Friendship via Connection

Back in November 2018 I was honoured beyond belief to speak at my first conference in Vienna. Both the months leading up to and after the event were a whirlwind of new learnings, being brave and standing in my truth. 

The excitement of preparing for the conference and my trip to Vienna was elevated by all the connections I would make and people I would meet. 

During this time, I worked at Coca Cola European Partners. The conference brought attendees from all around the world. Such a diverse range of organisations, cultures and backgrounds. Within this deep richness of attendees was Varinder Gharial from PepsiCo International. From the moment I first heard Varinder speak in the audience I could never have known that she would become, not only a connection, networker, influencer but a friend.

There is a powerful authentic connection that binds us, connects us and grounds us as humans. Reaching out, having a conversation, meeting face to face and honestly, deeply wanting to support one another at any level. This has nothing to do with whether you have Coke – red and Pepsi - blue running through your veins. It is an authentic best practice that colour or creed cannot change. 

This is what happened between Varinder and I. Through our desire to connect, learn and share we forged a friendship. To listen, to really listen and hear someone is an honour. To be in a place where someone feels they can truly share and be authentic is ‘respect’. Varinder found herself on a career journey, a transition from PepsiCo International. I was grateful to play a part, giving her hope to succeed in an environment that I knew she was strong in. I am now elated to share Varinder has reached her destination and her new role with Virgin Media. 

I was utterly overwhelmed to receive such a thoughtful card and gift from Varinder. A token of appreciation in such an elegant manner solidified not only our friendship but our desire to continue to support one another and those around us.

Through hope, clarity, a little luck and kindness we have the ability to elevate. Through the gift of giving, we ourselves receive so very much more in return. As Oprah quotes “Newton’s third law of motion– for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”.

So where possible stop, listen, show respect for one another not only in your profession but throughout all areas of your life. Where you can make a difference, do it! You cannot know the power of authentic caring and listening.