
Information Technology is all about relationships and I am so glad to have ventured out. I’m very appreciative to my wingman and great friend Mark Littlepage, thankful for Lorraine Garvie (and some other co-conspirators) of District32 and most of all grateful to the District32 ladies for their kind welcome and warmth.
Next time? Probably not … but the seal has been broken. Where next? Who knows – but one thing stands clear: share your growth stories to inspire others.
