As you know I have been involved in the Royal Society for the Blind’s Young Business Leaders 08/09 program since July 2008. On Saturday 27th June came the culmination of those 10 months of hard work – the YBL Gala Dinner. This black tie event was held at the Stamford Grand Adelaide and I was lucky to be supported with 2 tables of family, friends and colleagues.

The night was brilliant, and I collected my Certificate IV in Frontline Management as well as my finalists trophy. The highlight was when I was honoured to be awarded as YBL’s Second Highest Fundraiser. I got the chance to get on stage and say my thankyou’s… I view this as a pretty big privilege. The fundraising component of the program was not something I ever imagined myself winning in the beginning, but it became something I loved doing and really enjoyed. Just read back through my earlier blog entries and you can probably pick up my nervousness. But then you can see how I started getting events underway… and bit by bit picked up confidence as I saw things working.

As I said in my winner’s speech, fundraising for the RSB was an absolute pleasure because they are so well respected, and they have touched the lives of many people. Alongside the RSB, I have been backed by the best company in Capgemini Business Services – with fantastic Leaders – and the most supportive colleagues I could ask for. I’ve also had individuals and companies along the way donate their time, advice, products and services towards individual events to make them successful. Their logos are in the earlier pages of this blog – please support them.

I raised a total of $13,500 and together with the other YBL finalists we raised $135,000 for the RSB. Not bad when you consider the required funds to be raised is $4,000 and we weren’t even sure how we were going to do that at the beginning!

Other awards were presented on the night and I am very proud of all of the winners.

Young Business Leader – Brian Sheedy, Adelaide Showgrounds
Achievement Award – Emma Owen, Commonwealth Bank
Encouragement Award – Mathew McCarthy, RAA of SA Inc
Highest Fundraiser – Tegan Webb, Spring Gully Foods
2nd Highest Fundraiser – yours truly, Capgemini
3rd Highest Fundraiser –Anna Ruszkiewicz, SA Water

It’s been a huge program requiring a lot of commitment, and even to call ourselves YBL finalists is to be successful. I’ve made some awesome friends and great networks. Everyone who knows me can see how the YBL program has changed me – in a professional sense at work – but on a personal level too. For me, this is the part that brings real happiness.

Bring on the next challenges. I’ve had a wonderful month overseas enjoying the amazing Thailand – now back at work fullsteam. I’m hitting the study again, going to upgrade my Certification IV in Frontline Management into a Diploma in Management… will be focusing on the HR aspects mostly in line with my career goals.

Following are some shots from the gala evening… enjoy!