Ok time for an update -
My big presentation was last week and it went really well. With a number of ‘virtual’ people on conference call as well as the more traditional physical audience, I was a little anxious at first. These nerves were heightened by the fact that my presentation decided not to show up on the conference center network system. However a USB pen came to my rescue, and I was able to get started. I was given a wireless remote control which moved the PowerPoint slides on the LCD screen behind me with far more coolness than a mouse-click could ever muster – I felt a bit like Steve Jobs during one of Apple's new product seminars, as I strode about with this clicker. I automatically went into presentation mode, making sure to enunciate throughout, as mumbling added to low Scottish tones is not a good combination over here (how now brown cow…unique New York).
About half way through, one of my slides created much debate, but Carla was quick to point out afterwards that this was a positive thing, as it shows I sparked an interest with the audience in the subject matter. As I neared the end, in a fleeting moment as I caught myself thinking, I realised I didn’t want to stop. I was really enjoying the dynamic of being up there speaking and getting a positive response. The best comparison I can make is with my experience of ‘The Oblivion’ at Alton Towers. Nervousness as the car cranks to the summit, suspense as it hangs over the edge, but enormous thrill as it comes falling down – the presentation ended up being as thrilling, although there was no commemorative novelty photo afterwards! However I did get ‘good job’ comments all round and even some congratulatory e-mails, so I felt a little proud of myself that afternoon.
Then today I met with Helen and briefed her on my research and my findings. We are now in a position to request a quotation from vendors, and are going to pilot the new electronic system. If that goes well, an electronic I-9 system will be rolled out company-wide. It is frankly amazing and hugely rewarding to know that work I have carried out has impacted the decisions of such a huge, Fortune 100 company like Liberty, in such a big way. Again I feel a little proud of myself. I think I may go over the allowed weight on the flight home, with this new big head of mine!
Elsewhere, we took advantage of the
Labor Day holiday by going to the Mohegan Sun casino in the neighboring
state of Connecticut. This Native American owned casino is the second
largest in the world, and has every gaming table you could imagine (pai
gow poker anyone? ... no me neither). I’m afraid I wasn’t very
adventurous but did play a little roulette. I was $60 up at one point
but greed and bad luck meant I finished $20 down for the night. It was
a fun experience, although not as glamorous as I had imagined and even
slightly depressing - there was an old woman playing a slot machine
when we arrived at 11.30pm and as we left at 3.30am she was still there. You gotta know when to fold them.
Also went whale watching on Monday. We
sailed out one hour towards Cape Ann until we got close to the whales.
It was amazing seeing them up close, the Minke whales were happy to
show off for the audience but the Humpback whales were a little more reserved, staying further away from the boats. However the moment they jump out of the water is truly spectacular.
Speak soon
Graeme
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