60 Before 60 Project: #18 - Speak at an In Person Event

Before the pandemic, I would often attend in person events for work. Whether it was a conference, educational workshop or speak as an invited speaker, I would look forward to these events and typically always come home feeling more creative, invigorated and energized. 

Then COVID hit. 

Gone were the in person conferences, education sessions and in person speaking engagements. They were quickly replaced with virtual programs offered over Zoom or Teams. On one hand, it was great that we were now able to reach a much broader audience all from the comfort of our own home, but I noticed that there was an energy that sometimes was lacking.  

Whether it was the distraction of people turning their cameras on or off, or trying to speak over one another, I found that sometimes the level of engagement wasn’t quite the same as an in person event. 

So when I was approached to speak at a live event I jumped at the opportunity. I hadn't spoken at an inperson event in over two years.

The request came from the Montreal Lakeshore University Women’s Club - an organization that advocates for equality, social justice and education for women.  

Given the group's interest, the topic that I choose to speak on was entitled; A Totally New Career Doesn’t Mean Your Forget What You Know. 

For this speaking engagement, I decided to share my past career experiences and show how choosing to pivot to something completely different does not mean your skills and experiences are to be abandoned or forgotten. I wanted to show how someone’s previous learning and experience can help form a foundation for the future and may just be utilized and leveraged in different ways. 

As well, I decided to highlight and educate them on some of the retirement realities for women that they should be aware of and prepared for. 

I also wanted to share my 60 Before 60 Project and why I undertook this. I was hoping to possibly inspire them to get out and try some new things as well. 

For this presentation, it was going to be me just talking. No slides, graphics or teleprompters to lean on. Just me and a mic speaking for 25 minutes or so. 

Then the night of the event arrived. 

At first, I was slightly nervous but quickly discovered this was just like riding a bike. Once I got started my words just seemed to flow. What I also loved most was the energy that moved between myself and the audience. I could see and feel what was connecting with them and what wasn’t. 

The group turned out to be extremely engaged and supportive. We had some great questions and discussion and I left the evening feeling energized and inspired to do more of these events. 

Thank you so much to all the women who attended and made me feel so comfortable. Special thanks to my friend Ingrid for making the connection and Linda, the Leader of the Group, for the opportunity. 

Definitively going to do more of this! 

My 60 Before 60 Project Lesson: Virtual events are great but there is an irreplaceable energy you feel when meeting face to face 

Interested in seeing all my 60 Before 60 experiences? Click here.