They Call them ChangeMakers: Skoll World Forum 2010

Last Sunday night, I got a surprise phone call from an old friend. Cameron Sawyer & I were both in the BYU broadcasting program back in the day & I hadn’t talked to in nearly a decade. Getting his message absolutely made my day.

A mutual friend of ours had told him that I was living in London & Cameron was calling because he was actually in England “working at Oxford for a conference this week.” Now, I have a couple of friends also in town for that conference and it’s one I have always wanted to attend – the Skoll World Forum. In fact, in grad school, I found myself asking professors how I could get into the conference … but I was always told it was an exclusive, invitation only event. After all, it is the place where some of the brightest minds come together to discuss world challenges & collaborate towards lasting social impact – a very esteemed group indeed. Needless to say, I was completely envious of the fact that Cameron was here for the conference… in fact, I found myself thinking about it for the better part of the week.

So, you’ll never imagine how elated I was when he called Thursday night to say there was a chance he might be able to sneak me in! He asked if I wanted to skip work… to which I instantly responded, “YES! I mean seriously, the SKOLL WORLD FORUM?! Of course I want to skip work to attend!” So first thing in the morning, I set my Out of Office reply to say I’d be in meetings for the better part of the day…. and then jumped on a train to Oxford.

SWF was simply incredible. Imagine walking into a room and feeling, almost tangibly, the positive energy as people are buzzing around meeting people, making connections. No, this is not your standard meet and greet. It’s not your surface conversation. Within moments, people are talking to one another about the biggest challenges they’re tackling, looking for collaboration and support from one another (not to mention the tremendous networks that each single individual represents).

They call these people, social entrepreneurs, ChangeMakers. They have heart & passion unmatched. Consider that most average people are utterly afraid of change. Few have the strength and dedication to even make meaningful changes in their own lives. Some seem completely paralyzed only at the thought of it. On the other side of the spectrum, you have the ChangeMakers who are passionate about changing, building, and creating new and meaningful lives for others by the work they do. Their impact extends to hundreds, thousands, even millions in some cases. They are relentless in their pursuits, inspired by a deeper vision, convinced they can have greater impact.

Take Matt Flannery of Kiva for example. Kiva started about 6 years ago with the desire to alleviate poverty by investing in poor entrepreneurs. And the model was designed to give everyone (like me & you) a chance to support them – by loaning as little as $25 online to say, a rural farmer in Kenya. With just a small amount to cover startup costs, this farmer can be on his way to providing nutritious food for his family & community where previously they faced starvation. This is just one example of thousands where by ‘small and simple things are great things brought to pass.’ Now, with combined and collaborative efforts, more than $130 million has been loaned to such entrepreneurs in over 100 countries – even more impressive is the 98.5% repayment rate coming from these 184,000 loans. (On a side note, Matt & I had a great conversation where he asked some really insightful questions about the LDS faith).

Then you have other heroes like Caroline Casey, founder of Kanchi who is changing the landscape for those with disabilities. Caroline herself is legally blind.

Or take Marc Freedman of Civic Ventures who has worked with the ‘retired population’ who want to powerful mentors and teachers in their communities and to the poor. He has created the alliances to keep them working, fulfilled & contributing in a society where we need them most.

One of my favorite quotes is, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” It’s these heroes who live every day with purpose and who help others realize their purpose & full potential as well.

I left the conference thinking, “there is so much more I can do. There’s so much more we all can do. God, please give us the strength & courage to do it.”

From West End to Stonehenge

So I didn't get to finish sharing about Kathy's wonderful visit -- after Italy, she came back with me to London where we enjoyed another fabulous 6 days.  Unfortunately, I had to work during the day, but we were still able to have some fun in the evenings!  One night, we met up with Kathy's brother & friends to see Oliver at the West End!  It was a fabulous performance -- you wouldn't even believe how phenomenal these kids were!  Thanks, Kath, for such a fun night!

