2025, a year in review
Last year was an interesting roller coaster ride for me. I consciously made an effort to say yes to the things that scared me. It began with responding to people that put a call out to work events. You’d think this would be my comfort zone given how much I love events. But that does not change the fact that I’d be working with a whole new group of people. I did not know how they worked, and they did not know how I worked.
I was new to the world of contracting. I did not fully understand it but loved the flexibility of being able to work different types of events. Throughout the year it meant, I’ve had the opportunity to grow, learn, and evolve as an events professional. It gave me opportunities to hone in my skills and learn more about major events and festivals. It gave me new friends. From a career perspective it has meant, I’ve been onsite at Purple Disco Machine, Blues double headers, All Blacks versus Springboks, Our:House Festival, and ended the year with managing a main gate at Hidden Valley. These are memories and experiences that I will cherish. They are snippets of my story and journey to someday doing my own concert or festival one day.
HelloFresh activation at the Blues double header
Putting myself out there has not just impacted my career in a positive way, it has made me bold in my personal life too. Throughout the year, I first said yes to participating at Round the Bays. I walked the 8kms at this one, but that does not change the fact, that I woke up and made my way into the city to do this. Then I did the 11kms at the Auckland Marathon. This was a mix of running and walking and somehow, I did it in under the allotted time for those in my group. The time limit was 2 hours and 5 minutes, and I did it in 2 hours 4 minutes. A minute less is still a win. As part of training for the Auckland Marathon, I did my first ever Park Run in Hobsonville. To put it into perspective, I do not like running, and more than that, I do not like running in public.
At the start of the Auckland Marathon
Last but not the least, it also meant I went in front of the camera. Okay, well an iPhone camera. The Attention Seeker had a social media campaign going on which was titled 100 coffees. I was coffee number 39. Once they finished their campaign, they did one more video, with an attempt to have all the 100 people back, which meant I was in front of the camera a second time.
This year, I will continue to make a conscious effort of putting myself out there. It has been by far the most rewarding experience.
What are some of the things you’ve done to put yourself out there?
Until next time,
Mili
