Living the Dream? My Journey as CEO of Kruger Cowne
They say that when you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Well, as the CEO of Kruger Cowne Limited, I can confirm the truth in that statement. Working alongside iconic talent like Sir Bob Geldof, Elle Macpherson, Dave Stewart, Cher, and many others has been an incredible rollercoaster of an adventure. Let me share with you just some of the difficulties, frustrations, and the immense fun of working and traveling overseas with Kruger Cowne's legendary talent.
Jet-Setting - Jet-Lagging?
The biggest pain ever associated with mega travel – jet lag. I've become somewhat of an expert in managing this. I think I ma now immune. The answer is not to stay anywhere very long and your body clock ends up so confused it just accepts it must be day when it is light and night if it is dark. "Sleep is for the weak". I've learned to embrace power naps and espresso shots as my trusty sidekicks and a good, solid English Breakfast at breakfast time no matter where I am.
Frustrations? They're Just Adventures in Disguise
Every journey comes with its fair share of hiccups. Missed flights, lost luggage, and those inevitable communication breakdowns can test the patience of even the most seasoned traveler. But I've learned that in these frustrating moments, there's often a hidden opportunity for growth and a great story to tell later. I have overcome the lost luggage one by never taking more than 'carry on' no matter where I'm going or how long I'm going for. Every hotel has a laundry service and, at worst, I just go and buy another white shirt / black t-shirt.
There have been some interesting travel moments for sure. I do remember one where Bob Geldof and I were taking a private jet from London City to Berlin. As it was private we had escaped all the normal formalities when we left. But, just as we were landing Bob realised that he had forgotten his passport. There was no way we could turn around. It was a tense moment. Bob was delivering the headline keynote for a mega German bank. I managed to convince the German authorities to allow me to bring Bob in on a temporary import permit. They were happy. They had papers to stamp. It worked.
Bob and I also collect all the variations of our names on the signs drivers hold in the arrival halls. Some sound like really dodgy attorneys - "Geldorf and Cohen", "Gandolf and Cow", "Geldoff and Kloogah".
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The Fun Never Ends
Now, onto the fun part! Imagine rubbing shoulders with rock legends, supermodels, and Hollywood royalty. It's like being at the coolest party in the world, 24/7. Whether it's watching Dave Stewart jamming with Ringo, discussing wildlife and sustainability issues with Cher, going to Joe Walshs's three day wedding in Beverly Hills, or getting wellness and entrepreneurial tips from Elle Macpherson – every day is a new adventure.
But it's not just about star-studded events; it's about the incredible people behind the fame. Getting to know our clients on a personal level and watching them use their platform to make a positive impact on the world is both inspiring and humbling. I have been fortunate enough to have atteneded some of the greatest events and conferences in the world and listened, first hand, to the incredible keynotes and messaging delivered by the foremost thought leaders on the planet.
The Privilege of a Lifetime
In closing, being the CEO of Kruger Cowne Limited has been the privilege of a lifetime. Yes, it comes with its difficulties and frustrations, but those are all part of the incredible journey. The fun, the laughter, the amazing connections, and the opportunities to contribute to meaningful causes far outweigh any challenges we face.
So, if you ever find yourself in the whirlwind world of international talent management, remember this – embrace the difficulties, laugh off the frustrations, and savor every moment of the incredible, star-studded adventure. Because in the end, it's not just a job; it's a remarkable way of life.
Thank you for joining me on this lighthearted journey through my experiences as CEO of Kruger Cowne Limited. If you have any questions or your own stories to share, feel free to connect with me. Until then, keep living your dreams!
Partner | Event Business Marketing and Growth Specialist
1 年Great to see you thriving as a CEO, Mark! No doubt, your role at Kruger Cowne is a challenging one. Your work in the entertainment industry, especially in public speaking and celebrity management, must be quite rewarding and exciting. Keep up the great work! Mark Cowne
Fleet Management | Workload Prioritisation | Service Delivery | Cost Reporting | Budget Management | Project Planning | Asset Optimisation | | Multinational Workforce Management | Complex Operations in Conflict Areas
1 年Hosting You, John and Bob in Kisangani back in 2004 were a series of adventures still etched in my memory never to be erased. The cigars and whiskey are long gone. But I still have the T-shirt...