And last weekend, the Ludlow's kind friends, Marianne & Timon drove us out to Salisbury & Stonehenge for a beautiful daytrip!  It was a first for all of us -- and, not quite as impressive as I had hoped, but still great company! 

'Every day I wake up, I choose Love, I choose Light....'

Yeah, could be one of my new favorite songs (The Submarines, 'You, Me and the Bourgeoisie')

La Dolce Vita

Over Easter, I met up with my dear friend, Kathy Ludlow, for a fabulous weekend in Italy!  Kathy flew over from the U.S. and I flew after work from London --we met at the hotel in Florence at about 1 a.m. on Friday morning!  It was so great to see her that we ended up chatting all the way until 5 a.m. that morning!  

On Friday, we enjoyed the Accademia (Michaelangelo's 'David' was absolutely spectacular!) & Duomo in Florence and hiked to the top of the Campanile (bell tower) for a beautiful view of the city. 

On Saturday, we got up early to head over to the Uffizi where we enjoyed more incredible artwork -- I couldn't decide on a single favorite piece there, but a few include Sandro Botticelli's 'Primavera'; DaVinci's 'The Annunciation' and I especially liked Fillipo Lippi's 'Madonna with Child and two Angels'.  I'm so glad we were able to make it into the Uffizzi since we hadn't purchased tickets in advance... but getting up early to be first in line on Saturday was definitely worth it!

The rest of Saturday we spent out in Siena... perhaps my favorite place we visited! 

The little city was just so charming and the view from the top was incredible.  Kath & I had the most delicious authentic italian lunch from a little place called La Taverna & we followed it up with some incredible gelato (Kathy's coconut was ah-maz-ing!)  The weather in Siena could not have been more beautiful either!  We explored the cathedrals & museums and had a wonderful day!  That evening we ended up back in Florence & were enjoying all the little shops... somehow Kathy & I ended up being lured into a shop with the cutest leather jackets... let's just say that soon Kath & I each walked out with our purchase of the trip!  Kath got a really cute red one & I got a brown leather one.... of course you have to purchase something that's genuine Italian leather, right!?!  :) 

By Sunday (Easter) morning, the entire city of Florence was absolutely packed... and the celebrations did not disappoint!  For centuries, they have had this tradition: Fire Cart Easter Sunday Tradition.   The morning started off with a huge flag-thrower display in the courtyard just in front of our hotel:

(and yeah, it was quite impressive to see these grown men in renaissance attire, colored tights & all!)

Afterwards, Kath & I ran over to the Duomo for the big celebration... this is where there is a huge parade & a large 'fire cart' is carried in by white oxen.  Tens of thousands were there to watch, in addition to the hundreds participating in the ceremony.  Olive branches are handed out to the crowd & then right at 11 a.m., a white dove flies down to the fire cart, which then lights off all of the fireworks.

 

It was quite an event -- and absolutely packed!  I was able to capture some video on my cameral, but I've had some technical issues transferring it to my computer.  Needless to say, it was quite the unique Easter Celebration.  Afterwards, we enjoyed the most delicious waffle breakfast & then we packed up our things & headed out to Pisa for our last night in Italy.

We got to Pisa just in time for dinner & to settle in. We felt incredibly fortunate to get a great wireless connection at our cute hotel (props to Kath for booking GREAT hotels!) to be able to watch General Conference.  So we watched the first Sunday session 'live' at 6 p.m. Italy time - -and in between sessions we ran up to the top of the Leaning Tower.  It was awesome (except for the rain)... but so worth it

We made it back in time to watch the entire Sunday afternoon session as well (10:00 p.m. - midnight local Italy time).  I really thoroughly enjoyed the sessions & appreciated Elder Anderson's kind remarks -- I have been blessed indeed with the gospel & a wonderful family.  That evening & over the next few days, I was touched by all the emails I received from so many friends.  It has caused me reflect on how the faith & testimony of others has buoyed me up & strengthened me through the years.  I am especially grateful for such genuine friends.

