Ever since I joined EO in 1999, I have been inspired by members who volunteer their time and energy to their Forum, chapter and the international organization. Taking into account the hectic lives EO-members lead—as business owners, spouses and parents—I am always impressed and inspired by the energy, time and ambition they voluntarily donate to build a great community.
After my stint as board member in my chapter, I wanted to stay active and provide a lasting valuable service to my own entrepreneurial community. Since I joined EO, Forum has been a constant source of inspiration thanks to the wisdom that forms the core of the Forum method. My EO experiences encouraged me to become a Forum trainer. After attending the 2002 Global Leadership Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, I was trained and ready to work. Since then, I have trained about three groups a year.
As a trainer, I often get the feeling that I’m on a pedestal. However, every time I listen to the participants’ remarkable personal and entrepreneurial journeys, I can only be thankful that I get to share with these members the wonderful wisdom we call Forum. Every time a tear is shed, every time I hear about the courage, ingenuity and drive members freely share with their peers, I know that what I give to them is just a fraction of what I receive in return.
Being a Forum trainer has helped me in a lot of ways. Not only has it honed my presentation skills and my ability to answer tough and critical questions eloquently, but it has attributed to the development of the philosopher in me. Moreover, I think Forum makes me more effective in coaching and communicating on a personal level. I’ve even learned to apply the Forum wisdom more naturally in my business and personal life.
Stephen Covey summed up the magic of learning very eloquently in The 8th Habit, his latest book:
“You learn best when you teach another,” and by applying this, “every student becomes a teacher and every teacher a student.”
I think the wisdom hidden in the Forum method is so inspiring that I continue to learn new things about myself in every training session. On top of it all, I am always amazed and energized by hearing the stories and business ideas that are shared in the Forum training sessions.
I want to conclude with a simple and heartfelt thank you to this magnificent organization. I am glad I can contribute and be an active part of it. Donating my time to EO keeps me coming back for more— it is too rewarding and inspiring an organization not to stay involved.
To learn how you can get involved in Forum training, click here.