Last week, I spoke before the Ayala Land Premier VIPs, employees and real estate brokers during the annual Ayala Land Premier Broker’s Awards Night
It’s fascinating, exhilarating, exciting and terrifying to be asked to inspire people via a short talk.
So many issues rumble in your small mind. Am I inspiring? Is this about my story? What is inspiring about my life? Is this because of my unabashed declaration of love and devotion for my mother? Or the hellish journey I trekked on my way to wherever I am? Or is this about my passionate gay rights pronouncements? But I’m not even an activist and I am averse to calling myself an advocate because I may not measure up to the labels. I am simply an individual — proudly gay — who will, till his last breath — fight for equality among all people.
So every time I am invited to deliver an inspirational speech, I struggle on my narrative. Where do I start, where do I go, and how do I end? Most of the time I opt for “prepared” extemporaneous speeches, meaning — I have a mental structure and bullet points — then I allow myself to be led by the wind, the vibe of the moment and the audience; dead or alive.
Last week, I spoke before the Ayala Land Premier VIPs, employees and real estate brokers during the annual Ayala Land Premier Broker’s Awards Night at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. This year’s theme was “One ALP, Brokers Awards Night.” I wanted to inspire the brokers that they can explore other interests outside of brokering without distracting their core competencies; that they should be comfortable with the idea that they are “many,” versatile and flexible.
I have been in the media industry for almost three decades. There were many personal and professional battles that I won and lost along the way and I persevered and persisted, bloodied and scarred but I came out more determined and resolute.
As a salesman of ideas, I take “no” for an answer. I patiently wait until I close the deal. I realize that it’s not always in our time. There’s always a right time for everything… in God’s good time. “Don’t rush because you’ll eventually get there. But don’t be too slow either because you’ll not get to where you want to be,” I told my audience.
Get your groove. Follow your heart, instinct and rhythm. Enjoy the journey!
One of my favorite poems is by Walt Whitman titled Song of Myself. It talks not only about the individual self but its identification with the universe as well. The poet identifies himself with everyone and everything. “I am large, I contain multitudes.” In real life, know your circle of competencies versus your core competency; and use to the fullest the interconnectivity of the many you.
Every person can be a jack of all trades and a master of many. I’m a talk show host, an artist manager, a crisis manager, a consultant, a teacher and a student. I prioritize and simplify my multi-layered life. And at the core of it all, I am my mother’s son. This one is unshakeable.
If you are selling anything to a client, be interested and excited about your pitch. It shows. Clients come in different colors. Love what you do, work hard and smart and close the deal. Remember not to judge. Do not condescend! Sometimes, great clients do not look the part.
When you are working with a team, be one with the team. Nobody does it alone. Like Maya Angelou says in her poem Alone, “Alone, all alone. Nobody, but nobody. Can make it out here alone.” As a television host, I work with creative people. I build relationships. I listen, learn and I give. “When you learn, teach; when you get, give.” (Maya Angelou) It’s okay not to know everything, nobody does. And enjoy competition. Competing triggers commitment and excellence. Healthy competition spurs determination. “Eyes on the prize-always!”
We also have our personal struggles to overcome. They come with the territory. But manage your emotions and be objective. I was in pain when we said goodbye to The Buzz last year because the show was so much part of my being. Change is inevitable but it is good. Look at the better side no matter how difficult. Understand the problem and what caused it. Decide what you can do about it and choose the best option. Write your problems and options on a piece of paper if you have to — like a school assignment. It helps.
If all else fails: 1. Stop and take a few steps backward to get a better view. 2. Consult someone you trust. 3. Be still. Pray. Let God.
And communicate, understand the emotion and intent of the information being exchanged. Don’t be boring. Discover your style.
Communication is a skill. It can be learned. It begins with knowing oneself. Go to the genuine you.
Don’t just live. Relax and thrive. Tend to yourself. Visualize because the brain can’t distinguish reality from imagination. Visualization is a powerful tool for relaxation. Laugh even if there is no reason to laugh.
Be grateful. Create a culture of optimism and appreciation. Believe in your power to be the best. Kumareng Oprah (Winfrey) once said, “Create the highest aspiration for yourself because you become what you believe. Remember Dr. John F. Demartini’s advice, “Whatever we think about and thank about, we bring about.” You are what you believe. And always be ready for the big deal.
Be an abundant! Love yourself so you can love others and always make you nanay proud.
You are what you believe – #JHedzWorlD
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