On Monday morning it was time to head back to London. We were certainly sad to leave but so happy to have enjoyed such a great time in Italy.  Thanks, Kath, for making it so wonderful!!!

 

Strike 3

So apparently strikes are a way of life here in the UK.  Admittedly, HP had some employees on strike earlier this month... then a couple weeks ago it was British Airways... and now the National Rail employees are taking their turn.

When I arrived at the train station to head home from work tonight, I saw a huge yellow sign that read, "Train Services to be Disrupted during National Rail Strike Scheduled for April 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th" 

This is terrible news, right?  Wrong.  For me... this is excellent news!

If the strike goes forward as planned, this means I won't be able to get to work next week & will be forced to work from home.  It means I'll have 3 extra hours back in each day next week.  It also means I'll also save the $15 each day that I would have spent commuting.  It means I'll get to sleep in and go to my gym each morning. And it also means a really nice extension to the Easter holiday :)

I almost feel guilty thinking that their loss is my gain... but in terms of time & money, it really is!

A Home away from home...

 I enjoyed a WONDERFUL week with my family in London & Paris!  I promise I will post a complete entry with pictures and everything as soon as I get pictures (I was a little lazy with my camera & since my sister-in-law Jenny happens to have a great camera & is a fabulous photographer, I let her do all the work :)  But yes, good good times & a great week away!

So everyone left on Friday afternoon & I must admit that I woke up Saturday morning, all by myself in my flat feeling a little lonely. So I quickly decided I would make my first trip ever to the London temple.  By the time I figured out the routes ... and after a train, a bus, followed by another train & a taxi (about 20 pounds) ... I finally arrived at the temple...

And what a glorious site!  Words simply cannot express the joy, comfort and love I felt.  I was at Home. And as I sat in the celestial room, the words to one of my favorite songs echoed in my mind:

The sure provisions of my God

Attend me all my days;

O may Thy house be my abode,

And all my work be praise!

There would I find a settled rest,

While others go and come;

No more a stranger, nor a guest,

But like a child at home.

-"My Shepherd Will Supply My Need"

Let's Talk Texas...

     So tomorrow I have a meeting with my manager to discuss my fate after London. Ann first called me a couple months ago to “discuss my third rotation.” This is when she fist informed me that the spot I was hoping to come back to in Cupertino (CA) was no longer available. Instead, the position had moved to Texas. So she was calling to let me know about the new situation… wanting me to “take some time to think about things.” She even offered to fly me out to Texas (from London) in May to take a look around & meet people.
     So, I’ve taken some time to think about things… and I really don’t think I want to move to Texas. Sure, there’s the allure of no income tax (pretty much equivalent to a 10% raise) … and the thought of owning a home is also quite attractive (I couldn’t even own a mailbox in Palo Alto!). But still… it’s Texas. Houston or Plano no less. Not even Austin…(they’re probably afraid I’d go work for Dell…valid concern).
     But tomorrow I have to explain all of that to my manager… who LIVES in Houston… and hope she surrenders to letting me work remotely for my last rotation (manager in Texas, me in California).
     I can only hope I’ve picked up some solid negotiation skills as I’ve talked to countless lawyers these past few weeks. Wish me luck!

Pants... er, I mean... "Trousers"

     Oh no, I've done it again. The poor kid at the dry cleaners is blushing at least 10 more shades of red by my silly mistake....  let me explain...

     So over here, a pair of pants are called "trousers." This is a very important distinction since "pants" refer to... well... undergarments.

     So I just walked into the drycleaners here at the office to inquire about pricing.  I asked about blouses and sweaters & then, without thinking I blurted out, "and what if I brought you a couple pairs of my pants?"  His face went bright red & then I realized exactly what I had done... "er, trousers, I mean trousers."  I tried to laugh and make light of it... but I'm not sure he'll ever be able to look me in the eye again.

