Two years of learning
December 1st 2008. The inaugural Smarter Egg learning group met for the very first time. The concept was quite simple. Bring together ten people from across the business community. Create a learning environment underpinned by confidentiality, respect and trust. Inject stimulus from thought-provoking materials (books, articles, audios, videos).
December 1st 2010. The eighth Smarter Egg group that has followed the ‘Break From The Pack’ programme meets for the last of five sessions. A symmetry of sorts. Two years on, to the day.
Before that very first session, it was difficult to predict how this concept would evolve. Would people enjoy it? Would they get benefit from it? Would they see it as a valuable investment of time and money?
The evidence of the past two years suggests that the answers to these questions have been positive. The response from the participants has been wonderful. A ‘tribe’ has grown (thank you, Seth Godin). Dozens of stimulating and productive sessions have been held. Hundreds of new relationships have been developed.
There has been a lot of learning along the way. Learning about new ways of looking at old problems, about new ways of doing things, about how to handle situations that hadn’t previously been apparent. Many participants have been emboldened with inspiration and confidence and have launched new ventures. Many more have had significant moments of realisation and have stopped doing old things.
There has been a lot of laughs. I have seen strong friendships develop. There also have been some tears. More than I expected. When you stop to think, really think, all manner of emotions can bubble up.
There has been a lot of reading. And a lot of listening. Some writing. Some drawing. Some presenting. All manner of crazy exercises and assignments, from measuring happiness levels to redesigning business models.
Gallons of tea and coffee have been enjoyed. Wine has been consumed (there’s photographic evidence). Even beer. And on occasion, champagne. We have eaten sandwiches, cookies, mince pies, soup, extraordinary culinary delights from UmNumNum (those who have learned with Margaret will smile as they read this), and most significantly, ‘tiffin’.
I’ve learned a lot about people. And about business. All of this has happened during a very challenging economic downturn. Some haven’t been able to keep the ship afloat. Some have deftly moved to a new game. Some have reinvented what they do and the world seems a brighter place.
In many ways, the Smarter Egg story is only beginning to write itself. There is so much potential within the existing tribe and there are so many great ideas for connecting new people. Who knows what we will reflect upon on December 1st 2012?
Thanks to all of you who have been part of this. Thank you for making this something special.
I have no doubt that in 2 years’ time you will have applied all you have learned over the last two years to further improve your own business and help others achieve their dreams.
The Smarter Egg programmes are a true force for good in troubling economic times. You deserve a lot of credit.
Nice pic by the way
Congratulations on 2 years Aodan!! I am very privileged to have been part of the “Tribe” of Smarter Eggs and really want to thank you for changing my business and life in so many positive ways. I cannot believe it has been 2 years since we all came together!! (that’s me laughing in the picture in the turquoise) Look forward to many more books, laughs, celebrations and sessions to come. Check out my blog today in honour of Smarter Egg.
Congratulations on 2 years Aodan. I was part of the Break from te Pack Tribe and I found it amazing. It was great to read, meet and discuss some fantastic books, which gave me some fantastic ideas for my own business. Congratultaions again and here’s to the next 5 years.
Congrats on the 2 year anniversary Aodan! Delighted to be part of the Smarter Egg gang and look forward to continuing with it on the path to building a stronger business and of course, meeting more great people. Smarter Egg is the concept but you are the master!
Many congratulations & well done on bring a truly innovative concept to market. I enjoyed my programme and I am looking forward to get involved in 2011.
Hi Aodan
a Sincere thank you for your deft touch at leading our unruly and eclectic group over the two years. The value and personal growth and humour which I experienced being part of such a special group of individuals has been immense. Buddhist wisdom states that you should: be a lantern to yourself and a refuge; seek the light within yourself and seek no other shelter. Well you certainly helped shine a light on all of us and made us crawl out of our caves more than once over the 2 years.
keep smiling.
Hugh
Thanks to all of you for the lovely comments.
@Roger – your photographs have really captured the essence of the whole Smarter Egg experience, looking forward to using many more of them in the coming weeks as I update the website.
@Hugh – thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Aodan,
heartiest congratulations on reaching this milestone. Your professionalism & humour have made this the most simple of processes to become truly engaged in. The gathering of the entire Tribe two weeks ago in the Electric Bar was very enlightening & proved conclusively to me that BFTP is only the beginning of the journey. Looking forward to the next stage of the journey.
Mick.
Congratulations Aodan on your anniversary.
I’ve been inspired, challenged and even traumatized by some of our meetings and I enjoyed every one of them immensely!
Thanks and long may the adventure last!
Aideen
Congratulations Aodan. Yea, difficult to believe 2 years, and it all started as an experiment for a few weeks. Serendipity plays a part, but it’s more. The Aodan factor should not be underestimated!! Love you all, lots.