Showing posts with label graduation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graduation. Show all posts

2008-12-10

In Transition

Last night was wonderful. On a whim, Asier (Basque) organized a get-together for those of us still in town at a local brew-pub. We stayed for hours and hours laughing, hugging, and goodbying. I should have done more of this during the year but, as they say, better late than never.

I believe I am the only one in our class who has already started work. At least one classmate starts next week, then a few in January, most in February, and some in March. Would I have preferred to take time really to rest, reflect, and transition? Absolutely. However, Poken said they needed me NOW and, after three very full days, I must say I agree. We are indundated 24/7 with demand from customers and business partners in markets we are not yet serving so it is a real challenge to keep our ongoing operations moving forward while still planning for the future--the very immediate future.

I transitioned in another way too last night. Upon my return home from the brew-pub, I was so close to the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that I just sat down and finished it. What a book. What a series! Jung contended that Grimm's fairy tales contained all common archetypes for transformation and development. In every generation it seems that there emerge stories and myths that serve the same purpose in a more updated way. I believe the Harry Potter series fills that need for this generation. I still need time to digest and mull over everything that happened but my feeling is that this series is one that I will re-read over and over again. Now I can't wait for the remaining movies to come out!

So here I am with lots of transition in my life, but the family and friends I love are constant. They are the rocks that anchor me and the stars by which I set my course. Thank you all!

Pictures from the graduation, ball, and my first days at Poken can be found in my facebook album.

2008-12-04

With Honours

Yesterday we graduated and celebrated. The festivities began with a graduation ceremony at Beau Rivage Palace along the lake. Our guest speaker was Mr. Eitan Wertheimer, whom we first met when he was here with Warren Buffett. After his, MBA Program Director Benoit's, and IMD President John Wells's remarks, our classmate, Bevan Mckenzie (New Zealand), stole the show with his own address. Two months ago we elected Bevan as our class speaker and he did not let us down. His talk was witty, inclusive, and moving.

At IMD students are eligible for two diploma awards. "With Honours" is an academic distinction given to the top 9 students as measured by cumulative GPA. These nine students walk and receive their diplomas first. "Distinction in Leadership" is given to the top leaders in the class as measured by feedback from their groupmates throughout the year. I was honored (No superfluous "u" for me!) to receive both awards yesterday.

Yes it was great to walk among the first degree recipients, but what really made the experience special was being grouped with my favorite peers: Bevan, Daniel (with whom I shared two groups), Matt (with whom I interviewed for IMD last fall), and Lucy (about whom I blogged in the spring). I really admire these classmates of mine and being counted among them is a real thrill. I worked hard all year to achieve that status and I blogged several times about the failures I encountered along the way. Those failures, however, made attainment of these final successes all the sweeter.

After the ceremony and reception, we broke for the afternoon and returned to Beau Rivage in black tie for the graduation ball. It was a lovely affair and, although the DJ left much to be desired, dinner was excellent and it was a great way to say goodbye. Now it's time to start packing up and thinking about what will come next!