     And you'd think I would have learned my lesson after walking into a meeting last week, when the rain had been pouring outside only to announce, "I'm so sorry I'm late, and look at me, my pants are SO wet!" ... Without hesitation the entire room just burst into laughter :)

Dew I have great friends or what?!

     So this last little while has been kinda rough. Not only has the job been challenging & emotionally draining but I also discovered this week that my credit card number had been  stolen (and someone's been charging up a storm!).  I've spent several hours on the phone with the fraud department trying to get it all sorted out.  Unfortunately, I went through a similar scenario just three weeks ago when all of my UK bank account information (including an ATM card & checks) were sent to the wrong address. But now, I think everything has been cancelled (that needs to be) and hopefully I'll have a new card & account within a week or so.

     So, after a long day at work today, I got on a late train to come home & when I got to the flat, there was a note on my door that said I had a package waiting at the Gatehouse.  This was a bit of a surprise since hardly anyone has my address.  Ben & Jenny surprised me with my first package last week -- a FABULOUS book on London shopping & dining... but I didn't know who else had my address.  So I went down to the Gatehouse to pick it up & it was a good-sized box.  I brought it home & ripped it open only to find a dozen cans of Diet Mountain Dew!  HEAVEN! This stuff is NOWHERE to be found in the UK... trust me, I've searched high & low!  There was no writing on the outside of the box (other than my address) but a small packaging slip on the inside indicating who had sent it. Thanks, B :) You made my day!

     Also, today is the birthday of another one of my favorites ... Krista Q! Q & I met during our freshman year at BYU & quickly became BFF's.  It's hard to believe we've known each other now almost 13 years!  She's one of the truest friends I've ever known & she continues to inspire me by her faith, passion, inner strength & optimism.  Here's to another wonderful year, Krista Q!

So glad we were able to chat today!    

an HP day the HP way

     So some of you have bee asking, "What does Katie do again?"  "What is this sweet gig that got her to London?" "Does she work? ... because she certainly hasn't been blogging out it?..." :)
     So let me be the first to clear up any misconceptions. The job is nothing amazing.  Most of you know I'm in an HR rotational program with HP so they move me every 6 months or so. I started in Palo Alto with Executive & Leadership Development. Now I'm over here in the UK doing HR Global Operations for Enterprise Services (recently acquired 'EDS' the company founded by Ross Perot).  Pretty much it's  fancy title to say I'm an HR Generalist. So basically, I am the HR support for the "Apps" division (I still don't really know what "Apps" are... don't tell my boss)... but I'm supporting them nonetheless.  Unfortunately, a lot of my work right now involves WFR's (workforce reductions)... in other words, layoffs. I can't say it's anything I'm really proud of ... in fact, when people I meet ask me what I do, I try to muffle it under my breath... But really about 75% of my time is spent doing layoffs or negotiating the terms of severance agreements.  The other 25% is dealing with any kind of randomness coming from the 200 or so managers I support.
Here are just a few crazy highlights from last week:
     1.  Learning of an investigation of a UK employee who slept with an American employee at a recent leadership summit.  And... when starting the investigation learning that the UK employee was off on "holiday" because he was getting married!!!
     2.  A manager calling to ask for support and coaching with his team... since one of his employees, "Steve" was soon to become "Stephanie" over the weekend.  (Really?!!  I have no idea how to deal with these situations people.. I don't even want to think about them!)
     3. And finally getting news Friday afternoon from the Unions informing me that hundreds of our employees would be going on strike this week (more Union negotiations... awesome...)
     The good news about all of this is that I'm learning a ton. And I'm learning what I really don't like about HR (on a side note...there's a good chance I'll be re-evaluating my own career choice after London...but that will come after London)
     But also last week, I got a call from a good friend, colleague & mentor in Australia. He wanted to see how I was doing in my new role. Because we're quite authentic with one another, I shared some of my frustrations and he responded, "Katie, I always enjoyed working with you because you are an idealist. Undoubtedly you were drawn to HR because you believed in the potential of people, of employees, of organizations. You love to see people grow, develop, lead.  But part of the job is also seeing the other side..working with employees who make poor choices, dealing with the implications... sometimes forced to be in the middle of the conflict. Your job is to continue to lead with a higher vision."
     So I'm not sure how well an "idealist" fits into corporate America.... but he is right.  He knows exactly why I was drawn to HR. He hit it right on the head.  And for now, I'm going to suck it up & take his challenge to "lead with higher vision."  Wish me luck!

