8 things I learnt @PRAXIS8

I have had the pleasure of attending all 8 editions. Amith tells me that there are 18 of us who are part of this 8 year old gang. It’s been a lovely journey.

As I sat in the flight, looking back over the last 48 hours I thought why not capture my reflections. So here goes…

1. Mental health matters. #UnmuteYourself was a message that I hear loud and clear during the masterclass on mental health by Dr. Samir Parikh of Fortis. We owe it to ourselves and our organisation to respect and talk about mental health in the workplace.  Create SISA spaces (Safe, Inclusive, Self-Affirming) to have honest conversations. I loved the reminder that when we go for what’s called an annual health check-up. We are only doing a physical check. What about mental? Who is going to help check up on what’s going on up there ? We need to talk about it openly. If you are a leader of a team and you are reading this, please think about what you can do to ensure your people feel comfortable talking about what is normally a taboo subject in the office environment.
2. All rivers lead to the ocean. We are part of that same waterbody. We can either carry pollution downstream or we can carry purity. It’s how we approach life. Our attitude we carry with us. Whichever firm, company or brand we represent. We together represent the fraternity and each drop makes the ocean. So a good reminder that we should drop our egos at the door and embrace a learners mindset. Do the right thing. Things turn out right.
3. Don’t compare. Which PRAXIS was best? Each was unique. I am privileged to have been able to be part of this industry and this gathering. I remind myself as I see the ebb and flow of this motley crew that comes together every year. Don’t compare. Be grateful for every new experience. Embrace it. Don’t compare. 
4. Real conversations don’t happen on stage. They happen around the stage. Don’t get me wrong, the stage is important. You need to show up. Be there. Applaud those on stage. Learn from them. And while the main act is going on, if you are listening and lucky you get to connect with people around you in different stages of inebriation. Barriers go down. Honesty goes up. But you have to be there. In the spotlight or on the side-lines does not matter. Be there.
5. Bigger groups make smaller groups. As the size of PRAXIS has grown, the diversity has grown but the inclusion has gone down. There are different gangs. The early days when the size was small I met more people that I did not know. Strangely the larger the numbers get the smaller groups start having their own fun. Their own parties. Their own meetings. So it’s a meeting of the industry’s best minds but ‘mind it’ you better not be seen taking a dip in the wrong talent pool. Unless of course you are a master PR strategist and you want to get some good old fashioned gossip going J.
6. Purpose driven PR. Trust was the theme of this year’s conference. We hear a lot about purpose and how selfless service builds trust. The team that organises PRAXIS makes it all look so effortless. Service with a smile. Attention to detail. Here a small team shows what a big and powerful force they can be when driven by something they passionately believe in. One of the most unique things about this event is that it was born on the shoulders of young talent that come together cutting across organisational and geographic boundaries. That’s why people trusted that there was no agenda being driven. May your energy be the baton that is passed down to future generations of PR professionals. #KeepTheTrust. 
7. Have Fun. Don’t take life or yourself to seriously. Thanks to each and every one who has made my road to PRAXIS possible. I’m trying to have more fun and practice what I preach.
8. A couple @praxis feels perfect. Single maybe more ready to mingle but a double is better. I have enjoyed 6 of the 8 with my better half. Two I have navigated on my own. Partied harder. Talked more. Met more people when I was alone. As a Jodi, I had more meaningful conversations. Shared more moments that mattered and explored the cities we were visiting. As a good friend of ours tweeted “@ddey67 met @deydreaming yesterday, he looked incomplete without you by his side ?? i missed seeing you.” So I am completely looking forward to #PRAXIS9 in Wifey’s home city – Kolkata, here we come.