So it's just a couple of days before we meet as a group for the first time. We're heading off to Royal National Park south of Sydney for a bit of camping, training and walking. I'm looking forward to meeting the other gals that will share this journey with me (although we'll be sans Lissy) and meeting some of the other generous souls that have associations withe Girls on Top. I have been researching my designated session for the weekend - running the event. My research has involved talking to 2 of the Girls on Top alumni and getting the lowdown on the event showdown. There are a few themes emerging for challenges to overcome and things to keep in mind which I'm looking forward to sharing with the others. It's great timing for me as my event ... Read More »

The physical challenge of the Andes trek is definitely one of the things that attracted me to Girls On Top. I variously have thoughts and fears that come to the surface about the trek. I really have no idea what to expect from the terrain. I am deliberately not doing the usual of researching the area until their are no surprises. I'm looking forward to having the place unfold as I arrive. My fears are a few... Will I be too slow and hold everyone up (I am a notoriously slow walker)? How will the altitude affect me? Will my preparation be enough? After reading the walking notes and reading various entries that include the words "steep ascent" and "steep descent", I oscillate between excitement at how fit I will come back ... Read More »

I met with Barbara Warren, head of Nida's Corporate Program, today. Nida has a strong Women in Business Program that partners Girls on Top. The session was on communication and presentation skills.It was inspirational (and fun) to do a session that was informed by drama skills and "play" to hone habits of communication. I got 3 key things out of the session.

1. Being authentic and true to yourself must be at the heart of everything we do. It makes a huge difference to how we engage with people

2. To let go more. I for one hold myself back, I maintain a controlled outer appearance that is not quite as connected to my passionate inner being as it could be.

3. Pr ... Read More »