London Fashion Week

So the buzz around London the last few weeks was the upcoming "London Fashion Week."  Danielle & I were chatting about this on the train one day when we both said, "wouldn't it be cool if we could somehow get tickets?!"  So we immediately began researching until we discovered some... most times were sold out, but there were still a few tickets available for Friday night... awesome!

So after work, we both rushed to the train station... ready for an amazing night of shopping, checking out the latest fashions, and front row seats at the catwalk show :) Needless to say, it was a fantastic evening!

Can our smiles get any bigger?  :)

My splurge :) ... a Tamara Fogle handbag

(best part is the strap comes off for a darling clutch)

London Loves

Just a few things I love about London so far:

1. Getting called “love” everywhere I go…. Even in the most casual exchanges, just quick replies, like “sure love” “cheers love” “what can I do for you, love?” Love it.
2. Love love love Cadbury… but even more … the Nestle Aero. Oh my! If you come visit, I’ll gladly treat you to one… or two… or three … trust me, you won’t be able to resist either :)
3. Love the Starbucks at the office. Yes, I visit it daily… just about everyone does. It’s the culture here. I’ve tried a good selection of herbal teas so far… top favorites are Passion and Sweet Orange.
4. Love that the office has a “younger crowd” than Palo Alto – particularly love the young men. Admittedly, that’s not so HR-professional to declare, but there’s just something about these younger guys … with great style…darling accents… in sharp business suits…. Um, yeah….
5. Love when those guys stop by my desk and ask if they can buy me a “coffee”… um, yeah :)
6. Love London Fashion week… it’s happening right now & quite the buzz…
7. Love my new fingernails painted in “coral” (see note above, apparently, “coral” is a big color this season). So I really can’t remember the last time I actually painted my fingernails, and there’s just something that makes me happy as I glance down at my cute little fingers, typing away… with a bright color on the tips :)
8. Love some of the little new things: the “secrecy” button my office phone (aka mute), heating through the floor of my flat (walking around barefoot never felt so good first thing in the morning!), heated towel racks (heaven), the TK Maxx right next to my flat (a lifesaver!).
9. Love London laughter & humor. People over here seem a little bit “lighter”… not uncommon to laugh during work meetings… often several times a day. It’s great comic relief!
10. Love that everyone says goodbye … MULTIPLE times… at departure. It’s like they don’t want to leave just yet…and don’t want to let you go. So the goodbyes are always prolonged… sometimes awkward, but also endearing.


So, okay, that’s all for today … good bye… cheers… have a good one… talk to you soon… buh-bye love! :)

The New Place...

So here it is ... the new flat & my little home for the next 6 months in

Kew Gardens (west London).

I just moved in a week ago, so yes, there's plenty of decorating still to be done, but for now, I love it (especially love the gym, pool & hot tub too!).   

I've Landed in London!!!

So today is the two week anniversary of my arrival in London & it's great to finally be here. Danielle (pictured above) also came over here with HP from the Houston office & we've had a blast exploring London together. The picture above was taken last Saturday at Trafalgar Square. The mayor of London wanted to host a huge event for the Winter Olympics & to wish everyone good luck in Vancouver --also as a great way to get London excited about the Olympics which will be held HERE in 2012!  Although we got there a little late, was still fun to see the olympic rings ice sculpture & the huge screens broadcasting the olympics as well as "virtual games" 

GO USA (and ENGLAND)!!!